This paper discusses some of the ramifications of federal laws and associated court decisions that provide the legislative foundation for education of American Indians. The legislation reviewed includes the Johnson O'Malley Act, Impact Aid laws, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the Indian Elementary and Secondary School Assistance Act, the Indian Civil Rights Act, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, the Indian Self-Determination and Educational Assistance Act, the Indian Child Welfare Act, the Elementary and Secondary Improvements Amendments, and the Native American Languages Act. The effects of these laws on Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) schools and the level of control permitted to tribes and parents are evaluated. Most federal legislation that impacts the education of Indian children has been targeted at educational policies and practices for all children. This includes the Goals 2000 legislation because it requires the BIA to establish a panel to oversee implementation in BIA schools. While authority for overseeing the federal trust responsibility for Indian people remains with the BIA, contemporary education agendas have been directed to include laws and regulations that impact public school districts as well. References include 11 public laws, 7 court cases, and 7 books and articles. (RAH)