The role of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) in American Indian education is discussed in this speech. At the present time, this role is limited to federally recognized Indians living on reservations or Indian trust land; for other Indian students, the BIA's role is that of an advocate, helping Indian people get what they want and need in regard to education. The involvement of Indians in the educational programs serving them is described as vital to the basic educational objective of the BIA. A central part of this objective is to carry out an effective program for students in Federal schools designed to prepare the students for successful living. Programs in bilingual education, early childhood education, and higher education are discussed. Information is also provided on testing, evaluation, and school construction and on the work being done to effect a greater coordination among the off-reservation boarding schools so that educational offerings to students can be strengthened and extended. (PS)