A study examined American Indian students' perceptions of why schools are failing to meet their needs. Thirty-six American Indian high school students from Minnesota participated in three interviews that explored their background and experiences, instructional and non-instructional issues that affect the education of Indian students, and their perceptions of successful schooling and classroom practices. The students felt that good teachers provide active, experiential learning experiences and care for their students in a personal way. Racism and a lack of Indian content in the curriculum was a primary concern of many Indian students. Students were clear on the importance of American Indian content and culture in school and the significance of family and community in helping to develop a strong cultural identity. Indian youths join gangs as a replacement for family, but replacing the negative aspects of gang involvement with the positive aspects of Indian culture can keep youth out of gangs. The ideal school would have a large Indian peer group but also enough diversity to broaden students' minds. Students would have more freedom to work on independent projects, and Indian culture would be taught along with everybody else's culture. To date, the piecemeal approach to American Indian education has failed to break through institutional and overt racism--a more holistic approach is needed. (TD)