Using a measurement of self-concept, researchers explored the different attitudes, value systems, and beliefs of a group of Indian students and their teachers at the three elementary schools on the Red Lake Reservation, an area where schools have operated sporadically since 1843. Almost all of the participating students were members of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa (Ojibway) Indians, who traditionally have valued harmonious cooperation with man, nature, and the gods. Researchers administered the Piers-Harris Children's Self Concept Scale twice to 251 third, fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students and to 15 teachers. On the first test, students were asked to respond as if describing themselves; and teachers, as if describing an average student in their classroom. On the second test, students and teachers were asked to respond as would an "ideal" student. Students and teachers differed in their perceptions on three test clusters (appearance, intellectual, school status) and on the total scores. They also gave differing responses for an "ideal" student. Student self-ideal discrepancy scores were correlated to certain variables. Low self-esteem was significantly related to poor achievement, age, grade level, and percentage of Indian blood. (SB)