Offered as an introduction to some of the pertinent studies and personalities concerning the education of Native Americans, with emphasis on the education of Navajo children, this paper traces the history of Navajo education from 1868 to the present. A discussion of the shortcomings of early schools for Navajos and other Native Americans is followed by a description of the changes effected in Navajo education after World War II. Various ideas about why Native Americans in general and Navajo students in particular fail to make more satisfactory adjustments to school life are discussed. Cultural biases and stereotyped images of Native Americans which are held by members of the dominant culture are noted. Biases in teacher attitudes toward American Indian children is discussed. The paper concludes with advances being made in Navajo education and the steps, including bilingual and bicultural education and local control of schools, which the Navajo people are taking to ensure quality education for their children. (CM)