Associated Press - November 9, 2009 8:45 AM ET

ISLETA PUEBLO, N.M. (AP) - Gov. Bill Richardson, teachers, parents, students and tribal leaders will gather Monday for a daylong Native American education summit that is aimed at finding ways to close the achievement gap and increase graduation rates.

Richardson will deliver welcoming remarks, and actor and activist Wes Studi will keynote the event.

Richardson says the state's future economic stability and quality of life depends on an education system that successfully prepares all New Mexico students for success.

While the state has made strides in recent years, Richardson says Native American students continue to underperform other students. The governor says the summit seeks to find solutions to closing this gap.

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