Educating Our Educators (March 2011) - Algoma District School Board

High level of students achievement build capacity for effective teaching, assessment and evaluation promote system effectiveness, transparency and responsivenessReduce gaps in students achievement enhance support to improve literacy and numeracy skills provide additional support in a variety of areas to reduce gaps in student outcomesHigh levels of public confidence Build educational leadership capacity and coordination Build capacity to support identity building; including the appreciation of Aboriginalperspectives, values and cultures by all students, school staff and trustees Foster supportive and engaged families and communitiesOur members include representation from First Nations, Métis Nation of Ontario and local Aboriginalservice delivery organizations such as Friendship Centres. This focus group will work together with ourAboriginal partners to support the policy framework and implement the strategies. To bring awareness among teachers and school support staff of the particular learning styles ofAboriginal students and Aboriginal cultures, histories and perspectives. To improve achievement among Aboriginal students, close the gap between Aboriginal students andnon-Aboriginal students in the areas of literacy and numeracy, retention/graduation rates andadvancement to post secondary education. Provide support for school staff to acquire knowledge of Aboriginal student learning profiles, and torealign programs and teaching styles to support Aboriginal student learning. Focus on the school culture - it is essential that Aboriginal students are engaged and feel welcome inschool and that they see themselves and their culture in the curriculum and the school community Provide in-service to schools on the Ontario First Nation, Métis and Inuit Education Policy frameworkas a guideAboriginal Youth Leadership GroupADSB has been very supportive of our Aboriginal students. In 2008, an Aboriginal Youth Group wasformed. “Shki-niigaawii-ag” (Ojibway) – “Young Leaders”, consists of students from the Algoma DistrictSchool Board and Huron Superior Catholic District School Board. This group has approximately 25 studentrepresentatives from our secondary schools, as well teachers, support workers and community membersthat act as mentors.The goal of “Shki-niigaawii-ag” is to bring about cultural pride – through networking, collaborating,educating and promoting the Aboriginal culture demonstrating positive leadership in the school andcommunity at large.Educating Our Educators – Educating Our Aboriginal StudentsRevised March 201179