Educating Our Educators Guide for Staff - Algoma District School ...

Building Strong PartnershipsAboriginal Focus GroupThe Algoma District School Board supports the Ministry of Education’s focus on Aboriginal students.With this focus ADSB is committed to work with our Aboriginal partners to support our Aboriginalstudents. One of the strategies identified in the Ministry of Education document; Ontario First Nation,Métis and Inuit Education Policy Framework is that school boards work in collaboration withAboriginal communities and organizations, parents, and students to integrate this Policy Framework intoschool board planning.Algoma District School Board supports the Ministry of Education goals for all students: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 guideEducating Our Educators – Educating Our Aboriginal StudentsRevised March 201179