Engaging Aboriginal Learners
Aboriginal learners bring a wealth of diversity and skill to rural classrooms, yet an examination of achievement data and completion rates reveals that many of them do not experience success in our schools.
Educators and Aboriginal communities across the province are working hard to develop relationships and create structures, strategies and resources to improve the relevance of the learning experiences provided for these students. They have found ways to integrate culture and improve connections with families and communities, both vital components in student success.
The First Nations Education Steering Committee shares information and gathers input on educational matters from First Nations communities in BC.
The Ministry’s Aboriginal Education Enhancement Branch has made available a wealth of resources to support educators working with Aboriginal learners. The branch also supports school districts and communities in developing Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreements, which establish goals and strategies for improving Aboriginal student success.
Promising practices, identified through the district review process, include:
- School District No. 5 - Southeast Kootenay's creation of an Aboriginal Education Enhancement Facilitator position
- School District No 70. - Alberni’s program to improve Aboriginal secondary-student success
- School District No 72. - Campbell River’s practice of embedding Aboriginal student goals in their Student Success Plans.
Want to read about some other school districts that have developed effective programs for engaging Aboriginal learners? In January to May 2007, the BC Principals and Vice-Principals Association presented an online series for educators on Engaging Aboriginal Learners. See the archived sessions from this series.
The British Columbia School Trustees’ Association has also compiled success stories.
If you have a promising practice to share, please contact the Rural Education Network.
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