First Nations Student Success Program
Upon deconstruction of the current state of First Nation Education, what has been the most successful aspect which has been the primary staple in education for First Nations? Simply, the answer is this: “Educators with a good heart.” With this critical aspect, successful schools have excelled in a system that is not necessarily designed to succeed, let alone promote student success. These schools excel despite having to do more with less. These schools have learned how to be successful under the weight financial constraints. The current First Nation Educator is a fearless leader, armed with an array of combative tools, the will, dedication, determination, knowledge and expertise that the educator possesses. It is this critical aspect that is passed onto the student. With these types of teachers, there is no financial value that can be attributed to determine how or why these students have become successful.
What would be the next evolutionary and logical step for education in relation to a First Nation Student Success Program?
The first phase would be to provide a whole school or community approach to school success planning. This initial phase would be to expand and develop the talents of the staff of these schools with respect to Literacy, Numeracy and Student Retention. This whole school approach provides a “tapestry” of interlinking and connecting of all subjects areas with the focus of improving overall literacy, numeracy and student retention.
The second phase of this approach would be to gather information which supports school success planning. The targeted areas for improvement would be collected and analyzed to ensure that students have base-line data, achievable goals set, and applicable pedagogy to ensure student success.
The last phase would utilize performance management systems to monitor the progress, manage school and program-related information and maximize efficiency for collating, analyzing, and reporting on financial and performance indicators.
What separates this proposal from others is the active involvement of an Education Steering Committee which is comprised of “front-line” educators and directors from the participating schools and First Nation Communities. This Education Steering Committee has agreed to take the responsibility and accountability of ensuring this program’s success. They have also made a strong commitment to ensure responsible spending and financial transparency of this First Nation Student Success Program through regular involvement, communication, and reporting. The Education Steering Committee has also made it clear that they will deter any political and non-educational motives from affecting the success of the program. Their main priority is the success of their students, and ultimately, the well-being of their communities.
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