First Nations Governance Framework A Discussion Paper Draft – December 3, 2004 First Nations Education Steering Committee

Purpose of the draft paper …  describe governance framework that First Nations could use  stimulate discussion  refine proposals

Discussion paper … A.Objectives B.Governance Structure C.Sample Legislative framework D.Central Education Authority

Funding levels for Band schools are 22% lower than those of BC public schools 1. 1 Postle (2004). Major obstacle …

Key targets… funding policy  Equity with BC public schools  Language and culture grants  Sufficient funds -- school buildings  Funds to support new governance

Part A Objectives Why are First Nations seeking recognition of their jurisdiction over education?

1.To establish authority and control over the education of their children.

2.To establish authority and control over their schools.

3.To enable First Nations children - to reach their individual potential - to develop pride in their language & culture - to acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to contribute to the social and economic progress of First Nations and of Canada.

4.To increase the proportion of students -who are fluent in their language and culture -who attain high standards in basic skills -who graduate from secondary school -who continue their studies or join the workforce following graduation.

Why are First Nations seeking recognition of their jurisdiction over education?

Part B Governance Structure

Jurisdiction over education … First Nation Band Council

Jurisdiction over education … First Nation Band Council Jurisdiction over: K-12 Education Status, on reserve First Nations learners

First Nation Band Council Power to create education laws, establish schools, hire teachers, set budgets... Jurisdiction over: K-12 Education Status, on reserve First Nations learners

Delegation of certain powers … First Nation Band Council Community Education Authority duties defined by Band Council

First Nation Band Council Community Education Authority Membership options … appointed by Council special skills elected by community

Joint Community Authority … First Nation Band Council Joint Community Education Authority First Nation Band Council

Delegation to the Central Authority … First Nation Band Council Community Education Authority Central Education Authority

First Nation Band Council Community Education Authority Central Education Authority curriculum framework teacher certification school certification

First Nation Band Council Central Education Authority Community Education Authority

Part C Legislative framework for First Nation Band Council an example …

First Nation Band Council Community Education Authority In this example …

First Nation Band Council Community Education Authority Creates basic laws - student and parent rights - personnel - Finance Defines duties of Community Education Authority

Section 1 – Students and parents  Student rights and duties  Parent rights and duties  Examination of student records  Appeals

example … Student rights A person is entitled to enroll in an education program provided by the Community Education Authority if the person a) is of school age, and b) is resident on that reserve.

Section 2 – school personnel  Employees  Teacher duties  Principal duties  Teacher and principal certification  Report of dismissal, suspension & suspension  Personnel policies

4.1 The Community Education Authority may employ a person as a teacher or school principal or administrator if that person is certified according to the standards set by the First Nations Central Education Authority. Example …

First Nation Band Council Community Education Authority Section 3 – Community Education Authority

First Nation Band Council Community Education Authority Duties: a)new schools b)school property c)education program d)language and culture program e)school calendar f)hire teachers g)student records and privacy h)school budgets & financial reports i)liaison Central Authority j)cooperation – integrated delivery k)agreements with school boards etc l)annual report to the Band Council Section 3 – Community Education Authority

Section 4 -- Finance  Federal funding  Annual budget  Student funding  Insurance  Accounts and audits  Funding policies

Example … Student funding Tuition fees for First Nations students who are resident on reserve and who are attending public schools will be funded by the Community Education Authority in accordance with agreements between First Nations and the province.

an example … Legislative framework for First Nation Band Council

Part D Central Education Authority proposed policies/standards …

First Nation Band Council Central Education Authority Powers originate with the First Nations …

First Nation Band Council Central Education Authority Band Councils elect or appoint representatives

First Nation Band Council Central Education Authority  curriculum framework  teacher certification  school certification

Curriculum Framework … Central Education Authority: a)core subjects to be taught b)FN language and culture framework c)core learning outcomes -- English Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies and Science

d)First Nations graduation diploma e)Dogwood diploma for first five years f)Research information – teaching methods, learning resources & assessment strategies … culturally appropriate g)FN student assessment program

Teacher certification ….  BC College of Teachers Professional certificate, Standard Certificate, Basic Certificate; FN Language Teacher Certificate; Developmental Standard Term Certificate  FN Central Education Authority Type 1 – 4yr degree, including 1yr teacher training Type 2 – 4 yr degree; no teacher training. Restricted to subject specialty Type 3 – Individual with specialized training (e.g. FN language and culture). Restricted to FN Community Authority endorsing the application.

School certification criteria …  Mission and philosophy - Clear mission and philosophy governs teaching of students, school policies …  School administration - Proper procedures in place for proper management of school (e.g. school budget, student records, report cards, parent communications …)  School programs & curriculum -First Nations Language and Culture program reflects expectations of Band Council -Learning outcomes taught in core subjects reflect requirements set by the Central Education Authority

 School Growth Plan Focused on student success Used to establish plans and priorities Based on range of data including - Student retention rates - Graduation rates - Report card data - FN student assessment results - Satisfaction data

 Professional development - All teachers are certified - Teachers engaged in programs to broaden understanding of FN language and culture and to improve teaching skills - Teachers and principal evaluated on regular basis  External team - Appointed by Central Education Authority conducts school review every five years.

Purpose of the draft paper …  describe governance framework that First Nations could use  stimulate discussion  refine proposals

First Nations Governance Framework A Discussion Paper Draft – December 3, 2004 First Nations Education Steering Committee