The Future of Aboriginal Education in BC…. What is the dream?

In an ideal world, there would be no need for…. n Targeted funding n Aboriginal Education Branch n District Ab Ed staff n Ab Ed teams in schools n Human Rights exemptions for Aboriginal teachers

As well…. n Racism would be reduced or eliminated n Curriculum would reflect all cultures n Aboriginal language instruction would become the de facto second language where appropriate.

How do we get there…?? Promising practices in and for BC: Promising practices in and for BC: n Research from other countries u New Zealand and Te Kotahitanga n Approaches to teaching u Appreciative Enquiry

…and….. n Provincial Initiatives u Roundtables/focused discussion groups n School district/regional initiatives u Aboriginal Circle (VI) u Secondary Student Initiative u Enhancement Agreements

…finally. n School district/regional initiatives u Individual student tracking u Curriculum development u Celebrations u Communications

Provocative questions…. n Are there implications for rural districts and schools that need to be addressed? How? n How do we sustain achievement gains we see in primary grades through to school completion? n How do we positively affect achievement in areas that have not responded significantly to structures and strategies implemented over the last few years? n How do we align strengths systemically across a district so as to make weaknesses irrelevant and have that energy positively affect achievement?

Thank you! Cam Pinkerton Assistant Superintendent SD70(Alberni) Dede DeRose PrincipalSD73