The disturbing educational success rates for Aboriginal students in comparison with their peers have been documented for many years. Reducing this persistent achievement gap is one of Canada's most pressing educational challenges. Numerous reports commissioned by federal and provincial governments and Aboriginal authorities have offered detailed examinations of the complex social, economic, linguistic, and cultural interrelationships that contextualize the educational environments of Aboriginal students. Many of their families struggle with the legacy of residential schools that ripped families apart and caused immeasurable damage to the social fabric. Schools serving these communities work within a context that may include poverty, learned helplessness, despair, and high levels of abuse, addictions and violence. For some communities, student suicide rates may exceed graduation rates. Yet despite many extraordinary challenges, some schools are producing tangible progress for their Aboriginal students. This report springs from a study of ten such schools in an effort to identify practices that appear to contribute to their success.
This report provides an analysis of a 2-year study of 12 urban public schools in Canada. The purpose of the study was to examine the inner workings of secondary schools in low-income settings that create high achievement for their students. The schools were selected on the basis of their achievement on provincial, school-leaving examinations and their socioeconomic status, which was based on parental income and education. The sample included both high- and low-achieving schools to identify the factors that appeared to contribute to, or inhibit, student success. The report begins with an overview of the study and a brief synopsis of recent school-effectiveness and school-improvement literature. The characteristics of the schools and a brief portrait of each school are provided, followed by an analysis of the patterns and behaviors found in the sample. Case studies were prepared that used a qualitative method and a common framework. The findings show that each school was trying to adapt to rapidly changing environments. The common elements of success found among the schools were positive attitudes and high expectations, strong and vigilant administration, a focus on academic achievement, and recognition of the need to be accountable for performance. (Contains 27 references.) (RJM)
This monograph is the first in a series of reports related to the Successful Secondary Schools Study in three Canadian provinces, a study that will contribute to high student achievement outcomes for students of low socioeconomic status. This document provides a synopsis of the literature and research dealing with successful and effective schools, school improvement, and the effects of socioeconomic status on overall student learning. The particular focus is on practices in high-achieving schools with low socioeconomic status. Chapter 1 introduces the Successful Secondary Schools Study, and chapter 2 considers the literature on socioeconomic status and student achievement. Chapter 3 provides a historical view of school effectiveness, and chapter 4 considers linking school effectiveness and school improvement. The review of research shows that schools can make a difference and can help students overcome the harmful effects of socioeconomic status. School improvement is revealed as neither simple nor easy, but research shows that committed teachers, focusing on student learning, make the difference. (Contains 4 figures and 57 references.) (SLD)
There is considerable concern in Canada about the quality and effectiveness of the educational services provided to Aboriginal children and youth. The issues are many and complex, touching history and traditions, economics, funding, rights and jurisdictions, society and culture, philosophy and pedagogy. The conference held in 2005 to discuss and pursue solving these issues is outlined here.
This report provides an analysis of a 2-year study of 12 urban public schools in Canada. The purpose of the study was to examine the inner workings of secondary schools in low-income settings that create high achievement for their students. The schools were selected on the basis of their achievement on provincial, school-leaving examinations and their socioeconomic status, which was based on parental income and education. The sample included both high- and low-achieving schools to identify the factors that appeared to contribute to, or inhibit, student success. The report begins with an overview of the study and a brief synopsis of recent school-effectiveness and school-improvement literature. The characteristics of the schools and a brief portrait of each school are provided, followed by an analysis of the patterns and behaviors found in the sample. Case studies were prepared that used a qualitative method and a common framework. The findings show that each school was trying to adapt to rapidly changing environments. The common elements of success found among the schools were positive attitudes and high expectations, strong and vigilant administration, a focus on academic achievement, and recognition of the need to be accountable for performance. (Contains 27 references.) (RJM)
The disturbing educational success rates for Aboriginal students in comparison with their peers have been documented for many years. Reducing this persistent achievement gap is one of Canada's most pressing educational challenges. Numerous reports commissioned by federal and provincial governments and Aboriginal authorities have offered detailed examinations of the complex social, economic, linguistic, and cultural interrelationships that contextualize the educational environments of Aboriginal students. Many of their families struggle with the legacy of residential schools that ripped families apart and caused immeasurable damage to the social fabric. Schools serving these communities work within a context that may include poverty, learned helplessness, despair, and high levels of abuse, addictions and violence. For some communities, student suicide rates may exceed graduation rates. Yet despite many extraordinary challenges, some schools are producing tangible progress for their Aboriginal students. This report springs from a study of ten such schools in an effort to identify practices that appear to contribute to their success.
This monograph is the first in a series of reports related to the Successful Secondary Schools Study in three Canadian provinces, a study that will contribute to high student achievement outcomes for students of low socioeconomic status. This document provides a synopsis of the literature and research dealing with successful and effective schools, school improvement, and the effects of socioeconomic status on overall student learning. The particular focus is on practices in high-achieving schools with low socioeconomic status. Chapter 1 introduces the Successful Secondary Schools Study, and chapter 2 considers the literature on socioeconomic status and student achievement. Chapter 3 provides a historical view of school effectiveness, and chapter 4 considers linking school effectiveness and school improvement. The review of research shows that schools can make a difference and can help students overcome the harmful effects of socioeconomic status. School improvement is revealed as neither simple nor easy, but research shows that committed teachers, focusing on student learning, make the difference. (Contains 4 figures and 57 references.) (SLD)
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