Student Retention

First Nations Student Success ProgramKwayaciiwin Education Resource Centre

Successful schools begin by engaging students and making sure they come to school regularly. That may seem obvious. What's less obvious is that the consequences of low attendance are serious for all children and for the community, not just the students who miss school.

www.greatschools.org

“the activities, events, rooms, people, values, support systems and environment that keeps our Aboriginal students in school.” (Toulouse, 2010, p. 19)

It’s about students staying in school by having access to emotional, physical, mental and spiritual resources that help them to be successful.

What is Student Retention?

Peer and school staff relationships Home environment School environment Peer influences Parental attitude (education, school) Ability to function at school (on all levels) Interest level in school Unfair discipline policies Parent/school communication Access to community resources

Factors Influencing Retention

Physical: good health, food, exercise, shelter, hygiene.

Social-Emotional: acceptance, kindness, friendship, desire to love and be loved.

Mental: intellectual growth, creativity and stimulating challenges.

Spiritual: contribution, meaning, uniqueness.

(Source: The Leader in Me by Stephen Covey)

Retention is related to basic needs being met:

Responsible for coordinating support services for students at risk of dropping out of school. This includes a range of support and counselling services aimed at helping students continue their schooling.

Student Retention Coordinators

Develop and maintain effective partnerships with school administrators, teachers and parents.

Identify strengths, challenges and possibilities related to student retention.

Provide information, guidance and support to assist teachers and school administrators improve student retention within their schools as part of their school success planning process.

Key Responsibilites

Play a key role in developing support networks for parents and children/youth.

Develop and deliver training for school staff and administrators.

Develop and sustain positive relationships with communities, service providers and other stakeholders involved in FNSSP.

There are good things happening in our

region...

School newsletters Resources for parents Local radio BBQ’s / Lunches Carnivals Weekly calls home Invitations to parents for school outings, sports events, celebrations

Family literacy night

Parental Engagement

Breakfast and lunch programs No Bully Zone / zero tolerance for bullying

Bus supervision Supervised recess Integrating various grade levels in activities for student interaction.

School Environment

Dance Sports Hockey Family Night Land-based and cultural activities

Extra-Curricular Activities for Students

School tours. NNEC, Shibogama and KO staff visits to communities to talk to students during intake.

Care packages for students. Individual sessions with social counsellors.

Preparing for High School

School/Community Feasts Square Dances Cultural Activities Elders visiting school and doing activities with students.

Students doing fundraising activities in the community.

Community Connection

Lack of parental involvement Lack of community-school connection and communication

Lack of time for staff to implement strategies/programs

Parental behaviour/addiction Lack of support staff (i.e. only 1 bus driver)

Identified Concerns in Our Region

One-to-one tutoring for additional high school support.

Better communication between secondary school guardians and parents.

Educating parents about student’s needs in high school (i.e. being able to call home, monitoring spending while away).

More personal counselling for parents. Professional development for social

counsellors.

Suggestions and Requests

Lena Fiddler, Mishkeegogamang Helen Kakegamic, Keewaywin Hilarius Moose, Pikangikum Linda Johnson, KiHS Bruce Sainnawaap, Wunnimun Lake Jerry Wesley, Cat Lake

Sophie Moskataywenene, Elder

Student Retention Working Group (SRWG)

1. Inform communities about student retention issues.

2. Share resources, knowledge and what works.

3. Provide recommendations to KERC Board of Directors on policies relating to student retention.

Role of the SRWG

4. Provide opportunities for students/schools/communities to network.

5. Promote the importance of education to students, parents and communities.

1. Empowering Parents2. Engaging Students3. Educating Educators4. Enhancing Community5. Embracing the Wisdom of Elders

Guiding Principles

Commitment

Consistency

Continuity

...from everyone!

Three C’s of Success

“If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.”

Henry Ford

Student Retention Coordinator

Florence Sandersonfsanderson@kerc.ca

Phone: 807-737-7373Toll Free: 1-866-326-1077

For more information: