Back to School Information Kit
2007/2008

Aboriginal Studies and Initiatives

Aboriginal Studies 10 - 20 - 30 Textbooks
Students taking Aboriginal Studies this year now have the benefit of specially developed authorized resources. The new Aboriginal Studies 10, 20, and 30 textbooks offer a rich array of educational accounts of Aboriginal history, culture and life chronicled and shaped by the guiding hands of numerous individuals representing a variety of Aboriginal heritages. Historical events, cultural celebrations, spiritual symbolism and modern-day examples of Aboriginal achievements are presented from authentic Aboriginal perspectives. The first resources of their kind developed for a high school audience, these textbooks bring a unique insight, depth and colour to the learning experience presented by the Aboriginal Studies curriculum.

These resources support and advance the goals of Alberta Education's First Nations, Metis and Inuit Policy Framework.

Aboriginal Learner Data Collection Initiative (ALDCI)
As part of the school registration process, Aboriginal students are being asked to voluntarily self-identify on school registration forms. This information will help Alberta Education to learn more about Aboriginal student achievement and allocate resources to improve learning and success for Aboriginal students. Knowing who Aboriginal students are and how they are doing in school will help us to understand what is working, where additional programs and supports are required, and what changes need to be made. This information will be collected in a confidential manner that protects individual student identities. More information on the ALDCI can be found at www.education.gov.ab.ca/aboriginal/aldci/.

Promising practices can lead to student success
The First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) Services Branch worked collaboratively with 16 Alberta schools to enhance learning opportunities and increase student achievement among the province's FNMI population. Two reports resulted from the FNMI School Community Learning Environment Project (SCLEP which highlight promising practices and approaches to FNMI education in a case study environment. The results of reports are available on-line: http://www.education.gov.ab.ca/FNMI/project.asp

Promising Practices to Enhance High School Completion amongst FNMI Students Conference
A two-day conference will be held November 19-20, 2007, and will focus primarily on sharing promising practices in FNMI education in Alberta. Sessions offered by practitioners, researchers and educational organizations will provide teachers, school administrators, and central office personnel with practical information, new insights and responsive strategies that support student success and foster high school completion. The venue will be announced soon.