Thursday, February 5, 2009

Module 2: Key Questions

5. How does your school fare in terms of the Circle of Courage model?



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3 comments:

  1. RobskcaFebruary 9, 2009 at 7:31 AM

    My school has no direct reference of the Circle of Courage built into its school goals. However, with the Regina Public School Division there is a Continuous Improvement Plan that focuses on trying to improve the learning experience for all students. This plan has within it, several goals which it attempts to address: Higher Literacy and Achievement, Equitable Opportunities and Outcomes for All, Smooth Transitions into and through the System, and Governance, Facilities and Accountability. Of these goals areas, the Equitable Opportunities and Outcomes and the Smooth Transitions goals have lent themselves most obviously to the Circle of Courage model.

    In our school, this goal has been broken into two different strands: First Nations and Métis education as well as Inclusion in our Special Education program. Though we have adopted the First Nations goal, we are only in the early stages of its implementation, but we look forward to bringing more life to it.

    At the moment we are planning a survey to determine more precisely how many of the 1500 students in our school are of First Nations descent. At a recent Lunch and Learn session at our school, Perry Bellegarde, recently announced candidate for Grand Chief of the Assembly of First Nations,gave us an indication that this sort of survey can yield important results. At one time this might have been considered racist but today we know that knowing these numbers can help us to address the needs of the aboriginal population of the school.


    Learning Improvement Play. Each school

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  2. RobskcaFebruary 9, 2009 at 8:03 AM

    This survey should help us have students self-identify so that we can understand more fully the aboriginal participation at the school. At the moment this is an option but rarely exercised option of the school registration process. By making a conscious effort, we hope to attain more accurate numbers.

    This survey will not only address the First Nations participation at the school but also the many other nations and cultures represented at our high school. It is known that there are at least 58 nations represented at the present moment.

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  3. RobskcaFebruary 9, 2009 at 8:15 AM

    A better understanding of the Circle of Courage model would not just benefit students of First Nations ancestry. The model addresses students of all backgrounds. All students need to be treated in such a manner.

    The Public School systems Shared Values closely parallel these values as well. If all actions by any member of the Public System are steered by these values, their importance cannot be be understated. The values can be applied to each student (from special education,kindergarten, grade 12 International Baccalaureate, work studies) to maintenance staff, to teachers, administrators and clerical staff. All members of the system can display and live by these values as a powerful unifying direction for all.

    I BELONG
    I WANT TO KNOW
    I RESPECT
    I AM RESPONSIBLE

    http://www.rbe.sk.ca/docs/mission_shared_values_leadership_guide_07.pdf

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