Kwayaciiwin Education Resource Centre (KERC)

1. Addressing equity, inclusion and awareness of cultural diversity

1.1. Incorporating First Nations history

1.1.1. Education initiatives – FNSSP, New Paths, EPP

1.2. Working with Ontario curriculum expectations

1.2.1. Providing second level education services to 23 communities

1.2.2. Curriculum development & instructional resources that add Native Studies and First Nation Language expectations

1.3. Incorporating bilingual cultural identity

1.3.1. Developing bilingual & bicultural curriculum to develop district education standards

1.3.2. Developing instructional resources & materials

1.3.3. Providing professional development & training to develop capacity to leadership and staff

1.3.4. Establishing a Resource Centre

1.4. Training and enabling of First Nation Staff

2. Problems

2.1. Low literacy and numeracy rates

2.2. low employment rates in first nation communities

2.3. low graduation rates

3. What services/programs for Ontario students and their families?

3.1. Staff training and recruitment

3.2. workshops

3.3. professional development

3.4. easy to read curriculum expectations that follow and address First Nation issues

3.4.1. Staff that focus on numeracy and literacy improvement and support

4. Goals/Vision

4.1. To foster excellence in First Nation Communities in Northern Ontario by providing comprehensive support services.

4.2. KERC provides comprehensive support systems to ensure learner success, while providing a bilingual and bicultural program.

5. How are services/programs accessed?

5.1. Direct Email addresses are provided to each staff for easy access help

5.2. weekly workshops twice a year

5.3. extended working hours for teachers

5.4. One system for attendance and report cards for quick access of student achievement and monitoring of attendance for each community

6. Employment opportunities

6.1. Bridging the gap in excellence

6.2. staff truly make a difference