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Part of Indigenous education

First Nations, Métis or Inuit Student Self-Identification

Students can choose to self-identify on school registration forms to help inform the achievement gap in Alberta schools.

Overview

Students in the province may choose to self-identify on school registration forms. The data collected is confidential and helps to:

  • support policy and funding decisions
  • measure program effectiveness
  • identify promising practices supporting First Nation, Métis and Inuit student success
  • inform provincial reporting on First Nations, Métis and Inuit student achievement in provincial schools

The First Nations, Métis or Inuit Student Self-Identification supports First Nations, Métis and Inuit student success and the goals of the ministry’s Business Plan.

Resources:

How this information is used

This information is used to improve accountability for First Nations, Métis or Inuit education and to inform efforts to close the achievement gap between First Nations, Métis or Inuit and all Alberta students. This helps Alberta education and school authorities understand:

  • what programs are working
  • where additional programs, resources and supports are required
  • what changes may be needed to improve the education system to benefit First Nations, Métis or Inuit students

Alberta Education and school authorities use the information according to section 33(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP Act) to plan for program improvements, to make policy and funding decisions and to measure and report First Nations, Métis or Inuit student achievement. Student achievement measures include high school completion rates, dropout rates, transition rates from high school to post-secondary education, and results on provincial achievement tests and diploma exams.

Achievement results of self-identified First Nations, Métis or Inuit students are reported in a respectful way that protects the anonymity of individual students. Provincial First Nations, Métis or Inuit achievement results are included in Alberta Education’s Annual Report.

Funding

Funding is provided to school authorities based on the number of self-identified First Nations, Métis or Inuit students registered. Schools then decide how to best use the funds based on the programming needs within their authority.

Aboriginal education has been used to support a number of projects, including:

  • hiring liaisons or cultural advisors
  • school-based resource centres offering First Nations, Métis or Inuit student supports
  • tutoring and mentoring
  • professional development for school district and staff
  • developing First Nations, Métis and Inuit resources
  • high school completion coaches
  • engaging Elders to collaborate with community partners
  • language and cultural supports for school staff

Provincial results for student achievement

The complete Provincial Accountability Pillar Report is available in a single document. A summary of results for self-identified First Nations, Métis and Inuit students is also available. Reporting the provincial Accountability Pillar results assures students are meeting provincial and local targets and provincial expectations.

Alberta Education works with school authorities to ensure that three-year education plans reflect strategies to improve First Nation, Métis and Inuit student achievement and to support First Nations, Métis and Inuit education for all students.