Wesmor unveils “life changing” educational program

Morgan said Wesmor’s high number of indigenous students made it the perfect place to pilot Follow Their Voices.

“It’s a school that has got a First Nations-Metis student makeup of probably in excess of 90 per cent,” said Morgan. “So we think this is a really good place to roll out the program and do it.”

The program is now being implemented in 17 schools across the province – five of which are on reserves.

“As a province, we don’t do well enough with First Nations and Metis graduation rates,” said Morgan, “so we’ve made it a target to close the gap by at least half by 2020. So we’re making some progress but we know we have a lot of work left to do and this is part of that.”

According to Wesmor Principal Cory Trann, there is a lot of observation that happens within the classroom to develop the best possible teaching strategy for First Nations and Metis students.

“We look at how a teacher and student relationship is happening in a classroom”, said Trann.”We have a feedback loop where our facilitator, or coach, helps that teacher develop strategies that deepen that relationship.”

Trann said the success of the program is reflected in the engagement of student and increased attendance. He also said the school’s literacy goal went up by about 12 per cent last year.

Teachers have also been benefiting from Following Their Voices, according to Trann. He said educators have become a cohesive group working together to engage the students.

Teacher Tricia Lucyshyn said the program changed the way she taught her students.

“I’m more culturally responsive as a teacher. So I’m paying more attention to where my students are coming from and it’s not tokenism, it is what the kids are bringing into the classroom and who they are.”

Lucyshen said the student-centered program creates a sacred space of vulnerability and a place where students can feel safe and welcome.

“I’ve always had a positive classroom,” said Lucyshen, “But, since being involved in this initiative with Following Their Voices, it has made a huge impact on our relationships.”

Lucyshen said she enjoys collaborating with a facilitator.

“Teaching has always been isolated,” said Lucyshen, “We’ve shut the doors and we do our own thing in there. This has been so liberating … It’s ok to say ‘I don’t know’ or ‘I’m struggling with this’. I can go to a colleague that can support and help me.”

“To me, that’s what learning is all about is working together.”

jsperling@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @jnsperling

by Jill Sperling

Wesmor unveils “life changing” educational program

What's Trending