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the change Learning project
Project Updates The goal of the Change Learning Project is to create and implement a redesigned educational model—one that maximizes learning outcomes, integrates community development and builds human and social capital. Because initiating extensive change within entrenched systems is so difficult, we plan to start where the need is greatest—where youth are most at risk and where critical economic and social issues are forcing communities to rethink the purpose and structure of education. More often than not, this involves First Nations populations both on- and off-reserve. The work is grounded in the understanding that optimizing learning for youth requires the support of both healthy families and strong communities. As a result, the project moves beyond reinvention of formal education to include economic and social development—creating a prototype for community capacity building.
Canada’s First Nations youth are the fastest growing student group in the K–12 system—and also the one most at risk for failure. With school failure comes decreased opportunity and increased unemployment (three times that in the total population). And lack of productive employment is a leading contributor to the multiple social issues facing First Nations communities. The rapid growth rate in First Nations youth combined with an aging mainstream population has significant implications for both the costs of service provision and for the economy overall. The First Nations youth in our schools today and tomorrow will represent an ever-increasing portion of the nation’s potential labour force. With almost 50% of First Nations populations lacking the fundamental entry-level high school certificate, they will continue to face staggering levels of unemployment (and the consequences), while a shortage of skilled workers forces companies to look to China and India to keep pace with growth. In addition to demonstrated community and economic needs, we have found that much of the evidence and research on how humans learn best is clearly aligned with traditional First Nations ways of learning and knowing. Gathering evidence about how to effectively combine culturally appropriate approaches to learning with the knowledge and skill requirements of the 21st century will build First Nations knowledge and practices directly into a new model of education—one that will help all of our children learn to the best of their abilities. Identified Issues in Mainstream Education Our current educational system is struggling to meet the diverse needs of our youth and failing to adequately prepare them for the complex and interconnected world they will inhabit. Many ingrained educational practices, as well as the very structure of our educational and social systems are counterproductive to real learning, successful transition into adulthood, active citizenship and full employment. We see this reflected in student disengagement and inequitable educational outcomes for minorities—especially for First Nations youth where drop out rates are double the national average and students lag at least two grades behind. The problems within education have not been addressed by decades of educational reform initiatives because they are systemic, ingrained and far reaching.
In recent decades, there has been no shortage of experimental initiatives, community development projects and alternative schools. What has been strikingly absent is the effort to amalgamate the lessons learned and situate educational transformation within community development and the creation of social support networks for families. There have also been innovative examples of First Nations-centred programming making a difference across Canada. Typically, however, they take the form of “add-ons” and overlays to what already exists—the traditional provincial model of education. We believe that attempts to significantly improve First Nations educational outcomes can never reach full potential if they are built overtop of a model that is fundamentally flawed. If we fail to start with a system solidly grounded in what we know about optimizing learning and human development, even the best attempts at change will never result in success for First Nations youth, or for any of our youth. Overall Project Goals The Change Learning Project will work with pilot communities to help turn what we know into what we do—combining extensive research and available best practice with community engagement and capacity building. Through on-the-ground action research, the project will develop a re-envisioned education model that focuses on:
Building on decades of investigation by the 21st Century Learning Initiative, we have amassed an extensive body of knowledge about learning, the brain, human development and maximizing the potential success and well-being of children and communities. Please see the Guiding Principles for a synthesis of key themes that emerge in the research. In addition we have investigated countless results-oriented community programs and educational initiatives that align effectively with the guiding principles identified, as well as with the First Nations Values and Orientations. In the process of synthesizing this work, a conceptual picture has begun to emerge of what powerful and effective education might look like, and the benefits it could bring to building community capacity. The initiation phase of the project will involve working with identified First Nations to:
The Change Learning Project is pleased to announce an exciting collaboration with Heliotrope, the creator of a new learning game called Prelude. Prelude fosters enhanced self-knowledge, cooperation, and creativity. It helps ‘tune’ the entire group, making it an ideal way to start a school term or training program. It’s also proving particularly valuable for youth at risk. Our first initiative involves introducing our new CLP 21C Community Learning Kit. More specifically, this innovative pilot with the Bigstone Cree First Nation Education Authority will be using Prelude a learning game from Heliotrope and an assessment protocol from Resiliency Initiatives for the first time anywhere. Our shared goals include grounding this toolkit with practitioners and the local community, sharing knowledge, and increasing collaboration opportunities. This collaboration was initially facilitated through the kind aegis of The Centre for Social Innovation. CSI is committed to helping incubate new social enterprises like Heliotrope and fostering innovative cross-sectoral initiatives. To find out more about educational change and get updates on this initiative, go to www.changelearning.ca. To discuss this initiative, become involved or step forward as a possible Co-Champion please contact Heather MacTaggart - hm@classroomconnections.ca. |
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