Foundations for Student Persistence and Success in Inuit Nunangat

Success in education is an important part of achieving the visions set up by Inuit land claims agreements in Nunatsiavut, Nunavik, Nunavut, and the Inuvialuit Settlement region. However, many Inuit still do not have schools that embody their worldview, culture and language. Despite efforts over more than fifty years by Inuit and allies to make education more relevant and effective, statistics and community observations show that many Inuit students need more or different supports to reach their potential. Also, the learning achievement of some Inuit students is going unrecognized. The purpose of this research project is to identify what is working well in some schools and communities to support and recognize Inuit learning, as well as what could help. The project is contributing to evidence-based policy-making and initiatives to improve education in Inuit Nunangat. Our research will address the following questions: 1. What is contributing to Inuit students persistence in or withdrawal from school, particularly at grade transitions? 2. How are students progressing in Inuit schools, what are they achieving, and how is this achievement being assessed? We will use multiple methods:-An environmental scan - we are identifying, analyzing, and sharing existing policies, initiatives, and research from across Inuit Nunangat. -Literature reviews - we have identified key learnings from research in other Canadian and Indigenous contexts about promising practices supporting student persistence and assessment. -Narrative sharing and case studies - we are talking to students, graduates, parents, educators, principals, administrators, assessment coordinators, teacher trainers, parent/community members (e.g. District Education Authority) and Department of Education officials in order to deepen our understanding of factors contributing to student persistence and success. -Statistical analysis - we are collecting and analyzing statistical data that reflects student achievement and contributing factors across Inuit Nunangat.