Page 17 - THE ONTARIO CURRICULUM, GRADES 9 to 12 | First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Studies

School boards across the province have established partnerships with local First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities, organizations, and families to create Indigenous Education Councils (IECs). The IECs help to guide school boards and schools in building stronger relationships with their communities, identifying promising practices, sharing informa- tion, and enhancing collaborative work to support First Nation, Métis, and Inuit student achievement and well-being.
Nurturing partnerships with other schools and between school boards can be a valuable way of applying learning within the context of safe, healthy, and accepting school envi- ronments. Neighbouring schools and boards may share resources or facilities when developing and sharing professional development opportunities for staff, and they can collaborate in developing special events such as career fairs, community activities, and information evenings. From time to time, opportunities may present themselves for schools and school boards to work with local researchers to complete studies that will help educators make informed decisions based on solid evidence, local needs, and current best practices.
In choosing community partners, schools should build on existing links with their local communities and create new partnerships in conjunction with ministry and school board policies. These links are especially beneficial when they have direct connections to the curriculum. Teachers may find opportunities for their students to participate in community events, especially events that support the students’ learning in the classroom, are designed for educational purposes, and provide descriptive feedback to student participants.
INTRODUCTION
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