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Title: Toronto District School Board Aboriginal Education Centre -­‐ Posted by Indspire Institute Category: School-­‐based/Classroom Strategies and School Model Community: Toronto, one of the largest urban Aboriginal populations in Canada Indigenous Language Group: Diverse Region: Ontario Source/School/Education Facility: Toronto District School Board Aboriginal Education Centre Development Focus: All Project Contact Information Project Lead: Barbara-­‐Ann Felschow, Principal Phone Number: 416.393.9600 Email: barbara-­‐ann.felschow@tdsb.on.ca Address: 90 Croatia Street, Toronto ON Summary Description: At the TDSB, the Aboriginal Education Centre (AEC) is pleased to offer a variety of services with the goal of closing the opportunity gap for Aboriginal students. This mandate is approached by infusing Aboriginal perspectives across the curriculum for all students as well as by providing direct wrap-­‐around supports to enhance the overall achievement of First Nation, Métis and Inuit students throughout the TDSB. The TDSB AEC staff offer a wide range of services not limited to: •
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Family advocacy and connection to community resources One-­‐on-­‐one and group itinerant support Professional development and support for school staff quadmester Referrals and student networking within the Aboriginal community The TDSB AEC also organizes Aboriginal Education celebrations including National Aboriginal Day and Aboriginal Education month (November). Throughout the month of November, the Aboriginal Education Centre will be implementing and supporting various teaching and learning experiences across the system. Highlights (in the past) include: • Commemorating Aboriginal Veterans’ Day, Monday, November 11, 2013 • Launching of the Native Languages PLC • First Nation, Métis and Inuit Student Anthology • Louis Riel Day (Métis), November 16, 2013 The Aboriginal Education Centre also includes the Aboriginal Education Library which provides Aboriginal resources to TDSB staff and students. It has over 800 books, sound recordings and videos. The TDSB was selected as a pilot of the Urban Aboriginal Education Pilot Project. The UAEPP was funded by the Ontario Ministry of Education and started in November 2007 with a pilot project to help develop three urban Aboriginal education models for First Nation, Métis and Inuit student/family/community engagement in urban settings with varying geographical and demographic factors. The goal of the project was to work collaboratively to develop innovative approaches to meet the needs of First Nation, Métis and Inuit students living in urban centres; build partnerships and strategies to support student achievement; find effective ways to reach out to Aboriginal families, communities and service delivery organizations; and develop these models from in-­‐depth inter-­‐jurisdictional research and pilot projects being carried out in Simcoe County District School Board, Lakehead District School Board, and Toronto District School Board. Outcomes: Students experience more culturally responsive education. They and their families have access to staff, programs, supports and services to increase success and close the opportunity gap. Over the years research reports have supported these efforts as successful approaches for supporting FNMI student achievement. Next Steps: Ongoing development of supports, services, events and strategies. Materials/Tools/Resources: The Aboriginal Education Centre also includes the Aboriginal Education Library which provides Aboriginal resources to TDSB staff and students. It has over 800 books, sound recordings and videos. More information can be accessed via http://www.tdsb.on.ca/Community/AboriginalEducation/Resources.aspx As Part of UAEPP two research reports on our work were published. Furthermore, a website about the Urban Aboriginal Pilot Project is hosted by the Council of Ontario Directors of Education http://ontariodirectors.ca/UA_Pilot_Project/index.html. Resource Notes: The CODE Urban Aboriginal Education Pilot Project website includes the full content of these valuable reports as well as resources developed by the pilot projects in the three school boards. In addition to the reports, you will find links that will help give you examples of how to support effective engagement and innovative learning strategies. The links provide real-­‐life examples from the pilot projects. Web links: http://www.tdsb.on.ca/Community.aspx