Mother Earth's Children's CharterSchool

2008

CHARTER RENEWAL APPLICATION

Let us journey and imagine the life experience of the Indigenous child.

Ole-Henrik Magga

MOTHER EARTH’S CHILDREN’S CHARTER SCH00L

CHARTER RENEWAL APPLICATION

Submitted to

HONOURABLE DAVID HANCOCK

MINISTER OF EDUCATION

Submitted by

MOTHER EARTH’S CHILDREN’S CHARTER SCHOOL SOCIETY

December 2, 2008

Table of Contents

Page
Prologue..…...………………………………………..... / 4
Letter of Request to the Minister..……...…………...… / 5
Principal’s Welcome...……………………………...… / 6
Preamble..…………………………………………...… / 7
Intent ……………………………….………………… / 8
Superintendent Letter of Support..…..……………...… / 9
Historic Profile……...……………………………...…. / 10
The Charter - Vision, Mission, Philosophy………………... / 11
Principles………………………………………………. / 14
Cultural Foundations and Teaching Methodologies...... / 15
Cultural Curriculum...…………………………………. / 18
Student Learning………………………………………. / 21
Charter Goals………………………………………….. / 22
Charter Enhancements & Modifications ….………….. / 22
Recommendations & Required Changes……………… / 30
Governance………….………………………………… / 31
Charter Amendment & Dissolution…...………………. / 33
Appendices.………….………………………………… / 35
References….……………...…………………………... / 129

PROLOGUE

Indigenous people are keepers of valuable wisdom and knowledge. It is our desire to connect with key stakeholders who value the vision for our people to once again

stand proud, take ownership and responsibility, and give back to the

community in a meaningful and constructive way.

As an Indigenous people, we request the support and assistance of our provincial partners to provide the necessary resources and support to help us systematically establish and maintain our own schools and to ensure that our traditional Indigenous languages, methodologies and teachings are preserved.

Let us continue to work together to establish and sustain the active participation of

Indigenous parents and community members in decisions regarding the

planning, delivery, and evaluation of educational services

that best serve our Aboriginal children.

Vision

Rediscovering the gifts and potential given to them by the

Creator, our children will achieve personal excellence and fulfillment.

Mission

To wholistically nurture, guide and challenge each child’s spiritual, intellectual, physical and emotional self through traditional

Indigenous teachings.

Mother Earth's Children's CharterSchool

Box 1150, Wabamun, AlbertaT0E 2K0

Phone (780) 892-7222 Fax (780) 892-7223

Email Website

Honourable David Hancock

Minister of Education

#204, 10800 – 97th Street

Legislative Assembly of Alberta

Edmonton, Alberta

T5K 2B6

November 13, 2008

Dear Minister Hancock,

Re: Mother Earth’s Children’s Charter School 2009 - 2014 Charter Renewal Application

On behalf of Mother Earth’s Children’s CharterSchool, we would sincerely like to thank you for the approval of MECCS Charter for 2008-09 academic year.

As per Regulation 212/200 (7) of the School Act, Mother Earth’s Children’s Charter School Society requests of the Minister of Education the approval of Mother Earth’s Children’s Charter School (MECCS) a five year charter renewal term for the school years 2009-2010 through 2013-2014. In putting forward this request for the renewal of MECCS Charter, the Board of Directors confirms that MECCS has operated in a manner consistent with current requirements of:

  • the School Act
  • Alberta Program of Studies
  • K-12 Learning System Policy, Regulations and Forms Manual
  • Funding Manual for School Authorities
  • Guide to Education: ECS to Grade 12

Acknowledging the adversity that MECCS has faced in the course of its existence, we are confident that the contents in the application will demonstrate the ongoing perseverance, commitment, and dedication to our Aboriginal children and families. Grounded in the medicine wheel teachings of our Indigenous ancestors, we continue to believe that MECCS’ cultural philosophy and unique approach to education inspires hope, instills pride, and elicits respect, providing an opportunity like no other where Aboriginal children experience success.

Truly honored to be the only Indigenous charter school in Canada, we trust that you too will share in MECCS’ vision for a brighter tomorrow for our Aboriginal children. We thank you for your careful consideration and look forward to your response.

Respectfully,

Asha Rao, Chairperson

Mother Earth’s Children’s Charter School Society

Principal’s Welcome

Oki, Tansi, Abawashded, and Welcome to Mother Earth’s Children’s CharterSchool,

Alberta's first AboriginalCharterSchool, a place where:

… children are loved

… families are welcome

… connections are made to grassroots

… staff are responsive to students’ needs

… students are respected for their individuality

… traditional Indigenous teachings lead the way

Understanding the importance of finding ways to connect with students, MECCS offers a broad range of programming through a unique culturally enriched curriculum. It is through these experiences that students learn to respect themselves and one another; they learn to care, they learn to learn, they learn to lead, and they learn to dream.

It is often said that the classroom is a place where miracles happen. It is a place where children from various backgrounds and cultures with differing personalities and differing learning styles and abilities come together to gain valuable life lessons that enable them to prosper in society. The classroom is a magical place filled with young minds just waiting to rediscover who they are and of their true capabilities.

Knowing that we…Mother Earth’s Children’s CharterSchool

have positive impact on our children;

influence students to stay in school;

prevent cases of bullying;

connect children to their roots;

teach the importance of love and respect;

gain insight and receive teachings from our students...

… we see our journey as a successand our efforts

are affirmed by the successes we see in our students.

Truly, we are still in our infancy and we recognize that there have been gaps and acknowledge that we have faced adversity. Despite what might be seen as a long, arduous and winding road, we are aware that many milestones are yet to be reached and we remain hopeful, committed to our purpose, and ready to face challenge. In the Blackfoot language we say Mokakit (try hard) Ii ka kimat (persevere). These are words of wisdom shared by our grandmothers, grandfathers, and their grandmothers and great grandfathers before them. This is one reason why I believe MECCS will continue.

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as the Principal of Mother Earth's Children's CharterSchool. Together with parents, extended families, dedicated staff, and a strong governing body who truly care about the growth and development of our children, we are making a positive difference for our future generation.

In kind spirit,

TJ Skalski

PREAMBLE

There is a large body of research continuing to evolve on the issue of Aboriginal education and the failures of Canadian society to make a significant difference in education success despite volumes of rhetoric.[1] The need for Mother Earth’s Children’sCharterSchool and its program is as acute today as was the case when MECCS was first conceptualized by the members of the Society. “Native Education is in crisis. We are leaving a generation of native students untaught.”[2]

The strong emotive language i.e. ‘crisis’ and ‘emergency’ stresses the seriousness of the situation facing Native Education and reinforces the need for an alternative approach. The alternative approach envisioned by MECCS is designed to address the ‘crisis’,interrupting the cycle of “a generation untaught.”

It is argued that an authentic education, more than any other single construct, is the key to having the youth of this Province, including young Aboriginals, positioning themselves to be contributing and well adjusted members of our society. Spirituality, relationships and the expression of traditional values are at the heart of Aboriginal education. Although its design is focused to serve the Aboriginal child, MECCS exists to offer such a program for all children whose parents choose to enroll them in a school that provides a unique program embedded with these traditional Indigenous values.

Further support for a program such as MECCS comes from Baydala et al (2006) who point out that one’s educational level is positively associated with socio-economic status and income, both of which are key determinants of health. She notes that education contributes to health by providing children and their families with the knowledge and skills needed for problem solving and by giving them a sense of control over their life circumstances. Recognizing that MECCS primarily serves children and families facing these hardships, it is the aim of the school to address and meet these fundamental needs. Pearce et al (2005) also point out that MECCS’ innovative approach to Aboriginal education, if successful, will provide a model for the development of culturally compatible education for Aboriginal children in Alberta and beyond.

Pearce’s (2005) comments (hypothesis) and the concept of the MECCS program are reinforced by Corson (1998) who observed that the general trend to educational homogeneity and centralization tends to create obstacles to the education of minority students generally and Indigenous students in particular. Corson speaks in favor of community-based education for Aboriginal children that allows for and encourages parental involvement. He states that there is evidence to support claims like the following:

  • Active parent involvement in decision- making brings children from cultural minorities closer to their teacher;
  • Aboriginal parents grow in confidence and develop a sense of their own efficacy;
  • Harmful stereotypes about Aboriginal people and their families fall away as teachers collaborate with parents;
  • Local Aboriginal communities grow in self-respect and acquire genuine political influence at the same time as they take responsibility for their schools.[3]

It is to be appreciated that any new endeavor will experience a variety of “start-up” difficulties. Notwithstanding that MECCS has experienced challenges over the course of its first five years, difficulties associated with curriculum and instruction in an initiative such as MECCS should not be feared.

Making a difference takes time. Alberta’s current education model is based on good, normal kids having their needs met. The problem is that the tough, at-risk kids can’t do it and they have little or no built-in support system. Anyone who believes there is a quick fix which will result in higher test scores is just being incredibly naïve.[4]

Its successful implementation will allow the Vision and Mission of the School to be actualized… it will allow each child to achieve personal excellence and fulfillment.

INTENT

It is MECCS’unyielding sense of duty and responsibility to the community that drives the need to change educational foundations and structures that impede our First Nations students.

On behalf of Mother Earth’s Children’s CharterSchool, the Board of Directors requests from the honorable Minister of Education the approval of an additional five year term (2009 – 2014) to continue its historical journey.

The renewal application will illustrate that MECCS is meeting or enhancing the terms of its charter, demonstrating that:

a)it operates in a manner consistent with all applicable provisions of the Act, regulations and policies of the Minister;

b)it is administered and governed effectively;

c)it is fiscally viable and responsible;

d)it offers a program considered successful by its community, students, parents and staff; and

e)other schools in Alberta have the opportunity to learn from the charter school’s innovative programming techniques.

Strong support is evident in the following letters from MECCS Board Chairperson and the Superintendent. Evidence of financial stability and viability are noted in the Secretary Treasurer’s letter of support (Appendix A), updated Corporate Filing (Appendix B), and audited financial statements (Appendix C). Additional support include lettersfrom the community (Appendix D), letters from parents(Appendix E), parent survey results (Appendix F), letters from staff (Appendix G), staff survey results(Appendix H), and letters from MECCS students(Appendix I).

Ed Wittchen Consulting Ltd. / 4507-40th St..
Bonnyville, Alberta T9N 1J7
Cell Phone: (780) 201-4155
EMAIL:
Ed Wittchen
President

November 24th, 2008

Dear Committee members;

Please accept this letter of support for Mother Earth’s Children’s Charter School (MECCS) and the 2008 request for charter renewal. I have just recently been appointed as their Superintendent and in the short time I have had to immerse myself in the school culture I have come to appreciate the determination of everyone connected to the school to see it achieve the stability it has sought and to move forward on achieving the vision of the school.

The charter renewal was to speak to the issue of stability at the governance and administration levels where there admittedly have been issues in the past. I believe that the pieces of the leadership puzzle are in place for the school to solidify its place in the community and beyond.

We have a new Board of Directors who, in my view, are doing this for all the right reasons. There are no personal agendas with this group and they have all committed to learn to become a good governance board and are making decisions that will see the children of the school get the opportunity to experience the visionary Indigenous education that the charter speaks to.

After a series of Principals we are fortunate to have a young, energetic, passionate Aboriginal leader in place, who is prepared to make a long term commitment to the children and the school vision. In her time in the school she has become the face of the school and the inspirational leader for staff and parents to rally around. There are several staff who have been in place for a number of years who remain dedicated to the important tasks that lie ahead for the school.

The last piece of the puzzle to be put in place was to achieve stability at the Superintendent level. That was achieved last summer but was then tragically taken away with the fatal accident to our friend and colleague David Panas. I was then interviewed and offered the opportunity to fill the void. I believe that my successful record as a Superintendent in Alberta speaks for itself as to whether I can and will offer the stability that is needed. When the Board and I discussed the potential of me taking on this role I indicated to them that I was only interested if they were prepared to make a long term commitment. This task is too important to think that it can be achieved in a mere few months. Together we can make this school into what everyone, including the Minister of the day when the original charter was granted and hopefully Minister Hancock believe it can be but we need the charter renewed to be able to make both immediate and long term plans to achieve the stability and sustainability that we all want for this program, these kids and this school.

Sincerely,

Ed Wittchen

Superintendent

Mother Earth’s Children’s CharterSchool

HISTORIC PROFILE

Mother Earth’s Children’s Charter School (MECCS) opened its doors in the fall of 2003.Its culturally unique approach to teaching and learning reaches the souls of our Indigenous students. Located on LakeWabamun’s northeast shore, MECCS operates in the heart of thevillage of Wabamun just 60 kilometers west of Edmonton’s city limits. MECCS currently hosts students from pre-kindergarten to grade 8, housedin a main building and two portables in the shape of a horse shoe around a large tarmac.

MECCS actively supports all students recognizing that the social, physical, emotional and academicreadiness levels may vary and may be influenced by

socioeconomic challenges.Class sizes adhere to the provincial class size initiative and are capped at a maximum of 17 for students in pre-kindergarten to grade 3 and 18 for students in grades4 to 8. On average MECCS provides service to a minimum of 100 students. All studentsreceive an individual program plan appropriate to their individualabilities and interests. Ninety eight per cent of MECCS’ student population is of Aboriginal ancestry with the majorityattending from Paul and AlexisFirst Nations. MECCS also draws students from the surrounding rural communities as well as the broader communities including Enoch and Edmonton. MECCS aims to increase student diversity by continuing to attracta broader student population from all surrounding areas.

MECCS offers a sound educational program founded on Indigenous teachings that foster students’ self-confidence and self-respect, increasing their appreciation of the cultural connections to Mother Earth. Our unique cultural approach to education emphasizes the importance of personal recognition to aim for balance in all four quadrants of the medicine wheel (spiritual, intellectual, physical, and emotional). MECCS is designed to nurture, guide and challenge each child to rediscover the gifts given to them by the Creator achieving personal growth and fulfillment. Continual community consultation ensures that MECCS programming meets the needs identified by students, families, Elders, community members and staff.

Eligibility

Students and parents are expected to meet with staff to review MECCS’ vision, mission, and philosophy. Student enrolment is primarily based on parental commitment and respect for everyone and all aspects of MECCS unique program. While in attendance at MECCS, students are expected to uphold and apply the Indigenous teachings as passed down to us from our Elders.

The powerful vision and mission of this emergent off-reserve rural Indigenous charter school excites unlimited potential and prosperity.

THE CHARTER

Mother Earth’s Children’s CharterSchoolremains deeply rooted in the teachings of our Indigenous culture, aware of the past, mindful of the present and cognizant of the future.

The essence of MECCS original Vision, Mission, Philosophy, Principles, Cultural Foundations, Traditional Teaching Methodologies and Charter Goals remain intact. However, as suggested by those who tabled the Alberta Education Evaluation of MECCS in 2006, it was noted that we should add clarity to the defining Charter statements by simplifying them and making them more “user friendly”. Therefore, the charter renewal application may include slight revisions, enhancements and improvements reflecting the current state and aspirations for the coming charter term, without in any way, detracting from or changing the essence outlined in the original Charter.

Vision

Rediscovering the gifts and potential given to them by the Creator, our children will achieve personal excellence and fulfillment.