TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE
ADVISORY BOARD
NOVEMBER 29, 2009
Introduction
The Data Management team within the Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre (MFNERC) as a part of the First Nation Student Success Program require the input from participating First Nation regarding the governance, policy and procedures. The Terms of Reference for the Advisory Board clarify the Board’s responsibilities, and level of authority within the structure of the FNSSP Data Management Project.
Background:
The MFNERC and Manitoba First Nations are entering into a complex and broad implementation of a data management system which will have positive impacts on the current operation of First Nations schools. The data management system is a web-based application which will manage the raw and aggregate data collected on a daily, weekly, monthly and yearly basis. The province-wide data management system will facilitate data driven decision making for improving education programs for First Nations students. An amalgamated system will ensure First Nations Education Authorities have congruent reporting structures and procedures for all of Manitoba.
The First Nations Education Data Management System is a component of a larger school improvement initiative addressing data management, school improvement (success) plans, and assessing students’ levels in reading, writing and math. A comprehensive data management system is the key to accurately deriving aggregate data to make informed decisions within school improvement plans. The data management system will provide continuity for reporting, methods of documentation, technical support, professional development, locally developed curriculum integration, and base of knowledge of teachers migrating from First Nation to First Nation.
The implementation plan for the First Nations Education Data Management System is in many ways a capacity building venture which will drastically change the way data is collected, managed, possessed and released by the First Nations. Although, the implementation is driven by the MFNERC, the First Nations Education Authority will maintain control over the data management system and structure for managing their data following the Principle of OCAP as defined by the First Nations Regional Longitudinal Health Survey (
Data collection, infrastructure, processes and systems are basic requirements to support action research, program and school planning and realize education reform. Performance measurement must be utilized in a constructive way to positively influence educational best practice, programming and planning. It is this proactive standpoint that will guide the MFNERC in the FNSSP process.
Purpose:
The purpose of the Advisory Board is to assist the Data Management team in fulfilling its obligations by providing a focus on governance that is intended to enhance Data Management Team’s performance, at all times taking into consideration established governance best practices. Further, the Advisory Board shall receive reports and make recommendations on matters including:
•Viewing and feedback to the project plan, project objectives, controls and processes;
•Approving key decisions in the procurement process e.g. appointment of advisors, short-listing of bidders, selection of preferred bidder, any major changes to scope of the scheme and variations;
•Reviewing the internal and external communications plan;
•Providing input to the development of the Data Management Governance, Policy and Procedures.
•Identifying resources required for the project;
•Resolving issues referred to it from the Project Team;
•Monitoring overall progress against plans;
•Representing wider ownership and maintaining co-operation and co-ordination between Project partners and stakeholders.
•Other?
Membership:
•Facilitator (Education Director/Administrator - rotate);
•Education Directors or School Administrators(5);
•ICT Coordinator;
•Project Manager;
•Director of Education Reform ;
•Associate Executive Director
Meetings:
Frequency of Meetings: At key decision points but at least Quarterly
Quorum: The required number of members present to allow a meeting to formally proceed is an Chair or , a member of the Project Team, three of five Education Directors, and Five in total.