Practices for Engaging Parents of Indigenous Students in Alberta, Canada

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Sunday 8:00 am Four Seasons Ballroom 1
  In Roundtable Session: Prioritizing Equity to Engage Educators, Students, Parents, Families, and Communities (Table 12)

Abstract

Significant achievement and attainment gaps exist between students who identify as Indigenous and those who do not in Alberta, Canada. Research indicates engaging parents of Indigenous students can improve student achievement and attainment outcomes. The purpose of this study was to describe practices schools use to engage parents of Indigenous students. This data was collected using the Engaging Parents of Indigenous Students Survey for School Leaders (EPIS-SSL). Participants included 30 principals across five school districts. The study described several practices that schools use to engage parents of Indigenous students, including hiring school liaisons, facilitating cultural celebrations, initiating communication, offering transitional supports, encouraging parent council participation, building relationships, and offering Indigenous language programs.

Authors

• Karen D. Gartner, Battle River School Division

• Camille Loken, Edmonton Public Schools

• Cathie Bush, Edmonton Public Schools

• Sharon Fischer, Self-employed