Search This Blog

Thursday 26 December 2013

Call for Proposals 2014-2015 - Education Partnerships Program (EPP) and First Nation Student Success Program (FNSSP)

Call for Proposals 2014-2015 - Education Partnerships Program (EPP) and First Nation Student Success Program (FNSSP)

The Harper Government has joined with First Nation parents, teachers, leaders and other interested First Nation stakeholders on the development of a First Nations legislative proposal. The Harper Government has been consulting with First Nation groups to ensure First Nations have the same opportunity to succeed in their education as all Canadians, and to implement the principle of First Nation control over First Nation Education.

On October 22, 2013 Minister Valcourt wrote to more than 600 Chiefs and Band Councils across the country. First Nations and provincial leaders, as well as other interested stakeholders, were provided with a copy of Working Together for First Nation Students: A Proposal for a Bill on First Nations Education to be shared with their membership for their consideration and feedback. The draft legislative proposal for First Nations education would establish the structures and standards necessary to ensure accountable education systems on reserve.

In Economic Action Plan 2012, the Government committed to investing $100 million (Strong Schools, Successful Students Initiative) over three years to help ensure readiness for the new First Nations education system outlined in the legislative proposal, support early literacy and to strengthen relationships with provincial school systems.

The Government recognizes the important role of regional education organizations in the delivery of education support and services. We are pleased to announce the Call for Proposals for 2014-2015 as part of our ongoing efforts to support readiness towards proposed education legislation.

This 2014-2015 Call for Proposals will prioritize proposals which address the Structural Readiness component found in both the Education Partnerships Program (EPP) and the First Nation Student Success Program (FNSSP) National Program Guidelines. This will allow First Nation education organizations to strengthen their organizational capacity for the delivery of educational services to First Nation schools.

Furthermore, priority will be given to applicants that have or wish to implement the Education Organization Planning Tool. For those organizations that have completed the Education Organization Planning Tool, the results of the tool and / or Capacity Development Plans should be submitted as support documentation.

Effective November 1, 2013, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) is accepting proposals, in accordance with the eligible activities and requirements described in the National Program Guidelines for EPP and FNSSP. Please note the deadline for proposal submission is midnight on January 15, 2014.

Under the FNSSP, existing program components (School Success Plan, Student Learning Assessment and Performance Measurement) will continue to be supported through this call including early literacy initiatives. Eligible activities will continue to be supported under the EPP Partnership Establishment including the negotiation and drafting of tripartite agreements (Memorandum of Understanding) and under the Advancement stream for the development and implementation of joint activities. 

The EPP is an opt-in proposal-based program that supports the completion of tripartite education partnerships where they already exist, provides impetus for more joint activities, and seeks to strengthen the readiness of First Nation organizations for the delivery of education services to First Nation schools. The program concludes on March 31, 2015.

The FNSSP is an opt-in proposal-based program that supports First Nation education organizations (kindergarten to grade 12) in developing and implementing three interrelated components: school success plans, student learning assessments and performance measurement. These three interrelated components in turn help educators to plan and make improvements in the three priority areas of numeracy, literacy and student retention.

Proposal Submission

Please refer to 2014-2015 National Program Guidelines for the EPP and the FNSSP for further details regarding the eligible activities and the Education Organization Planning Tool.

The proposal template will be made available through the AANDC Services Portal. If you do not have access to the AANDC Services Portal, please contact your regional office.

This Call for Proposals includes the following documentation required to prepare your submission:

EPP Guidelines and FNSSP Guidelines: Key information about the program including components, eligibility and proposal submission for fiscal year 2014-2015

EPP and FNSSP Frequently Asked Questions: Questions and Answers for the eligible activities for fiscal year 2014-2015.

Education Organization Planning Tool: A planning tool that provides a step-by-step approach for organizations to conduct a self-assessment to inform long term planning for the delivery of education supports and services.

http://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1383920387133/1383920482724

Tuesday 3 December 2013

Understanding how children learn to read (shared reading and storytelling)

Milburn used techniques such as face-to-face interaction with infants and linking stories to events in children's lives when reading to them.

She studies emergent literacy — the foundational skills that enable children to begin to read and write — such as vocabulary, storytelling, and letter and sound recognition.

"Shared reading" is one way adults can build literacy in all kids, while limiting risk for those who face major learning challenges. Parents and teachers can learn to engage children in conversation with open questions and responsive statements, rather than reading books cover-to-cover. This interaction can enhance a child's understanding of and ability to use language.