They say reading is as easy as A, B, C, but some children continue to struggle with a skill that is vital to a healthy, successful future - and a new partnership will help improve early literacy skills in rural and remote communities.

A $200,000 literacy initiative and research partnership with Vancouver Island University and 11 public schools in the province will look at early literacy skills in some rural and remote communities with significant Aboriginal student populations, and identify the supports and interventions needed so they can achieve better outcomes.

The new partnership reflects B.C.'s Education Plan, which recognizes the value of literacy and early intervention, the importance of supporting struggling readers, and how vital it is to work with Aboriginal communities and school districts to focus on the needs of Aboriginal students.

A U.S. study of 4,000 students found that those who do not read proficiently by the third grade are four times more likely to leave school without a diploma than proficient readers.

Under the new partnership, school teams will include literacy experts and student teachers who will work directly with educators and students. Kindergarten to Grade 7 students will be the primary focus with the goal of finding ways to develop literacy practices and strategies that are culturally relevant and family-centred. Bringing student teachers into these schools will also have a positive impact on rural and remote teacher recruitment, which can be challenging for rural and remote B.C. communities.

The goal of this collaborative initiative is to positively impact literacy levels among young learners and thereby increase academic achievement.

This project builds on the work of 52 Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreements that have been signed throughout the province, signifying a commitment of education partners to work together to improve the success and outcomes of Aboriginal students while creating a better understanding amongst students and staff of Aboriginal peoples in B.C.

It also builds on funding announced recently by Minister of Education George Abbott. School districts are being provided with $10.7 million in one-time funding to support elements of the education plan in the classroom. The money is ear-marked to support struggling readers in the province.

Quotes:

George Abbott, Minister of Education -

"We know that reading is a skill that needs to be taught at an early age and early intervention needs to happen quickly if students begin to struggle. The research tells us that once students fall behind, it becomes increasingly difficult for them to catch up."

One of the goals of this research project will be to help us all understand the barriers that remote, rural and Aboriginal communities face in learning reading as a skill - so we can find ways to break down those barriers and improve student outcomes."

National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo, Chancellor, Vancouver Island University -

"Education is the key to unlocking the true potential of First Nations, strengthening our communities and all of Canada. As the youngest and fastest-growing segment of the population, First Nations have a great deal to offer. By investing in fair and equitable First Nation education, all Canadians yield benefits. Together we can make steps in closing the education and achievement gap between First Nations and other Canadians - a step that would add $400 billion to the Canadian economy by 2026."

Learn More:

B.C.'s Aboriginal Enhancement Agreements: http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/abed/agreements/

Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963

BACKGROUNDER

April 19, 2012 Ministry of Education

Facts about investments in literacy

The school districts and independent band schools included in this project are:

SD #85 (North Island) -

• Eagleview Elementary school
• Alert Bay Elementary school

SD# 68 (Nanaimo/Ladysmith) -

• Bayview Elementary school

SD #82 (Coast Mountain) -

• Thornhill Elementary school
• New Hazelton Elementary school

SD #92 (Nisga'a) -

• Alvin A McKay Elementary school
• Nisga'a Elementary Secondary school

SD # 91 (Nechako Lakes) -

• David Hoy Elementary school
• W.L. McLeod Elementary school

SD #70 (Alberni) -

• Wickaninnish Elementary school
• Ucluelet Elementary school

Since September 2001, the Province has invested almost $1.4 billion in literacy and literacy-related initiatives for British Columbia. Funding for literacy in B.C. has included:

• $43 million for StrongStart BC programs.
• $8 million for literacy outreach co-ordination.
• $24 million for Ready, Set, Learn since 2004-05.
• $25 million for innovation grants to improve literacy for students who struggle with these skills.

2011 Foundation Skills Assessment (FSA) results showed that of those tested, about 28 per cent of Aboriginal Grade 4 students did not yet meet the standard reading level - and 23 per cent did not yet meet the standard writing level. These results reinforce the need for education partners in B.C. to continue to look for ways to improve literacy outcomes for Aboriginal students, so they too can reach their full potential.

More than $22 million is being invested in a range of early childhood development (ECD) programs and initiatives this year, including $7.4 million for Aboriginal ECD initiatives.

The Province has invested $28 million toward the early childhood development initiative Success By 6. Approximately $1 million is dedicated toward the implementation of an Aboriginal strategy, which has supported more than 86 Aboriginal ECD projects throughout B.C.

Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963