Local Education Agreement

Carving by Andy Everson / Karver Everson

Comox Valley Schools completed the successful signing of the Local Education Agreement (LEA) with the K’omok’s First Nation on August 31, 2022.

A district team worked closely with the Nation to forge a new document that will be in place for the next 5 years.

Relevant Documents:

Spirit of the Local Education Agreement between K’o ́moks First Nation

The primary purpose of the Local Education Agreement (LEA) is to establish a mutually beneficial and respectful relationship between Comox Valley Schools and K’o ́moks First Nation. Through this agreement, we aim to create a supportive and inclusive educational environment that recognizes and values Indigenous cultures, languages, and traditions. The LEA serves as a framework for collaboration, guiding our efforts to improve educational outcomes for K’o ́moks First Nation students by addressing their unique needs and aspirations.

Goals:

The K’o ́moks First Nation and Comox Valley Schools aim to establish a collaborative and respectful partnership. Their goal is to offer K’o ́moks students a culturally relevant, safe, and nurturing educational environment. This partnership emphasizes the importance of recognizing and promoting the cultural diversity of K’o ́moks identity, particularly through Kwakwaka’wakw and Salish traditions and languages. The overarching objective is to ensure high educational success rates for K’o ́moks students, in line with the principles of the Local Education Agreement (LEA).

What is a Local Education Agreement?

This LEA is a vital framework that outlines the collaborative partnership between Comox Valley Schools and K’o ́moks First Nation, fostering a commitment to the educational success and cultural well-being of K’o ́moks First Nation students. This agreement is a testament to our dedication to reconciliation, respect for Indigenous rights, and the shared goal of providing quality education for all students.

Local Education Agreements (LEAs) have been a part of the educational landscape of British Columbia since 1989. Over the past two decades First Nations communities and school districts have had a variety of experiences with LEAs. These agreements represent an important opportunity to build more productive and respectful relationships between First Nations and school districts, ultimately contributing to the creation of school environments where First Nations students can thrive.

Guiding Principles

The education of K’o ́moks Students is a collective responsibility involving students, parents, family, community, school, and the district.
Continuous and open communication between all stakeholders is vital for K’o ́moks Students’ success.
Success requires effective policies, practices, growth plans, curriculum, instruction, and adherence to this LEA. This includes:

- Implementing practices for student achievement.
- Ensuring understanding of K’o ́moks cultural values by school staff.

Strong relationships and communication between K’o ́moks and the District, including school staff, are crucial for positive student outcomes.

Staffing Action Plan and Success Advisor

One of the key highlights of the document is the establishment of a new position called the K’omok’s Success Advisor, paid for through SD71 Operational funding.

This is a teaching position dedicated to improving the success rates of K’omok’s students and working closely with K’omok’s families and the school district to increase educational opportunities and track the success rates for all K’omok’s First Nation students.

In November 2022, Natasha Rankie was hired and is now working with students and families.

KFN Education Coordinator

In addition, K’o ́moks First Nation has hired an Education Coordinator, Felicity Chitty.

Felicity plays a pivotal role with KFN in School District 71, acting as a staunch advocate for KFN students. She champions their well-being, fosters accountability, and builds effective relationships. Felicity also emphasizes the importance of integrating KFN culture into the curriculum, pushing for equity and equal opportunities. Serving as a vital bridge between families and schools, she collaborates with the district to work to ensure the K’ómoks culture is authentically represented. Felicity partners with SD71 staff to guarantee K’ómoks students not only succeed but also receive tailored supports when necessary. Additionally, she aids in student transportation.

Indigenous Support Workers (ISW): Every school with a K’o ́moks Student will have an ISW paid for through targeted funding.

Indigenous Support Team: Establish a team to assist each K’o ́moks Student. The team includes the school principal, vice principal, counsellor, learning services teacher, Success Advisor, and ISW.

Supports for Students and Families

Anti-Marginalization: SD71 will not tolerate any form of marginalization of K’o ́moks Students. Every student will be placed in a program leading to graduation with opportunities for post-secondary education and careers.
Modified Program: K’o ́moks Students on modified programs will receive support for the best possible School Leaving Plan.
Adapted Program: Students with an Adapted Program can graduate with a BC Dogwood Certificate.
Graduation Encouragement: Both parties will motivate K’o ́moks Students to aim for a Dogwood Diploma.
Counseling Support: SD71 will offer early counseling for K’o ́moks Students for career and post-secondary planning.
Post-Secondary Transition: SD71 will provide opportunities like field trips and orientation sessions to help K’o ́moks Students plan for post-secondary and career transitions.
Work Experience: Both parties will provide qualified personnel for Work Experience and Apprenticeship programs.
Evergreen Certificate Path: If a K’o ́moks Student is on this path, their program should be documented in an IEP and align closely with a graduation diploma program.
IEP Meetings: Upon request, parents and students can meet with school staff about their IEP within ten school days.
Progress Reports: K’o ́moks Students’ progress reports in special education or on the Evergreen Certificate path will be provided to parents and designated First Nation support staff at least at the end of each term.
Parental Rights: SD71 will inform parents about:
- Their right to request changes in their child’s placement.
- The procedure to request a change in placement.
- The availability of support from the K’o ́moks Indigenous Success Advisor during this process.

Localized Curriculum

Changes in the District & Curriculum

The LEA emphasizes a holistic approach to education for K’o ́moks Students. This includes enhancing place-based, experiential learning and expanding K’o ́moks Language programs as resources permit. A focus on personalized learning ensures daily individualized tasks in literacy and numeracy.

The curriculum will incorporate a deep understanding and appreciation for the history, language, and culture of First Nations, especially the K’o ́moks Nation, with a significant emphasis on the residential school experience.

Furthermore, there’s a push to offer Indigenous language courses aligned with the Minister’s mandate and the TRC’s educational Calls to Action. K’o ́moks Students are encouraged to excel in math, science, and extracurricular activities.

All educational materials will genuinely reflect the K’o ́moks culture and values. SD71 commits to closely monitoring student progress, ensuring they achieve their highest potential and providing regular feedback to both students and parents

Local Education Agreement

Local Education Agreement

Comox Valley Schools completed the successful signing of the Local Education Agreement (LEA) with the K’omok’s First Nation on August 31, 2022.

Spirit of the Local Education Agreement between K’o ́moks First Nation

Goals:

What is a Local Education Agreement?

Guiding Principles

Staffing Action Plan and Success Advisor

COMOX VALLEY SCHOOLS