The Innovation that Sticks: Call for Applications

2017-2018 Application Information

Stage 1 Application – 500-word description

In this first stage of a two-stage application process, in 500 words or less, we want you to introduce how your learning program has successfully improved graduation rates and prevented students from dropping out.

STAGE 2 APPLICATION – DETAILED OUTLINE

If your preliminary application is shortlisted, your team will be asked to produce a more detailed description of your innovative work. A jury of student retention/early school leaver experts will review these Stage 2 applications and select one Indigenous ‘Innovation that Sticks’ Dropout Prevention Case Study Program to showcase.

IF YOUR PROGRAM IS SELECTED:

  1. You will receive a $5,000 bursary to be used to continue to support and expand your dropout prevention program, presented to your team at a public recognition event in your community.
  2. Your program delivery team will provide time and expertise in meetings with a CEA researcher at your school between September-December 2017, who will then publish a case study report and videos that tell your story to other change leaders across Canada.
  3. Your team will also have the opportunity to write a feature article in Education Canada Magazine about your innovative work and could be invited to present your dropout prevention program at a future CEA professional learning event.

This case study program represents a golden opportunity for you and your program delivery team to be recognized nationally as evidenced-based pioneers and to play a lead role in informing, inspiring, and impacting colleagues facing similar student retention challenges.

CASE STUDY ELIGIBILITY AND SELECTION PROCESS

Stage 1 program applicants must demonstrate:

  • Evidence that the program has been in operation for at least one full academic year.
  • Evidence that it’s an alternative program that focuses on student retention and/or dropout prevention.
  • Evidence of knowledge of and support for this program from your school district or declared education organization working in conjunction with a Band Council

Stage 2 program applicants must demonstrate:

  • Evidence of innovation in program design and assessment rubrics.
  • Evidence that the innovation is, or has the potential to be replicated in other classrooms, schools and school districts.
  • Evidence of positive impact on preventing students from dropping out.
  • Evidence of openness to working with CEA throughout the year and publicly sharing lessons learned, including challenges and barriers.

A Selections Committee comprised of student retention/early school leaver experts will refine selection criteria and choose the 2017 Indigenous ‘Innovation that Sticks’ Dropout Prevention Case Study program. CEA staff and a contracted researcher will work closely with the key players of one alternative school, public school or school district with a successful alternative Indigenous dropout prevention program to identify:

  • Systemic issues within education systems and how specific alternative programs cater to a plurality of learning styles.
  • The ways in which student well-being, socio-economic background and parental engagement influence school success.
  • Strategies employed to ensure buy-in and support (financial and in-kind) of the program by school leaders and administration, as well as other stakeholder groups.
  • Policies, programs, and/or incentives provided to teaching staff to attract and retain qualified teachers.
  • The creativity used in programs and practices to strengthen student engagement and retention through meeting diverse learner needs, including teacher-student ratios.
  • A cost-benefit analysis of the alternative school or program in relation to a traditional public school within the school district.
  • Practices that strengthen the teaching of Indigenous history, cultures, traditions, languages, values, ceremonies and unique worldviews.

[1] Ferguson, Sarah Jane, and John Zhao. “The Educational Attainment of Aboriginal Peoples in Canada.” The Educational Attainment of Aboriginal Peoples in Canada. Statistics Canada, 23 Dec. 2015. Web.