Educational leaders' perspectives on issues and concerns in aboriginal education in Alberta

Hinks, Don (2011) Educational leaders' perspectives on issues and concerns in aboriginal education in Alberta. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

This qualitative study examined the perspectives of educational leaders in Alberta regarding issues and concerns in Aboriginal education. A questionnaire was emailed to participants including principals, vice principals and lead teachers from across the province. Participants responded to questions regarding Aboriginal education, issues and concerns in Aboriginal education and possible solutions to make the current state of Aboriginal education better. -- Responses were subjected to qualitative analysis and yielded a number of emergent themes and predominant categories. The study was driven by the following general research question: What are the perspectives of educational leaders regarding the issues and concerns involved with Aboriginal Education? The subsidiary research questions were: -- 1. What do you see as the current state of Aboriginal Education in the province of Alberta today? -- 2. What are the major issues facing Aboriginal Education in the province of Alberta today? Please list practical examples that you might recall. -- 3. What can be done to improve Aboriginal education throughout the province? -- 4. What are some innovative methods that you have used to improve the delivery of education to Aboriginal students? Please elaborate. -- 5. List some suggestions as to how the delivery of education to Aboriginal youth could be improved to better meet the changing needs of today's society. -- 6. Are there any additional comments/points you would like to make regarding Aboriginal education in Alberta? -- The study found that educational leaders perceive that Aboriginal education is not effective for Aboriginal students in today's society and that something has to be done to improve the results. The study's findings included a discussion of the issues faced by educators in Alberta as well as suggestions on how to improve the delivery of Aboriginal education. Two major findings of the study were that there presently exist many problems in Aboriginal education today but there are many things that educators can do to improve teaching practices to help these students.

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