Canadian Language and Literacy Research Network

[Harold F. Schiffman]

National Panel on Early Childhood Aboriginal Literacy to Discuss Key
Findings, Policy and Practice

http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/June2005/27/c5786.html

    TORONTO, June 27 /CNW/ - A national panel, comprised of some of
Canada's leading researchers in early childhood aboriginal literacy will
present today at 1:00 p.m. at the Toronto Marriott Eaton Centre and
discuss recent recommendations and findings and their implications on
policy and practice. The panel, part of the 4th Annual Network Conference
of the Canadian Language and Literacy Research Network, closely follows a
recent national roundtable that recommended a series of immediate actions
to improve success rates for aboriginal students.

    "These discussions and the potential changes to practice and policy
that have crippled the aboriginal communities for decades are vital if we
are to close the achievement gap for aboriginal students," says Helen
Raham, Executive Director of The Society for the Advancement of Excellence
in Education (SAEE) and Chair of the panel.

    Among the range of strategies that will be discussed as part of the
panel are:

    -  Establishing common indicators and standards of program quality
    -  Improving training and support for teachers in aboriginal settings
    -  Developing culturally relevant language and program resources
    -  Building parent capacity to participate in their children's
	education by creating aboriginal parenting centres and support
		associations
    -  Creating Centres of Excellence in Aboriginal Education to conduct
       applied research and program evaluation in early childhood
		development and literacy
    -  Establishing a national network for sharing research and best
		practice in aboriginal education

    The panel is part of a broader discussion of research in early
childhood literacy - the "Building Blocks" of positive change in literacy
in Canada, which is taking place in Toronto from June 26-29 at the 4th
Annual Network conference. The conference is the premier event of the
Canadian Language and Literacy Research Network and is attended by more
than 270 researchers, policy makers and practitioners from Canada and
around the globe. For a complete conference agenda, please visit the
Canadian Language and Literacy Research Network Conference Web site at
http://www.cllrnet.ca/Docs/ANC/2005/Agenda.pdf

    The Canadian Language and Literacy Research Network, a federal Network
of Centres of Excellence, brings together leading scientists, clinicians,
students and educators as well as public and private partners. The
Network's mandate is to generate, integrate and disseminate bias-free
scientific research and knowledge that is focused on improving and
sustaining children's language and literacy development in Canada. The
Network is hosted by The University of Western Ontario. For more
information on the Canadian Language and Literacy Research Network, visit
http://www.cllrnet.ca



For further information: Lisa Willemse, Communications Specialist,
Canadian Language and Literacy Research Network, (519) 319-2067