Provincial Auditor General Carol Bellringer’s latest report looks at the success of aboriginal students.
It finds, that while the Ministry of Education has made progress, there’s a lot more to do.
Bellringer says, for instance, that racism is still a big barrier, and it comes from an attitude schools could easily change.
“In the education system, racism can come from low expectations of certain students, based on preconceptions or biases,” she says. “…educators need to expect that all aboriginal students will graduate.”
On the positive side, the report points to a steady improvement in the provincial graduation rate for aboriginal students which is now 62 per cent.
The Nanaimo Ladysmith District’s rate is marginally better at 64 per cent. The Sunshine Coast’s is 72 per cent.
Bellringer makes 11 recommendations, and she says following them would help all BC students.
The report is available here.
