The International Observatory on Academic Achievement - Documentary search

File number :
IST-ISC-05e

Bibliographic reference :
Gouvernement du Québec, ministère de l’Éducation du Québec (2004). Statistical Portrait of School-Age Populations in Aboriginal Communities in Quebec. Education Statistics Bulletin. [On line]. No. 30, may 2004.
<http://www.mels.gouv.qc.ca/>

Abstract :

The bulletin entitled Statistical Portrait of School-Age Populations in Aboriginal Communities in Quebec released in May 2004 is an update of another bulletin (No 7) released in September 1998 (see file IST-ISC-06). The aim of this bulletin is to provide an updated view of the educational situation of Aboriginal populations in Quebec (Canada).

The bulletin first provides data on the Aboriginal population and its geographical location, language situation, and educational organization. Then information regarding the state of education of Aboriginal population is presented based on indicators such as the growth rate of school-aged groups and educational paths according to age. The data comes from two different censuses (1996 and 2001); nevertheless, general trends emerge.

The document shows an increase in school-aged population and school enrolment between 1996 and 2001. In addition, statistics detailed according to the Aboriginal communities reveal how students in these communities are behind with regard to schooling.

With respect to the year 2001-2002, the results of the study are clear. Transition from primary to secondary school is a shock that negatively affects the academic results of Aboriginal students. The low rate of academic achievement also has an effect on the pursuit of postsecondary education. This results in the general level of schooling of these communities being significantly lower than that observed in the non-Aboriginal population of Quebec as a whole. The overall information presented in the bulletin shows that in spite of the progress made during the last 25 years, education remains a major challenge for First Nations peoples.

Links :
http://www.mels.gouv.qc.ca/

Key Words :
Aboriginal/Native Communities, Amerindians, Aboriginal/Native Peoples, Inuit, First Nations, School Dropout, Academic Scores, Kindergarten, Academic Delay, Educational Path, Elementary School, Primary School, Secondary/High School

Monitored Countries :
Quebec (Canada)