ENHANCED FUNDING FOR COMMUNITY EDUCATION PROJECTS

Released on May 6, 1996

Education Minister Pat Atkinson today announced the details of enhanced
funding for community education programs.

"Because of the success of the existing 17 schools within the Community
Schools Program and the Indian and Metis Education Development Program,
funding for these programs is being enhanced by a total of $2.35
million annually," Atkinson said. "What this means is eight to 10 new
community schools will be designated in low-income communities, and
there will be increased funding available for school divisions to
develop culturally affirming programming under the Indian and Metis
Education Development Program."

The Community Schools Program uses a holistic approach to help students
who are facing difficulties caused primarily by poverty. Included is
funding available to develop new northern community schools, in
recognition that the North can benefit from the Community Schools
model.

"These programs promote shared responsibility and culturally affirming
approaches to education," Atkinson said. "School divisions are
encouraged to hire staff who reflect the cultural composition of the
community. Active parental and community involvement is also
fundamental to the programs."

The minister also released a new policy and conceptual framework
outlining the new Community Schools model. Building Communities of
Hope --- Best Practices for Meeting the Learning Needs of At Risk and
Indian and Metis Students is a practical guide for communities that
want to adopt the model.

"The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to providing equal
opportunity and benefit to all students so they can reach their
potential and fully participate in society," Atkinson said.

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For more information, contact:

Rosanne Glass
Education
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-3897



MEDIA BACKGROUNDER
COMMUNITY EDUCATION PROGRAM FUNDING

Saskatchewan Education's Community Education Program is designed to meet the needs of children
and youth at risk. It consists of three components:

the Community Schools Program;
the Northern Community Schools Program; and
the Indian and Metis Education Development Program (IMED).

Enhanced funding of $2.35M has been allocated to the Community Education Program, bringing total
funding for the Program to $4.5M.

Community Schools Program

The Community Schools Program was established in 1980 to address the unique learning needs of
Indian and Metis peoples and of children living in poverty in three urban centres in the province.

There are 17 existing community schools: in Regina - Holy Rosary Community School, Sacred
Heart Community School, St. Augustine Community School, St. Michael Community School,
Connaught Community School, Herchmer Community School, Kitchener Community School; in
Prince Albert - St. John Community School, St. Michael Community School, Riverside Community
School, Queen Mary Community School; in Saskatoon - King George Community School, Pleasant
Hill Community School, Princess Alexandra Community School, Westmount Community School, St.
Mary Community School, and St. Michael Community School.

The Community Schools Program has been reviewed to ensure that policies, procedures and funding
approaches reflect changing needs and realities. The new policy and conceptual framework "Building
Communities of Hope -- Best Practices to Meeting the Learning Needs of At Risk and Indian and
Metis Students" reflects these new directions.

Northern Community Schools

Funding for the enhanced program recognizes that northern communities can also benefit from the
Community Schools approach.

Indian and Metis Education Development Program (IMED)

Additional funding will be available to rural and urban school divisions for IMED programs.

Projects funded by this program may:

provide resources for Indian languages curricula and program supports;
enhance culturally-affirming learning opportunities in communities with at least
10 percent Indian and Metis students;
support student retention efforts;
assist in development of comprehensive equity plans.


In 1995-96,the following school divisions received IMED funding:

Blaine Lake S.D. No. 57
Broadview S.D. No. 18
Creighton S.D. No. 111
Cupar S.D. No. 28
Ile-…-la-Crosse S.D. No. 112
Kinistino S.D. No. 55
Lloydminster S.D. No. 99
Lloydminster R.C.S.S.D. No. 89
Maple Creek S.D. No. 17
Meadow Lake S.D. No. 66
Nipawin S.D. No. 61
North Battleford S.D. No. 103
North Battleford R.C.S.S.D. No. 16
Northern Lakes S.D. No. 64
Northern Lights S.D. No. 113
Regina (East) S.D. No. 77
Saskatchewan Valley S.D. No. 49