E d u c a t i o n a l L e a d e r s h i p P r o g r a m - 2014
Gwich’in Vista
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ELP Practicum Requirements - 2014
[Insert Date]
The completion of a practicum is a requirement for the completion of this program. A practicum by
definition is an extension of learning where the learner is involved in an activity that requires newly
acquired skills, knowledge and theory to be used in a practical or ‘real world’ situation. You learn by doing.
In our situation you have a choice of taking on a project related to a theme presented in this program
(Culturally Responsive Schools, Advocacy, Instructional Leadership) or extending your learning through
choosing to complete a number of assigned tasks. (YOUR CHOICE)
Practicum Advisor
You will need to identify a practicum advisor for this activity. The practicum advisor will be aware of our
plans, may offer some guidance and will be the person who confirms that you have completed your
practicum requirements. In most cases we recommend that the practicum advisor be your principal if you
are teaching in a school or your supervisor of schools or superintendent if you are in a principal position.
You may request that someone else serve as your advisor but will need approval from the program
coordinator if someone other than your principal or supervisor of schools/superintendent is going to serve
as your advisor.
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Choose to do either #1 or #2 (not both)
[Insert Date]
1. PROJECT
Work with your community (colleagues, school and broader community) to plan, carry out and evaluate a
project, new initiative or special activity that deals with culturally Responsive Schools, Student Advocacy or
Instructional Leadership for a group of students in your school. This does not need to be a large schoolwide project but may target a small group of students. Ideally, you (in consultation with the folks you
choose to work with and with the support of the school administration) will:
o
Choose the group of student you will work with.
o
Decide on the kind of activity or intervention.
o
Determine the learning outcomes (what it is you want students to learn)
o
Plan the activities and determine the resources, structure and how the learning will be measured.
o
Follow through with the activity / activities.
o
Conduct an assessment.
o
Document (a picture is worth…) with consideration of the process, challenges and summary of
outcomes.
o
Share the documentation with colleagues, your DEA, other interested folks and practicum advisor.
Some ideas of projects or interventions include:

Planning and implementing a new ALCBE program for a group of students. (see project ideas pg 5)

Setting up a Professional Learning Community (PLC) following ‘best practice’ guidelines, including
the identification of specific outcomes and perhaps, action research to measure change.

Plan and implement a program that targets student wellness. There are a variety of programs that
have been developed to support the mental health of students, address social skill development,
promote healthy lifestyles, build resilience, self-regulation or build confidence and leadership skills
in our children. An adaptation of an existing program or the development of something new with
specific objectives and a means of measuring outcomes and documentation of results would be an
excellent practicum project.
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2. EXTENDED LEARNING ACTIVITIES
[Insert
Date]
Choose to complete 5 of the following 12 tasks related to Culture-Based Learning.
1. Complete research on a particular historical incident, development or person from your
community’s past. This research should involve discussions with one or more community
elders. Document the experience (photos or video would be nice) and provide your practicum
advisor with a verbal and written summary.
2. Read a novel that involves aboriginal perspective, issues and personalities in its plot. Write a
brief review of that book with a view to using it as a teaching resource …or not.
3. Find someone willing to give you Dene (or Inuvialuktun) language lessons. Document your
progress and share the experience with your practicum advisor.
4. Read a non-fiction book or journal article that presents a topic that will help you better
understand Dene culture, beliefs or history.
5. Participate in a community cultural event(s) (hunting/fishing/sewing/skin
preparation/celebration/) . Document your activity and share that with your practicum advisor.
6. Watch and review 2 films showing life from an aboriginal perspective or dealing with aboriginal
issues. Critique the films and share this with your practicum advisor.
7. Establish a professional learning community and attempt some action research around the
issue of improving aboriginal student achievement.
8. Participate in any other activity that you think will help you better understand the culture and
traditions of the people from your community. Get your advisor’s approval for this activity and
document your experience.
9. Participate in the ECE Book Study club. (contact Elaine Stewart)
10. Learn more about available intervention / prevention programs such as the Department’s
‘Prevention to Collaborative Intervention’, the program the ‘4th R’, ‘Mind Up’ or any of the
programs designed to promote positive mental health outcomes.
11. Join a professional learning community and document the process (reflective journal).
12. Choose another activity that you think will help you better support the students in your school.
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Project Ideas - There are many, many activities that can contribute to strengthening the culture-based nature
of learning
[Insert
Date]in your school. Many are likely already taking place but there is room for more. Your project could
be an extension of something you have already started in your school.

A heritage fair for your school
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Organize a school wide ‘old photo’ sharing day
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Set up a language club
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A Moose hunt for a group of older students
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Organize a traditional dance group
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Traditional design/ skin preparation/ sewing
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Bring back a traditional celebration
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Traditional tool making as part of your tech program

Young trappers program
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‘On the land’ survival skills program
Reading List – Some suggested novels written from an aboriginal perspective or dealing with aboriginal issues.

The Lessor Blessed - Richard Van Camp -an NWT author with a plot set in the NWT.

The Complaints Department- Susan Haley.. ******’s recommendation…northern author, NWT setting
wonderful characters.

The Orenda – Joseph Boyden … Canada Reads winner 2014! Initial contact of European culture in
North America

Through Black Spruce – Joseph Boyden, Don’s recommendation- “I love the north, northern people,
flying, survival stories and happy endings… it has it all”

Indian Horse – Richard Wagamese. Wow… if you love hockey and want some insight into the
distruction resulting from residential schools this is the book.

Ragged Company – Richard Wagamese … a perspective from a collection of marginalized folks living in
the big city.

The Absolute True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. Sherman Alexie.. set in Washington State.. humerous

Halfbreed- Maria Campbell. A classic story about growing up Metis in Northern Saskatchewan

Kiss of the Fur Queen. Tompson Highway – deals with residential school issues.

Monkey Beach. Eden Robinson – set in the Queen Charlotte Islands
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