Indigenous student graduation rates for First Nations, Métis and Inuit youth are increasing in Saskatchewan. (file photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Angela Brown

Eye on education

High School graduation rates for Indigenous students see increase

Aug 28, 2019 | 4:37 PM

Indigenous students are having better results achieving success graduating high school in Saskatchewan, based on the province’s figures.

The province is reporting more First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) students are graduating high school, however their graduation rates are still less than non FNMI student rates, based on numbers for 2017-18. The official statistics for 2018-19 are not available yet.

“The Ministry of Education wants to see all Saskatchewan students achieve success in the classroom,” Ministry of Education spokesperson Chris Hodges said in an email. “The Ministry – and the education sector as a whole – are committed to improving the graduation rates and outcomes for all students, particularly for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students.”

He stated the Ministry is also focused on increasing graduation rates as part of its strategic planning efforts.

According to the province’s numbers for on-time graduation rates, 44.5 per cent of FNMI students graduated in 2017-18. That is up from 43.2 per cent in 2016-17, and also higher than 31.3 per cent in 2007-08. Non FNMI students graduated at a rate of 86.5 per cent in 2017-18, higher than 85.4 per cent the year prior, and also above 81.6 per cent in 2007-08. The overall graduation rate for all students was 77.4 per cent in 2017-18, up from 76.5 per cent in 2016-17, and also higher than 73.8 per cent in 2007-08.

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In comparison, for extended-time (five-year) graduation rates, 59.4 per cent of FNMI students graduated in 2017-18, slightly lower than 59.8 per cent in 2016-17, but higher than 44.9 per cent in 2007-08. For non FNMI students, the rate was 91.1 per cent in 2017-18, up from 90.4 per cent in 2016-17, and also higher than 86.5 per cent in 2007-08. The overall extended-time graduation rate for all students was 84.4 per cent in 2017-18, higher than 84.0 per cent in 2016-17, and also an increase from 80.4 per cent in 2007-08.

“We are encouraged that we are moving in the right direction and that we are making a difference for all students, particularly our First Nations, Métis and Inuit students,” Hodges said. “We know that more work needs to be done, and will continue to work with our education sector partners to develop strategies that will increase student engagement and, ultimately, graduation rates.”

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angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow