Evaluating Education Through Community Voice
An Action Research Study in a First Nations School
by Donald S. Tessier

---

The Community leaders of one band-operated school, this study's focus, did not consider the external evaluations mandated by the federal Department of Indian Affairs to be helpful in resolving student high dropout rates and low academic achievement. In cooperation with the community, the purpose of my study was to develop a school evaluative process that was more empowering to the people, more relevant to the community and reflective of its values. The study focuses on the methodology that was developed (the process) and not the specific findings. Overall, participants saw the process as effective. The 'gathering circle' methodology has the potential to be a viable model for any community-based examination that seeks cross-community consensus. A number of limitations and recommendations are identified for others who might choose to use this methodology.

---

"This book offers a thoughtful and important insight into how educational evaluation can be conducted within Indigenous communities in a way that is both respectful and grounded in proper protocol...." —Review by: Lorraine Cardinal-Roy, Cree Language Revitalization Specialist, (KTCEA)

---

DR. DONALD S. TESSIER Born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Don earned his Bachelor of Arts (1974) from the University of Winnipeg, a Bachelor of Education (1976), and a Master of Education (1979) from the University of Manitoba. Later, Don earned another Master of Education (1991) in Educational Administration and a Doctor of Education (2003) in Policy Studies & Leadership from the University of Alberta. Dr. Tessier has been engaged in the teaching profession for forty-one years in three different school jurisdictions throughout Western Canada – as teacher, principal, associate superintendent and acting superintendent. Dr. Tessier joined Northland School Division as principal in 1993 and was appointed associate superintendent in 2010 until 2017. Dr. Tessier’s most current position with Northland School Division was Director of Student Achievement, Attendance and Completion. Don is sports-oriented, mountain climber (one climb above 5900 meters) and a passionate traveler. He is a certified Open-Water diver and has earned a 2nd degree blackbelt in WADOKAI - traditional Japanese karate. Prior to the pandemic, Don travelled extensively throughout the world having visited over forty countries. For three summers [Guyana 2004), Guyana (2005), and Ghana (2006)], Don was selected to participate in Project Overseas sponsored by the Canadian Teachers’ Federation to support teaching pedagogy in developing countries. Don also taught ‘English as a Second Language’ in Fuyang, China during the summer of 2003. In a post-pandemic world, Don continues to travel to roads less traveled – recently, China, Japan, Egypt, Jordan, and throughout South America including Chile, Easter Island, Bolivia, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Cape Horn & Antarctica.

---

Contributors

Author

Donald S. Tessier