The need to read
Echo Dene form strategy

Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Liard (Nov 19/99) - Literacy rates in the North are troubling, but recognizing that fact isn't enough. Something must be done about it, according to Echo Dene school principal Harry Kielly.

With that in mind, he and the staff at Echo Dene school have initiated the "Echo Dene School and Community Literacy Pilot Project," which will consist of some structured remedial programs.

Two to four different approaches will be assessed during the first year, which will run from January to June 2000, Kielly said.

The school has already arranged for a visit by renowned child psychologist Dr. Jim Battle to help staff improve students' self-esteem. They are also considering methods such as the Phoneme Sequencing program, which is a phonetic approach to reading.

Another program, called Structures of Intellect, has been successful in Alberta, according to Kielly. Another possibility is a program provided through a business called Spell/Read Canada.

The programs that best suit the majority of students will be adopted, he said. There are too many reasons why students have learning difficulties -- from absenteeism, fetal alcohol effects, malnourishment to family problems -- to remedy the problem completely.

"We know there's no magic answer for the problems. That's a given," Kielly said. "What we're looking at are a number of alternatives that have worked in other places ... I'm a firm believer that success leads to success."

Among the other focal points of the pilot project are to hire additional staff and work closely with health and social services to promote nutrition, eye care and family support.

The extra work will pay off in increased skill levels, easier delivery of other academic programs, reduction of behavioral problems and it may increase the level of parental support for school programs, according to Kielly.

He said community support, such as the Acho Dene Koe's $13,000 seed money donation, is essential to make the program work.

"This, in my mind, is a very, very big plus ... I think for the band to have taken this initiative through their business branch, which is Beaver Enterprises, is really an outstanding step for them to take," he said, adding that other organizations have given their verbal and written support.

Steve Kotchea, an Acho Dene Koe councillor, said the band knows education is important.

"We felt it was important that we be able to start this literacy program," he said. "We like to support the community."

It's hoped that $85,000-$100,000 in funding will be identified by NWT Community Mobilization for the program this year, through private funding and government support programs, Kielly said.