Evaluating Education Through Community Voice: An Action Research Study in a First Nations School

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.