NS First Nations students' graduation rate reaches 75% in 2011-12

According to Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey's annual report, the secondary school graduation rate among First Nations students in Nova Scotia was 75% in 2011-12, more than double the national average of 35%. The report also shows that more than 400 First Nations students went on to enrol in PSE last year and more than 100 graduated from PSE institutions at the end of the 2011-12 academic year. Literacy, numeracy, and student retention rates in elementary and high schools continued to rise and efforts to maintain and revitalize the Mi'kmaq language remained strong. The executive director of Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey attributes much of the success to the focused professional development of teachers at all grade levels and low student-teacher ratios that help instructors focus more on the needs of individual students. Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey News | Chronicle-Herald | Annual Report