Primary students in Ross River showcasing the improvement in the number of words they could read in the Fall of 2023 and Spring of 2024. The Core Phonics Survey is a diagnostic assessment of a student’s phonics skills (e.g., identifying letter names and sounds and reading words with various spelling patterns). It helps teachers determine which skill components to focus on in instruction, and identify which students may benefit from additional support, either in small groups or one-on-one.

The First Nation School Board’s comprehensive Literacy Plan aims to improve literacy outcomes for students in a culturally-inclusive model. We do this by committing to science of reading approaches in all our schools, utilizing a team of Literacy Coaches to provide ongoing support and training to teachers, and by developing localized reading resources in collaboration with community.

"Their resilience of trying to read is much stronger. They don’t shut down. They know that they have the skills to decode something, as long as it’s in the range of what they’ve been taught. They know that they have the skills. We can talk about how we can sound a word out, and the tools we have to get to where we need to. The look on their face when they have just read a word... Community members have noticed a difference. Parents have noticed a change in confidence in reading.”

Heidi Warren, Former Principal at Nelnah Bessie John School

“Normalizing low expectations in reading levels for Yukon students is not ok - continuing the status quo in how we are teaching students when it is clearly not meeting their needs, was not acceptable. As many previous reports state: change has been long overdue.

Melissa Flynn, Executive Director of the First Nation School Board

“With the new literacy program, they are actually teaching our kids how to sound out words so they can read. My daughter was walking around going “c-. c-. a-. a-. t-. t-.” and then she was able to turn that into “cat.” She is reading words and she’s only three years old! With that new style, we’re seeing the improvements here in our children – fast too! It’s the new style. It’s unbelievable.”

Jason Van Fleet, Parent at Chief Zzeh Gittlit

“Nothing changes until something changes. Our results prove that being curious, following the most up-to-date research, and supporting our school teams with resources and coaching works. This increase in FNSB learners’ literacy scores is a huge part of reconciliation in this territory.”

Melissa Flynn, Executive Director of the First Nation School Board

“Even though they may not know every word, they can decode them and read books. They just want to read all the time now. These are kids I couldn’t get past a level 2, and now they’re reading a chapter book. In one year. The confidence and resilience it’s given them is key.”

Heidi Warren, Former Principal at Nelnah Bessie John School