The Student Support Worker Program

In December of 1994, the Black Learners Advisory Committee (BLAC) released a report entitled BLAC Report on Education: Redressing Inequity - Empowering Black Learners. In June of 1995, the 46 recommendations contained in the report were accepted by the Nova Scotia Government.

Recommendation 5B was to provide a support person in the school to whom Black learners can go to for assistance. Thus the Student Support Worker Program, already established in Halifax, was expanded across the province.

The primary role of the Student Support Worker (SSW) is to provide support for students of African descent and their families in order to make their schooling a more positive experience, thereby helping the student achieve success and remain in school.

The Student Support Worker Program is under the Race Relations, Cross Cultural Understanding, & Human Rights (RCH) Division of the Annapolis Valley Regional School Board. Student Support Workers work with the support of the school principals and staff, under the direction of the RCH Coordinator. They work as part of a team, which includes students, parents, principals, teachers, support staff and at times community agencies.

The Annapolis Valley Regional School Board has established the Student Support Worker Program in the following areas:

Annapolis Royal Annapolis Royal Regional Academy Annapolis West Education Centre Champlain Elementary School Clark Rutherford Memorial School Bridgetown Bridgetown Regional Elementary Bridgetown Regional High School Middleton Regional High School Kentville Aldershot Elementary School KCA Elementary/Junior High Northeast Kings Education Centre Kingston West Kings District High School Pine Ridge Middle School Kingston & District School Dwight Ross Elementary School St. Mary's Elementary School Windsor Avon View High School Falmouth District School Three Miles Plains Elementary West Hants Middle School Windsor Elementary School Wolfville Evangeline Middle School Horton High School New Minas Elementary School Wolfville School

Student Support Workers In Action:

Providing support on a personal basis with identified students (parents when appropriate) in a variety of settings.

Liaison between students, staff, parents/guardians, and community.

Being familiar with the histories and circumstances of students.

Identifying the availability of external educational support initiatives (such as tutoring programs, special scholarships, and cultural activities, etc.).

Exploring with students appropriate course selection, as well as post secondary career and education options.

Encouraging daily attendance and punctuality of students.

Providing assistance to staff and students to help make the school reflective of cultural diversity and a welcoming place.

The Student Support Worker Program is designed to:

• provide positive role models.

• monitor the academic progress of students, and, in cooperation with school staff, establish a method for tracking that progress and relaying appropriate information to the home.

• assist in developing a learning environment and atmosphere that is conducive to learning for all students.

• work with system staff and appropriate external educational organizations for stay-in-school strategies and academic success.

• record student disciplinary difficulties in order to take action in an attempt to avoid the need for suspension or expulsion.
  In the case of suspension, ensure steps are taken to minimize its impact on academic performance.

• establish, as necessary, personal contact with parents/guardians through visits to the home or by telephone.

Contact Information

AVRSB
RCH Coordinator
P.O. Box 340
121 Orchard Street
Berwick, NS B0P 1E0
Phone: (902) 538-4628
Fax: (902) 538-4630
Toll Free: 1-800-850-3887

Annapolis Royal Area
Student Support Worker
Annapolis West Education Centre
P.O. Box 399
Annapolis Royal, NS B0S 1A0
Phone: (902) 532-3150
Fax: (902) 532-3160

Bridgetown Area
Student Support Worker
Bridgetown Regional High School
P.O. Box 40
456 Granville Street
Bridgetown, NS B0S 1C0
Phone: (902) 665-5408
Fax: (902) 665-5404

Kentville Area
Student Support Worker
Northeast Kings Education Centre
RR#5
1816 Bains Road
Canning, NS B0P 1H0
Phone: (902) 582-2061
Fax: (902) 582-2044

Kingston Area
Student Support Worker
West Kings District High School
Box 79 (1941 Hwy 1)
Auburn, NS B0P 1A0
Phone: (902) 847-4454
Fax: (902) 847-4444

Windsor/West Hants Area
Student Support Worker
Avon View High School
225 Payzant Drive
Windsor, NS B0N 2T0
Phone: (902) 798-6626
Fax: (902) 792-6742

Wolfville Area
Student Support Worker
Horton High School
RR#2
Wolfville, NS B0P 1X0
Phone: (902) 542-6060
Fax: (902) 542-6066