Student Retention, A Regional Priority for Québec! The majority of the regions are already officially in action and are mobilizing themselves to prevent students from dropping out of school in Québec. It is the regional consulting authorities on student retention and the educational success (IRCs) who are unifying all the supporters working toward educational success for Québec students. The following distinguishes them from the other supporters of student retention: their role in mobilizing regional supporters and developing local partnerships in order to promote conditions for educational success. Each IRC has its own mission and structure of activities, which is unique since each one is adapted to the specific challenges of the region that it serves. The Axes of Intervention The regional authorities favour intervention axes in order to contribute to increasing the qualifications of youth in their respective regions.
- Building awareness among supporters: understanding the issues and impacts of non-completion of schooling on the lives of youth in addition to the effect on the socio-economic vitality of the regions.
- Mobilization of supporters coming from diverse backgrounds: to engage hundreds of supporters, at the municipal, community and business levels along with people from the fields of education and health, on the issues surrounding the structured action plans.
- Implementation of collective and multi-sector initiatives: to reach out not only to youth, families and schools, but also to related sectors such as businesses, community organizations, etc.
- Research and transfer of knowledge: document problematic and exemplary practices in order to improve regional and local expertise.
Examples of projects include:
- Awareness campaigns
- Awareness initiatives regarding work/school balance
- Intervention and support in at-risk areas
- Mobilization of people from a variety of sectors for the development of intervention plans with regard to student retention
- Initiate close observation and transfer of knowledge between supporters through conferences, training, etc.
- Research, inquiries and knowledge sharing on youth lifestyles, work/school balance, causes of non-completion of schooling, youth perceptions of school, etc.
Regions in Action! Since April 2005, regional authorities are collaborating in order to:
- Develop a common vision for the prevention of school dropout
- Maintain student retention as a high priority
- Share expertise and promote the transfer of initiatives
- Create an idea and initiative incubator that can be used as a space for co-fertilization
By getting involved on collective and interregional dossiers, the interregional network’s intention is to maximize use of available resources in our community and increase our capacity to innovate. For more information on the activities of the IRC network, please contact a member of the Coordinating Committee: Annie Grand-Mourcel, Partners for Educational Success in the Laurentides (PREL) agrand-mourcel@prel.qc.ca, Marie-Claude Brousseau, Groupe Neurones groupeneurones@csbaiejames.qc.ca, Andrée Mayer-Périard, Montreal Success Network (RRM) amayerperiard@reseaureussitemontreal.ca, Isabelle Ouellet, Committee to Improve Student Retention (CAPS) isabelleouellet@csdraveurs.qc.ca
The IRCs
Abitibi-Témiscamingue
Partnership Agreement for Academic Success in Abitibi-Témiscamingue Contact information Regional Conference of the Representatives 170, avenue Principale, bureau 102 Rouyn-Noranda (Québec) J9X 4P7 Contact: Josée Leblanc, Development Officer Tel.: 819.762.0774 E-mail: josee.leblanc@conferenceregionale.ca Website: www.actionreussite.com Mission To encourage and support collective mobilization in order to make academic success an unavoidable issue in ensuring the social and economic development of Abitibi-Témiscamingue. Initiatives Action Réussite values and promotes regional education culture, its inherently favourable conditions and showcases the local and regional supporters. Dialogue, partnerships, development of knowledge and close observation are key components to Action Réussite.
Bas-Saint-Laurent (Lower Saint Lawrence)
An Open and Supportive Community Striving for a Well-equipped, Educated and Healthy World (COSMOSS) Contact information 186, Lavoie street Rimouski (Québec) G5L 5Z1 Contact: Emma Savard, Regional Coordinator Tel.: 418 724-6440, ext. 232 E-mail: esavard@crebsl.org Website: www.cosmoss.qc.ca Mission Maximize the scope of existing measures to improve the state of health and well-being and promote student retention. Initiatives COSMOSS is developing communication and reference tools after having carefully assessed and understood possible scenarios and made an inventory of the services available. COSMOSS performs an internal mobilization of organizations and builds bridges between them for future networking.
Capitale-Nationale (National Capital)
Specific Agreement Regarding Student Retention, Academic Success and the Pursuit of Studies in Science and Technology Contact information National Capital Representatives Regional Conference 76, rue Saint-Paul Québec (Québec) G1K 3V9 Contact: Felix Bussières, Student Retention and Academic Success Advisor Tel.: 418 529-8475 E-mail: felix.bussieres@crecn.qc.ca SWebsite: http://perseverancecapitale.com/ Mission Increase graduation rates and qualifications in secondary school, reinforce the role of science and technology and promote the pursuit of studies and careers in the sciences. Initiatives The mobilization and increased awareness of regional supporters from diverse backgrounds enables the development of a common vision and fuels the process of creating action plans.
Centre-du-Québec (Central Quebec)
Collaboration Agreement between the CRE and the Board of Education Contact information Central Quebec Regional Board of Education 59 rue Monfette, local 227 Victoriaville (Québec) G6P 1J8 E-mail: perseverance@reussiteeducative.com Website: www.reussiteeducative.com Mission Improve educational success at all school levels with a special focus on obtaining a first degree. Initiatives Parents, employers, socio-economic organizations and the public are equipped, mobilized and informed in order to improve the educational success of students.
Chaudière-Appalaches
Chaudière-Appalaches – Organization in progress Contact information Partenaires pour la réussite éducative en Chaudière-Appalaches (PRÉCA) 671, Frontenac Thedford Mines (Québec) G6G 1N1 Contact: Anne Gilbert, Project Manager Tel.: 418 838-8300, ext: 53501 E-mail: anne.gilbert@csnavigateurs.qc.ca
Côte-Nord
Success- Achievement- Student Retention (COMITÉ RAP) Contact information Édifice Paul-Provencher 625, Laflèche boul, suite 1.812 Baie-Comeau (Québec) G5C 1C5 Contact : Janie Albert, Coordinator Tel.: 418 295-4411 E-mail: janie.albert@mels.gouv.qc.ca Website: www.cegep-baie-comeau.qc.ca/comiterap Mission Mobilize and involve all Côte-Nord partners to work toward the promotion of youth educational success and the prevention of school dropout by the implementation of local and regional initiatives. Initiatives The RAP committee holds a regional workshop and a day of reflection/visioning, initiates training projects for teachers and conference-workshops for parents, organizes a campaign to solicit large companies and carries out different media activities.
Estrie (Eastern Townships)
Project Partners for Educational Success in the Eastern Townships (PRÉE Project) Contact information 200, Belvédère Nord, suite 3.05 Sherbrooke (Québec) J1H 4A9 Contact: Éric Campbell, Coordinator Tel.: 819 820-3382, ext. 4257 E-mail: info@reussiteeducativeestrie.ca Website: www.reussiteeducativeestrie.ca Mission The Projet PRÉE mission is to implement the Eastern Townships’ Inter-level Consultation Board of Education’s (TECIÉ) mobilization and action plan, whose objective is to counter the phenomenon of school dropout and increase the qualification and graduation level of young people from the Eastern Townships. Initiatives Projet PRÉE implements a mobilization plan, develops related projects, supports local partners, produces and distributes information and outreach tools to a diverse clientele.
Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine (Gaspe and the Magdalen Islands)
Live and Learn/ Vis et Apprends Contact information Gaspe and Magdalen Islands Representatives Conference 153-2, de la Reine street Gaspé (Québec) G4X 1T5 Contact: Louis-François Bélanger Tel.: 418 368-6171, ext. 230 E-mail: louisfrancoisbelanger@cre-gim.net Website: www.visetapprends-liveandlearn.ca Mission The initiative aims to encourage the establishment of a culture of training and qualification in Gaspe and the Magdalen Islands. In order to do this, an action plan for the development and promotion of training and qualification has been created and efforts are being made towards its implementation. Initiatives From the production and distribution of promotion tools and information by different campaigns to the consultation of various actors and even to the organization of education related events, action is taken in order to achieve the mission of Live and Learn.
Lanaudière
Regional Committee for the Development of Education (CREVALE) Contact information 228, Bordeleau street Joliette (Québec) J6E 2H9 Contact: Johanne McMillan, Coordinator Tel.: 450 758-3585 E-mail: johanne.mcmillan@crevale.org Website: www.crevale.org Mission Educate and mobilize the Lanaudiere community to increase student retention, academic success, graduation and qualification of youth and adults. Initiatives CREVALE develops links between organizations and consultation structures and informs and educates community members about protective measures against the phenomenon of non-completion of schooling.
Laurentides (Laurentians)
Partners in Educational Success of Laurentian Youth (PREL) Contact information 120, Séminaire boul, 2nd floor Sainte-Thérèse (Québec) J7E 1Z2 Tel.: 450 434-7735 Contact : Annie Grand-Mourcel, Director E-mail: agrand-mourcel@prel.qc.ca Website: www.prel.qc.ca Mission The PREL is committed to increasing student retention, academic success, graduation and qualification, to ensure inclusion and social integration of Laurentian youth. Mobilization is one of the main catalysts for achieving these goals. Initiatives The PREL conducts research and disseminates results in order to mobilize supporters to enter into consultation and work collectively. Outreach activities on various issues related to student retention are organized and a 200 km walk through the 8 MRC’s of the Laurentians enables people to show their support for student retention and the educational success of youth.
Mauricie
Mauricie Committee on Student Retention and Educational Success (COMPERES) Contact information 100, Laviolette street, suite 213 Trois-Rivières (Québec) G9A 5S9 Contact : Katya Pelletier, Project Manager Tel.: 819 371-6711 ext. 4454 E-mail: perseverance.scolaire@cre-mauricie.qc.ca Website: www.soyonscomperes.com Mission COMPERES wants to mobilize supporters in the region to contribute to countering the problem of students not completing school. Initiatives COMPERES focuses on consultation and the involvement of family, school, community and business in the Mauricie region to increase the number of youth who graduate annually.
Montérégie
Réussite Montérégie Contact information 201, Charles-LeMoyne square, suite 6.01 Longueuil (Québec) J4K 2T5 Tel.: 450 928-7438 ext. 4202 Contacts : Jacinthe Polento & Julie Simard E-mail: julie.simard2@mels.gouv.qc.ca Website: www.reussitemonteregie.ca Mission Réussite Montérégie encourages dialogue and cross-sectoral and inter-level mobilization to prevent non-completion of schooling, to increase student retention and increase the graduation rate of students thereby contributing to economic and social development, ensuring higher employability levels and a qualified work force. Initiatives Réussite Montérégie works at two levels, namely by building awareness regarding the problem of non-completion of schooling and by promoting student retention. Films, polls, awareness campaigns by different supporters, a scholarship program and other initiatives are deployed to improve understanding of the problem of school dropouts and encourage student retention.
Vallée-du-Haut-Saint-Laurent (Upper St. Lawrence Valley)
Contact information CRÉ of the Upper St. Lawrence Valley 88, Saint-Laurent street Salaberry-de-Valleyfield (Québec) J6S 6J9 Tel : 450 370-1881 ext. 272 Contact : Sarah Mailhot, Educational and Social Success Coordinator E-mail: sarah.mailhot@crevhsl.org Website: www.crevhsl.org
Longueuil
Contact information Longueuil Youth Forum 365, rue Saint-Jean, suite 212 Longueuil, (Québec) J4H 2X7 Tel : 450- 651-9041 ext. 232 Contact: Martin Turbide, Coordinator E-mail: mturbide@forumjeunesselongueuil.ca Website: www.forumjeunesselongueuil.ca
Montérégie-Est
Contact information East Monteregie Representatives Regional Conference 255, Laurier boul., suite 200 McMasterville (Québec) J3G 0B7 Tel : 450 446-6491, ext. 2412 Contact : Cathy Froment, Development Advisor E-mail : cathy.froment@monteregie-est.org Website: www.monteregie-est.org
Montréal (Montreal)
Réseau réussite Montréal Coordonnées Contact information 1050, 5th avenue, suite 309 Verdun (Québec) H4G 2Z6 Tel.: 514 286-2346 Contact: Andrée Mayer-Périard, Director General E-mail: info@reseaureussitemontreal.ca Website: www.reseaureussitemontreal.ca Mission Mobilize all partners on the island of Montreal to create a place for the convergence of initiatives having a positive influence on youth, parents and supporters with the goal of increasing perseverance, student retention, success and re-insertion into schools. Initiatives With the collaboration of thirty partners committed to the success of youth and to keeping them in school, Réseau Réussite Montréal carries out initiatives targeted at strengthening prevention, helping 13-20 year-olds continue or return to job training, mobilizing local, regional and interregional supporters, documenting the situation in Montreal and promoting education.
Laval
Réussite Laval Contact information Laval Representatives Regional Conference Contact: Amandine Lainée, Development Agent Tel.: 450 686-4343 E-mail: a.laine@crelaval.qc.ca Website: www.crelaval.qc.ca Mission Réussite Laval expresses the will of the regional partners to pool their expertise and efforts to promote the educational success of Laval youth and make student retention a priority. Actions Réussite Laval works with many political, academic and ministerial supporters to create regional mobilization around the issue of student retention.
Nord-du-Québec (Northern Quebec)
Groupe Neurones Contact information James Bay School Board Educational Resource Services Vinette Complex 179, 5th avenue Chibougamau (Québec) G8P 3A7 Tel.: 418 748-2966 ext. 258 Contact: Marie-Claude Brousseau, Educational Resources Service Coordinator, CSBJ E-mail: groupeneurones@csbaiejames.qc.ca Mission Groupe Neurones’ mission is to stimulate academic success and student retention in Northern Quebec among the youth and adults of James Bay through local and regional initiatives. Initiatives The campaign Vitamine tes études!MC is an initiative of Groupe Neurones to promote student retention and academic success in James Bay. The campaign aims to raise awareness among the regional supporters regarding their roles and responsibilities in this area. Information, publicity and outreach activities are planned to stimulate awareness, mobilization and consultation.
Outaouais
Outaouais Educational Board (TEO) Contact information Outaouais Skills Center 361, West Maloney boul. Gatineau (Québec) J8T 7E9 Contact : Isabelle Ouellet, coordonnatrice du CAPS Tel.: 819 663-9221 ext. 11161 E-mail: isabelleouellet@csdraveurs.qc.ca Website: www.tableeducationoutaouais.com Mission The mission of the Outaouais Educational Board is to promote dialogue at all levels of education, amongst Francophones, Anglophones and the main regional supporters, about the major educational issues facing the region of Outaouais.
Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean
Regional Council for the Prevention of School Dropout (CRÉPAS) Contact information 3791, Fabrique street Jonquière (Québec) G7X 3W1 Contact : Isabel Auclair, Coordinator Tel.: 418 547-2191 ext. 338 E-mail: isabel.auclair@cjonquiere.qc.ca Website: www.crepas.qc.ca Mission Prevent dropout among youth in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean in high schools, colleges and universities through concerted local and regional initiatives. Initiatives CRÉPAS works in research and knowledge transfer as well as in the regional mobilization of dozens of volunteers from different backgrounds. Awareness campaigns aimed at parents are organized as teachers and businesses benefit from their involvement in the consultation process.
