Aboriginal dropout rates in Sask. schools higher than national average

(File photo)

A new report shows dropout rates among aboriginals in Saskatchewan schools are higher than the national average.

The C.D. Howe Institute study found 52.6 per cent of Saskatchewan First Nations people between the ages of 20 and 24 haven’t completed Grade 12.

The dropout rate for young Metis people in the province was lower at 28.6 per cent, but still well above the non-aboriginal rate of 12.8 per cent.

The national dropout rates among First Nations and Metis people were 48.1 per cent and 25.4 per cent respectively.

Manitoba had the highest dropout rates among aboriginals, followed by Alberta, while B.C.’s rates were the lowest.

The report attributes B.C.’s success to detailed monitoring of student outcomes, funding for school districts based on the number of aboriginal students, and better coordination among reserve schools.