U’h nook noh khunuk (in our own words): Lake Babine Nation parents’ understanding of school assessment

This research analyzes the perception of assessment among parents of Grade 4 students within the Lake Babine Nation. The Lake Babine Nation, located in central British Columbia, represents 2228 members and has three currently inhabited communities. Eighteen semi-structured interviews were completed and parents provided perspective regarding their understanding of assessment and how schools can better involve parents in the education process. Major findings include the identification of communication as a key component of student success in school. Communication was noted as important in providing parents with information necessary to assist their children, improve levels of trust and contend with historical factors influencing parent’s perceptions of school. Parents emphasized education as necessary for establishing a better life and placed importance on their children graduating with a Dogwood Certificate as a measure of success. Parents supported measures such as provincial testing to ensure the level of education a child receives is similar anywhere in the province.