Strategy UNESCO Associated Schools Network in Canada 1

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1 Strategy UNESCO Associated Schools Network in Canada 1 Introduction Created in 1953, the UNESCO Associated Schools Network (ASPnet) links educational institutions across the world in support of international understanding, peace, intercultural dialogue, sustainable development, and quality education in practice. The network includes more than 11,000 schools in 182 countries. Through ASPnet initiatives, students are brought together to reflect on global issues, such as peace, human rights, intercultural dialogue and sustainable development. ASPnet also actively contributes to the achievement of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, which is "to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. It focuses on target 4.7: Global Citizenship Education (GCED) and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). ASPnet in Canada ASPnet in Canada was officially founded in 2001 under the Canadian Commission for UNESCO (CCUNESCO). As the official organization responsible for coordinating the network in Canada, CCUNESCO appoints and supports the National Coordinator and provides liaison with its members in Canada and internationally. ASPnet now counts more than 80 schools in eight Canadian provinces. The purpose of this document is to provide strategic guidance to current and future ASPnet members and to inform them about ASPnet's mission, objectives, courses of action, governance and membership process in Canada. 2 The Strategy also provides a framework for the National Advisory Committee to ensure consistency in school support and decision-making and to help target and evaluate its influence. The Strategy is based on the international ASPnet Strategy and the Guide for UNESCO National Coordinators, while incorporating elements that are specific to Canada. It has been approved by the National Advisory Committee. 1 This Strategy was approved by the National Advisory Committee of ASPnet Canada and by the Executive Committee of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO. 2 "ASPnet in Canada" includes member schools, candidate schools, as well as the National Advisory Committee, composed of the National Coordinator and the Provincial Coordinators. Strategy ASPnet Canada 1

2 I. Vision Quality education for all in the pursuit of peace and sustainable development. II. Mission ASPnet aims to "elevate the defenses of peace in the minds of students by placing UNESCO's values and objectives at the forefront of the organization, courses, projects and policies of participating institutions." ASPnet focuses on four pillars of UNESCO education: Learning to know; Learning to do; Learning to be; Learning to live together. III. Objectives ASPnet schools are vectors of positive change. The objectives for are to: 1. Live and promote the values and principles of UNESCO, including fundamental rights and human dignity, gender equality, freedom, justice and democracy, respect for diversity and international dialogue and solidarity; 2. Contribute to achieving the 2030 Agenda Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in particular SDG 4 (Education 2030) and Target 4.7 (Education for Global Citizenship [ECM] and ESD) and integrate ECM and ESD into the teaching and learning processes of ASPnet schools; 3. Encourage interaction, collaboration and knowledge-sharing among ASPnet members at the regional, national and international levels; 4. Encourage collaboration and partnerships with local communities and foster a sense of belonging to local, national and international communities; and 5. Encourage innovative and inclusive education; participate in the laboratory of ideas by experimenting with innovative and creative pedagogies and translating general concepts into practice; foster a holistic and integrated approach. Strategy ASPnet Canada 2

3 IV. Thematic focus Following its mission and objectives, ASPnet contributes to the achievement of national and global goals. ASPnet in Canada focuses on four thematic areas of action: 1. Education for all (according to UNESCO s mission, values and priorities); 2. Global Citizenship Education; 3. Education for Sustainable Development; and 4. Reconciliation. Education for all concerns, among other things, access to quality education for all (adult education, education of immigrants and refugees, recognition of prior learning, technical and vocational training, etc.). Global Citizenship Education (GCED) aims to empower and encourage civic engagement of youth, both locally and globally, to engage them in thinking about and addressing global issues and to contribute proactively to creating a more just, peaceful, tolerant, inclusive, safe and sustainable world. Global citizenship education is essential to understanding global issues and promoting peace, tolerance and sustainable societies. ECM is a strategic area of UNESCO's Education Sector program. It aims to instill in learners the values, attitudes and behaviours that are the foundation of responsible global citizenship: creativity, innovation and commitment to peace, human rights and sustainable development. Global Citizenship Education (GCED) is also transformative. It gives learners the opportunity to exercise their rights and fulfill their obligations to promote a better world and a better future, as well as the skills needed to achieve it. It builds on lessons learned from other transformative educational processes, including human rights education, education for sustainable development, education for international and intercultural understanding, and education for peace. Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) aims to guide education so that everyone has the opportunity to acquire the values, attitudes, skills and knowledge needed to contribute to sustainable development. Reconciliation aims to build bridges and positive links between Indigenous and non-indigenous peoples. The network encourages reconciliation in action, including support for community initiatives and partnerships for inclusive communities. The main areas of intervention include: supporting and showcasing initiatives that reflect reconciliation in action, valuing and including Indigenous cultures, knowledge and perspectives, and creating the conditions for the active participation of Indigenous Peoples in ASPnet. Strategy ASPnet Canada 3

4 V. Important considerations In addition to the objectives and priority themes, ASPnet members in Canada have highlighted several elements that should be considered: 1. Flexibility is critical. Schools joining ASPnet must be able to decide how they want to implement UNESCO's principles within their schools; 2. The quality of school engagement should be prioritized over the number of member schools joining the network. Active participation and a holistic approach are highly encouraged; 3. Participation in ASPnet should support the teaching and administrative staff of schools, rather than be an additional task; 4. Youth should benefit from UNESCO's ideals and take an active part in mainstreaming UNESCO's values into the culture of their schools. The creation of a UNESCO student and teacher committee, which carries out ASPnet activities, is an example; 5. ASPnet should pay attention to reconciliation and to including Indigenous students; and 6. UNESCO schools should be visible and proud be a part of the network. Some examples of being visible are mentioning ASPnet on the school s website, displaying ASPnet's official banner for member schools and having students create visual artwork related to ASPnet. ASPnet relies on three complementary approaches: 1. Creating. As a laboratory of ideas, ASPnet develops, tests and disseminates innovative educational materials and promotes new teaching and learning approaches based on UNESCO's core values and priorities. 2. Teaching & Learning. Capacity building, innovative teaching and participative learning in specific ASPnet thematic areas allow school principals, teachers, students and school communities to integrate UNESCO's values and become role models in their communities and beyond. 3. Interacting. ASPnet gives its members opportunities to connect and share experiences, knowledge and good practices with schools, individuals, communities, policy-makers and society at large. ASPnet in Canada also supports the three intersectoral priorities of CCUNESCO: 1. Gender equality 2. Youth engagement 3. Reconciliation between Indigenous and non-indigenous peoples Strategy ASPnet Canada 4

5 VI. Courses of action and strategic orientation The ASPnet Strategy in Canada proposes courses of action to guide its members in achieving its mission and the pursuit of its strategic objectives. INCLUSION In the membership process, efforts should be made to reach youth and schools from different groups and populations in Canada from an inclusion perspective. Priority considerations should be given, but not limited to: o o o o Schools serving Indigenous communities (urban or regional) Schools located in disadvantaged communities Schools located in rural communities Schools serving minority language communities (for example, French schools or French immersion schools outside of Quebec) MATERIAL AND EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES Promote any relevant resource or educational material related to the values and ideals of quality inclusive education of UNESCO. Support, disseminate and promote any relevant initiatives related to ASPnet values and priorities, such as campaigns, contests, conferences, teacher's guides, games, educational resources, webinars and videoconferences. Provide professional development opportunities related to UNESCO values and ideals for school staff and coordinators. INNOVATION Support, encourage and promote innovative approaches. Allow spaces for creation and exploration where new tools, publications and approaches from ASPnet and CCUNESCO can be tested and evaluated for the benefit of students, teachers and the community. INTERACTION Support and encourage opportunities for networking and knowledge-sharing among UNESCO Associated Schools through conferences, webinars, online communication and Provincial/Territorial, regional or national meetings. Facilitate and supervise school twinning opportunities in Canada and abroad. Promote and participate in international ASPnet initiatives as appropriate. Support and promote school best practices within ASPnet in Canada and internationally. Strategy ASPnet Canada 5

6 COLLABORATION Collaborate and strengthen links with Provincial/Territorial and national education organizations, such as ministries of education, teacher associations and the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC) for adequate support to schools in their schools regions. Develop and strengthen partnerships and opportunities for collaboration with educational organizations, academia, school boards, teacher associations and youth groups, where relevant, to share knowledge and maximize the impact of ASPnet. Promote CCUNESCO's promising initiatives from other sectors, partners or networks. Strengthen links with other UNESCO networks (Youth Advisory Group, UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, UNESCO Global Geoparks, World Heritage Sites, UNESCO Chairs, etc.) HOLISTIC APPROACH Support and promote the whole-school approach, where all aspects of school life are taken into consideration. These aspects include school governance, teaching content and methodology, campus and facility management, and cooperation with partners and the community at large. Support and promote the active participation of all internal and external stakeholders of the school that is, students, teachers, principals, staff, families and community members for successful implementation of the overall pedagogical approach. CELEBRATION Participate in UNESCO-related events (United Nations Days, World Press Freedom Day, etc.). Showcase best practices outside of ASPnet. VII. Governance The ASPnet governance structure in Canada consists of four parts: 1. The International Coordinator at UNESCO Headquarters; 2. The National Coordinator, appointed by the Canadian Commission for UNESCO; 3. Provincial/Territorial Coordinators, appointed by the Provincial/Territorial Ministry of Education or territorial Department of Education, a teachers' association or any other recognized educational institution; and 4. Member schools (certified by UNESCO) and candidate schools (awaiting certification). Current and future ASPnet members in Canada are invited to consult Appendices 1 and 2 of this document as well as the ASPnet Guide for School Membership in Canada and the ASPnet website to learn more about the membership process and the roles and responsibilities of each member. Strategy ASPnet Canada 6

7 APPENDICE 1 MEMBERSHIP PROCESS Benefits of joining the network By belonging to a network linked to UNESCO, ASPnet schools have the opportunity to engage in innovative practices and participate in joint projects and exchanges with schools that are part of an impressive international network encompassing more than 11,000 schools in 182 countries. Other benefits include: Participating in pilot projects that promote UNESCO s ideals and renew the learning process; Supporting professional development for school staff and the acquisition of new skills for students in creativity, problem-solving, communication, information technology, etc.; and Taking part in joint projects on topics of vital importance and exchanges with other teachers and students within the country and abroad. Eligibility ASPnet is open to public or private schools as well as training institutions recognized by a province or territory. Formal and informal institutions providing preschool, primary, secondary, technical or vocational education and training are eligible. However, priority is given to: 1. Public schools; 2. Schools serving Indigenous communities (urban or regional); 3. Schools located in disadvantaged communities; 4. Schools located in rural communities; and 5. Schools serving minority language communities (for example, French schools or French immersion schools outside of Quebec). Membership There are two membership levels in Canada: candidate schools and member schools. Candidate schools are those that are interested in joining the network and working toward implementing a whole-schools approach that includes the ideals, values, work and principles of UNESCO within their school culture. Member schools have demonstrated a sustained commitment to the ideals, values, work and principles of UNESCO. UNESCO schools become candidate schools for a minimum of one year before being eligible for membership. Candidate and member schools must submit an annual report to their Provincial/Territorial Coordinators. Strategy ASPnet Canada 7

8 Membership criterion The main membership criterion is the voluntary commitment by the school leadership and community to promote UNESCO s values, ideals and work by: 1. Using innovative and participatory methodologies and approaches; 2. Providing safe, sustainable, non-violent, inclusive and effective learning environments for all students; and 3. Interacting with other schools in Canada and internationally. Submitting an application online Schools interested in joining the network must: 1. Become familiar with UNESCO s and CCUNESCO s work, in particular with the UNESCO Schools Network (ASPnet); 2. Contact their Provincial/Territorial Coordinator to set up a preliminary discussion to find out whether the expectations of a UNESCO school fit with their school s nature, mission and values; 3. Submit an Expression of Interest form via the Online Tool for ASPnet (OTA) and, if approved by both the Provincial/Territorial and National Coordinators, complete the application form online; and 4. Receive final approval as a candidate school by the National Coordinator based on the recommendations of the Provincial/Territorial Coordinator. *Note: There is no admission or membership fee to join the network. Schools that want to join ASPnet must apply using the Online Tool for ASPnet (OTA). The application is then reviewed by the Provincial/Territorial Coordinator and National Coordinator. A final recommendation is sent to the International Coordinator, who approves and certifies the membership. The application process is explained in more detail in the ASPnet Guide for School Membership in Canada. In exceptional cases where there are technical difficulties in submitting the application online, the National Coordinator may provide a form by or by post. Preparatory period Once a candidate school has demonstrated its commitment to the network, it can apply to become a member school. A preparatory period of at least one year is recommended for candidate schools following the submission of the Expression of Interest and the Application to the National Coordinator. Certification CCUNESCO is the organization responsible for ASPnet at the national level. The National Coordinator presents and recommends Canadian candidate schools to UNESCO for membership. Membership is granted and certified exclusively by UNESCO based on the recommendation received from the National Coordinator. UNESCO sends an electronic membership confirmation to the school and the National Coordinator. UNESCO also sends a signed original certificate to the National Coordinator for transmission to the new member. When certified, schools receive a username and tutorial for OTA from UNESCO, and are included in the global UNESCO ASPnet Directory. Only those schools officially certified by UNESCO are called ASPnet members. Strategy ASPnet Canada 8

9 Membership requirements Students and staff at candidate or member schools must uphold UNESCO s values and principles and commit to certain requirements: 1. Annual participation in at least one global or regional project, conference, contest or campaign proposed by UNESCO or by the Provincial/Territorial or National Coordinator; 2. Annual celebration of at least two United Nations days, selected from the ASPnet calendar on the online tool for ASPnet (OTA), involving the entire school community; 3. External display of ASPnet membership at the school, as provided by the National Coordinator (e.g., ASPnet member flag, logo on school website, etc.); 4. Informing the school community about the ASPnet membership (such as through staff, parent and student meetings; posters; school website, etc.); 5. Updating information on OTA at least once a year (contact information, school statistics and activities) 6. In Canada, participating or engaging in at least two thematic projects associated with four thematic priorities: Promoting UNESCO s mission and values; Global Citizenship Education; Education for Sustainable Development; Reconciliation. 7. Submission of an annual report to the Provincial/Territorial Coordinator using the template provided. Duration Membership has a fixed duration of five years. Membership can be renewed for the same duration providing the required conditions are fulfilled. The main means of verification is the annual member s report, which the Provincial/Territorial or National Coordinator can complement through visits or other monitoring and/or evaluation measures. UNESCO may also carry out selective monitoring exercises for quality assurance. Members may terminate their participation in ASPnet at any time by writing to their Provincial/Territorial Coordinator, who will notify the National Coordinator. In both cases, UNESCO confirms the termination of affiliation to the National Coordinator and removes the member from the directory. Strategy ASPnet Canada 9

10 APPENDICE 2 - GOVERNANCE The UNESCO Associated Schools Network operates at local, regional, national and international levels. This involves the participation of: 1. The International Coordinator at UNESCO headquarters; 2. The National Coordinator appointed by the Canadian Commission for UNESCO; 3. Provincial/Territorial Coordinators, sometimes appointed by the Ministry of Education of the province or territory, or by a teachers' association or other educational institution; and 4. Member schools (ASPnet schools certified by UNESCO) and candidate schools (awaiting certification). Within Canada, ASPnet is supported by Provincial/Territorial Coordinators. Together, the Provincial/Territorial Coordinators and National Coordinator constitute the ASPnet National Advisory Committee. The National Advisory Committee is chaired by a Provincial/Territorial Coordinator for a twoyear mandate. After two years, the Chair position passes to a different region of Canada. Roles and responsibilities International Coordinator: The International Coordinator, who is in charge of ASPnet in the Education Sector at UNESCO headquarters, is responsible for the overall global coordination and management of the network, providing strategic, technical and quality-assurance guidance to the National Coordinators. The International Coordinator has the delegated authority of UNESCO to certify ASPnet membership and steer the planning of UNESCO global projects and activities in collaboration with UNESCO program sectors, field offices and institutes. The International Coordinator facilitates collaboration between countries and regions and develops communication materials and mechanisms to make the network visible as an agent of change. The International Coordinator reports to the UNESCO governing bodies on the activities of ASPnet based on the annual reports submitted by the National Coordinators and the activity information provided by members through the Online Tool for ASPnet. National Coordinator: The National Coordinator is appointed by the Secretariat of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO and is responsible for overseeing the operation and management of ASPnet, including quality assurance at the country level. The National Coordinator links ASPnet schools with national authorities and the International Coordinator at UNESCO, and encourages and supports the development and implementation of ASPnet activities in the country. As the intermediary between members and the International Coordinator, the National Coordinator is responsible for relaying information from the International Coordinator to the network and for reporting to the International Coordinator on the countries ASPnet activities. Provincial/Territorial Coordinators: Provincial/Territorial Coordinators facilitate the coordination of UNESCO schools in their province or territory. They provide support and assistance to schools as needed by coordinating regional meetings, disseminating UNESCO-related information, monitoring activities through annual reports, and promoting good practices within the network. They are also responsible for promoting the network in their regions and acting as the key contacts for queries in their regions. They also contribute to and recommend the selection of new candidate and member schools and act as liaisons between UNESCO schools and the National Coordinator. Strategy ASPnet Canada 10

11 Member schools: Schools are the main members of ASPnet. In each member school, the principal nominates an ASPnet contact person who will liaise with the Provincial/Territorial Coordinator and with other members and partners. Schools are the main actors of ASPnet, responsible for the development and implementation of their own innovative projects, other initiatives and the whole-school approach. They are also the main beneficiaries and targets of the projects initiated by their National Coordinator and/or the International Coordinator. One of their important responsibilities is to share their experiences with other schools domestically and abroad as well as with their communities and the National Coordinator, broadening the impact of ASPnet. National Advisory Committee: The ASPnet National Advisory Committee supports the governance of the network. Members include all Provincial/Territorial Coordinators and the National Coordinator. Chair of the National Advisory Committee: The Chair presides over ASPnet s National Advisory Committee and supports the work of the National Coordinator and other Provincial/Territorial Coordinators. This role can also include representing the network when needed. The Chair has a mandate of two years, after which, the position passes on to a different province. Strategy ASPnet Canada 11