Self-Identification

Self-identification, related to ancestry, is important to our school system and to our students.

Collecting information about self-identification as part of our Student Information System helps create an accurate picture of our student population.

It is essential to know who our students are and which communities we serve. It helps us to understand how our demographics are changing and how best to support our students and schools.

In addition, self-identification may assist with:

  • Monitoring and supporting student well-being and success, with a particular focus on groups who are historically marginalized and racialized;
  • Maintaining and evaluating initiatives;
  • Identifying students who are eligible for designated scholarship and post-secondary opportunities; and,
  • Human resource management and the allocation of resources to best support the well-being and achievement of all students.

While questions around self-identification are included on all school registration forms, students and families are not required to self-identify. However, by self-identifying, students and families are helping the education system become more inclusive for all students and employees.


Privacy Statement
The Government of Nova Scotia is committed to protecting the privacy of students and families. Regional Centres for Education (RCEs) and the Conseil scolaire acadien provincial (CSAP) collect self-identification data under authority of the Education Act and the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIPOP) Act. 

The data is shared with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, which uses it for data analysis and educational programming purposes only. Wherever possible, data is de-identified and used at an aggregate level to protect privacy. 

Any data that could be identified with individual students or families is kept confidential and protected in accordance with provincial privacy legislation and policies. Self-identification data may also be shared with partners and researchers under strict privacy and confidentiality requirements. If you have any questions or comments, please contact your school principal or your RCE or CSAP.


Links
African Canadian Services
Mi'kmaq Services
Enrolment by Region by Self-Identification | Statistical Summary
Education Act
Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act