Work has begun on a program that will provide some students with an incentive to stay in school says PEI's Minister of Education. Starting this year, students can take a number of practical courses which will count as credits toward a high school graduation diploma.
"School principals have been asking for a program like this for years," said the Hon. Gordon MacInnis. "Most importantly it meets the needs of a targeted group of students that we might otherwise lose from the system as drop outs. A practical program gives these students a reason to stay in school, and ultimately a chance to find employment and contribute to society."
The practical program is designed for students with limited academic motivation, and who tend to drop out of school because they are unable to complete the required number of credits for graduation. These students are unable to meet the requirements of an academic or general program. They tend to be tactile, or "hands-on" learners.
MacInnis says the program also exemplifies educational partnerships, a concept the Department has been promoting. "The grade 10-12 program is just a first phase. Providing students with an achievable goal is one thing, but we have to be just as concerned with this goal being a useful and relevant one," added the Minister. "The key to the program really lies in what happens following graduation. In Phase II, the students are assessed, provided training and then given worksite placements." This second phase, which was piloted last year, is a partnership between the federal government and Holland College.
Pilots in the grade 10 subject areas of English, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies are currently being conducted. Department consultants are looking for appropriate resource materials to supplement the courses.
There is also a procedure to modify existing curriculum to meet practical requirements. MacInnis says these guidelines will be useful for schools that do not have enough students to justify the program. "If a school has only a small number of students for whom this program would be appropriate, the teacher will be able to modify existing curriculum through these guidelines. That way, the student's need will still be met without incurring any extra expenses."
Over the next three years courses in grade 11 Social Studies, English and Mathematics and grade 12 English and Mathematics will be reviewed. The modification guidelines will be used to develop courses in grade 11 and 12 science. The Department is also looking at cross listing courses such as Power Mechanics that contain other science related components which could fulfil part of the science requirements for graduation.
For more information contact: Eldon Rogerson, Director, English Programs & Services, 368-6070