Graduation Planning and High School Pathways
The journey to graduation starts in Pre-K and ends in Grade 12. From the moment a student joins our Pre-k or Kindergarten programs, the goal is to prepare them step-by-step to achieve graduation.
When students enter Grade 9, they work with teachers, career counsellors, parents and administrators to begin planning their path to graduation and beyond. Each student has unique goals and that means the path to graduation looks different for every student in Prairie Valley. Setting students up for success is the primary focus of graduation planning.
That's why in Prairie Valley, we take an individualized approach to ensuring students in high school are in a program and/or graduation plan that fits their strengths.
Planning for Graduation in Grade 9
Students in Grade 9 begin the graduation planning process by creating student-specific plans to earn 24 credits in Grades 10-12 that are individualized and focuses on holistic student success. It's important to know that success is not solely based on academics.
Some students may require modifications to their academic plan, which could include reduced course loads, tutorials and other supports required to promote student success.
Individual students and their parents will work with school teams, which may include career counsellors, administrators, classroom teachers, learning support teachers, Prairie Valley Learning Supports (PVLS) team members, to design a graduation pathway that will be successful for them. Ensuring students achieve graduation at a pace and level appropriate to their skills is our top priority. Some of the strategies used in individualized graduation pathways may include:
- Increasing the time to complete courses/graduation plans (ie: planning for 4-years rather than 3-years)
- Enrolling in different courses or programming (ie. modified)
Regular programming
To also support all learners, some of the core courses in Grades 10, 11 and 12 may be offered at more than one level - core or modified courses. Some graduation plans will include all core courses, some will include all modified courses and some may include a combination of both.
Core Courses - 10, 20, 30
For a majority of students, a full schedule of regular courses is an attainable path to graduation. For some, it may be beneficial to insert some or all modified courses into their plan.
Modified Courses - 11, 21, 31
In general, courses numbered 11, 21, or 31 are modified. Course content, depth of concepts, assignments and evaluation techniques are modified to suit the skills and ability of students who will find success in modified courses. In Prairie Valley, we use the expertise of a multi-disciplinary team to develop specific graduation plans focused on holistic student success. It is important to note that administrator recommendation, in consultation with the learning supports team, career counsellors, classroom teachers, students and parents, is required for students to take modified courses.
The benefits of modified courses are the impacts on student success. Providing programming that meets each student's unique needs means:
- Increased attendance
- Assignments and instruction are at a challenging, and achievable level
- Programming and instruction are tailored to the individual which increases meaningful relationships and feelings of self-esteem
- Confidence grows in the student as a learner as they master curricular outcomes
- Engagement in school culture, including the learning environment, extracurricular activities and social opportunities
- Effective assessment of the student to determine current and ongoing levels of achievement and ability.
While modified courses meet the requirements for Grade 12 graduation, they may limit some post-secondary entrances after high school. This is why in Prairie Valley, we consult with the team as well as parents to find the best program options for students requiring modified courses.
What is key to this plan is understanding that student success and getting to grad is the focus; student success is not solely based on academic success.
Additional Education Program
These programs are designed for students with intensive needs who are unable to fulfill the requirements for regular or modified credits in the mainstream program. The Additional Education Program consists of two pathways towards graduation:
Alternative Education Program
Alternative Education-level courses are designed to meet the different learning needs of students who find success in significantly adapted curricula. Placement in alternative programming includes extensive involvement from teachers, Prairie Valley Learning Supports team members, administrators and career counsellors.
The focus of alternative education:
- opportunities to participate in regular courses
- school community involvement (e.g., extracurricular activities)
- community work placements
- build career/work plans
- personal and academic growth for each student based on their skills and needs
Functional Integrated Program
This program is designed for students with intellectual disabilities and/or multiple disabilities. The program involves integration in the mainstream classroom, school-based community, hometown community, work experience, life skills and social skills programs. It is highly individualized with a focus on life skills. Due to the high individualization of this program, the student must have an Inclusion and Intervention Plan to guide their social, academic and personal development.