Information for Students and Parent(s )/Guardian(s)

Prior Learning Assessment • and Recognition (PLAR) • Challenge for a Credit Information for Students and Parent(s)/Guardian(s) Curriculum Instruction Support Services

The PLAR Challenge Process (Source Policy/Program Memorandum No. 129)

PLAR Challenge Process

STEP 1: Overview • Frequently Asked Questions Who is eligible to submit a PLAR challenge? • Current Peel District School Board students registered in a secondary school. • Is parent/guardian permission required? • Yes, if the student is under 18 years of age.

STEP 1: Overview • Frequently asked questions continued What courses are students able to challenge for credit? Grade 10, 11 or 12 course found in the Ontario curriculum and offered in the Peel District School Board. http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/curriculum/secondary/index.html How many courses are students able to challenge for credit? Students may earn no more than four credits including a maximum of two credits in any one subject area.

STEP 1: Overview Students cannot be granted credits through the challenge process for any of the following: • a course where a credit has already been granted; • a course previously attempted but not earned; • a course where curriculum expectations significantly overlap with those from a course where a credit was previously granted • a course in any subject if a credit has already been granted in a higher grade in that same subject area;

STEP 1: Overview Students cannot be granted credits through the challenge process for any of the following: continued • a course in English as a Second Language (ESL) or English Literacy Development (ELD) if the student has previously been granted one or more credits in English; • a locally developed course; • a cooperative education course; • a course in French as a Second Language if the student has one or more credits from a French school.

STEP 2: Application Package • Application Form • Note:This form requires the signature of the Principal • (or designate) of the student’s home school.

STEP 2: Application Package • Student Paragraph • not evaluated as a component of the course being challenged; • an opportunity to indicate why challenging for this credit will help support fulfilling educational goals; • an opportunity to connect special interests and skills related to the course being challenged. Note: Refer to your Individual Pathways Plan (IPP) on myBlueprint.

STEP 2: Application Package • Letter of Recommendation #1 • Subject Teacher/Guidance Counsellor • Completed by: • Subject teacher or guidance counsellor • Student is required to review with the subject teacher • or guidance counsellor the following: • PLAR information (http://www.peelschools.org/students/graduationrequirements/Pages/default.aspx); • course expectations and achievement chart (http://www.peelschools.org/students/graduationrequirements/Pages/default.aspx)

STEP 2: Application Package • Letter of Recommendation #2Community Member • Completed by: • Community member e.g., coach, instructor. • Student is required to review with the community member the following: • PLAR information (http://www.peelschools.org/students/graduationrequirements/Pages/default.aspx); • course expectations and achievement chart (http://www.peelschools.org/students/graduationrequirements/Pages/default.aspx).

STEP 2: Application Package • Knowledge and Skills Portfolio • Summary of Course Expectations and Demonstrations of Prior Learning • In order to complete this form: • reflect on your prior learning relevant to the course being challenged; • refer to current Ontario curriculum specific to the course being challenged; • refer to the achievement chart and rubrics specific to the subject area of the course being challenged. • http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/curriculum/secondary/subjects.html • refer to the student tip sheet for assistance found at: • http://www.peelschools.org/students/graduationrequirements/Pages/default.aspx

STEP 2: Application Package • Knowledge and Skills Portfolio continued • Evidence of Learning Select 3 to 5 of the prior learnings briefly described in the chart above to expand on when completing the Evidence of Learning form shown below.

STEP 2: Application Package • Knowledge and Skills Portfolio • Evidence of Learningcontinued

STEP 3: Assessment and Evaluation Timelines

STEP 3: Assessment and Evaluation Accommodations • Accommodations will be provided to eligible special education students and English Language Learners; • Students requiring these supports are asked to consult with the teacher–assessor prior to the Formal Tests/Assessments.

STEP 3: Assessment and Evaluation How will I be assessed/evaluated? The assessment and evaluation will be based on evidence collected from three different sources: observations, conversations, and products. (Source Growing Success Assessment, Evaluation, and Reporting in Ontario Schools)

STEP 3: Assessment and Evaluation How will I be assessed/evaluated? continued Your knowledge & skills will be assessed in all 4 of the achievement categories: • Knowledge & Understanding • Thinking • Communication • Application • Refer to achievement chart categories and rubrics specific to the subject area of the course being challenged. • http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/curriculum/secondary/subjects.html

STEP 3: Assessment and Evaluation How will the final grade be determined? • Knowledge and Skills Portfolio (70%) • Variety of assessments submitted by the student by February 1st. • Formal Tests/Assessments (30%) • Balance between written work and practical demonstrations administered by the teacher-assessor in April evening(s).

STEP 4: Recording and Reporting How will results be communicated to the student and parent/guardian ? A Student Report will be sent to the home school to share with the student and their family.

STEP 4: Recording and Reporting How are my results shared with my school? • AFinal Report will be sent to your home school. 1. Your Guidance Counsellor will: 2. The following will be recorded on your Ontario Student Transcript (OST): • file the Final Report in your OSR, and • update your credit history. • a percentage grade for any successfully • challenged Grade 10 course; • a percentage grade for both successfully • and unsuccessfully Grade 11 and 12 courses • challenged.

If you require more information please contact: • Instructional Coordinator • Pathways, Guidance and Career Education • 905 890-1010 ext. 2551

Information for Students and Parent(s )/Guardian(s)