AUGUST 31/2009 Cathy Faber – Calgary Board of Education Greg Michaud – SAIT Polytechnic CENTRE FOR ACADEMIC LEARNER SERVICES CAREER PATHWAYS THE INTEGRATION OF SECONDARY AND POST SECONDARY EDUCATION
Setting the Context Throughout the world the research is converging: The Future of Public Education Let’s Talk About Personalizing Learning Leading Personalized Learning in Schools Personalizing Learning: Transforming learning for every child Building the Education Revolution Alberta Education Business Plan 2009-2012 New CTS curriculum Inspiring Education: The Minister’s Dialogue with Albertans Setting the Direction for Special Education in Alberta The Distributed Learning Strategy Calgary Board of Education Three Year Education Plan
Setting the Context • Focus on Students High school completion Successful transition into the world of work and post secondary education Ensuring success in lifelong learning • Student Engagement Interest/Passion Relevance Learning styles • Student Voice Flexibility Choice Learning styles
Moving to Personalization Career Pathways is a strategy implemented by: the Calgary Board of Education the Calgary Roman Catholic Separate School District and SAIT Polytechnic for guiding students successfully through K-12 learning, into post secondary education and on to successful careers.
Pathways of Possibilities • Career Pathways, based on changes being lead by Alberta Education and Advanced Education and Technology in Alberta, merges K-12, post secondary education and business/industry together within career clusters. • Personalized, project-based learning environments where all students are challenged to meet high expectations.
Pathways of Possibilities A seamless system for transitioning students preparing for high demand occupations - from high school to post secondary education or apprenticeships. Students are able to earn post secondary credit and work experience from business and industry while still in high school. Incorporates best practices and innovative methods for teaching applied academics.
Corporate and Community Partners • Business and industry may provide employment and/or funding for post secondary training. • Community supports may provide expertise, resources, and extended learning environments • Career Pathways links education to the workplace through applied learning programs.
Benefits K-12 Students • Increased success in high school completion • Greater understanding of learning strengths, passions, and areas of growth • Increased opportunity to continue into post secondary education and the world of work • Increased awareness of career opportunities
Benefits Post Secondary Institutions • Increased skill level of applicants and graduates • Improved student engagement • Increased retention
Benefits Business • Increased number of qualified applicants • Increased skill level of employees • Increased retention
Pharmacy Technician – RetailProgram Map • Five-month certificate • First year – High school delivery • Second year – SAIT delivery • Retail pharmacy practicum (160 hours): Prescription preparation and pharmacist assistance
Collaborative Partners • Alberta Advanced Education and Technology • Alberta Education • Alberta Employment and Immigration • Calgary Board of Education • Calgary Roman Catholic Separate School District • SAIT Polytechnic
This model addresses issues such as… • Funding/tuition for post secondary • Grant based/earned revenue • Admission requirements • Curriculum development, mapping • Teaching qualifications • Dual credits • Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition • Transportation
Elements of Success • Student engagement – program completion • Parent satisfaction and support • Strong working relationships and partnerships among learning organizations • Support from Alberta Education and Alberta Advanced Education & Technology • Willingness to adapt policy to facilitate delivery for all stakeholders
Measurements of Success • Graduation rate – 82% • Employment and/or rate of further study • Application numbers of second cohort *Currently conducting stakeholder online survey on program delivery and objectives, career preparedness and transferability of related post secondary programs/courses.
Cohort • Twenty students from Calgary Board of Education (William Aberhart High School) • Twenty students from Calgary Roman Catholic Separate School District (St. Francis High School) • Orientation and screening
Student Feedback • Why did you choose this program? A combination of parental influence, health care focus as well as early post secondary participation • What advantages do you feel the PTR program will provide? Opportunities for employment • Has your experience been positive?All students: Yes!
Opportunities • Continued partnerships with the Calgary Board of Education and Calgary Catholic School District • Expanded partnerships
Further Studies (SAIT) Health and Public Safety Emergency Medical Responder Sterile Processing Technician Nutrition for Healthy Lifestyles Health Information Office Assistant Medical Transcription Medical Lab Assistant Information and Communications Technology Information of Technology Hospitality and Tourism Culinary Travel and Tourism Hospitality Management Transportation Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Technology Automotive Service Technology Manufacturing and Automation Automated Systems Engineering Technology Business Accounting Certificate Administrative Management Construction Technologies and Trades Architectural Technologies Civil Engineering Technology Geomatics Engineering Technology Engineering Design and Drafting Building/Mechanical/Engineering trades Energy Power Engineering Production Field Operator
Evolving Issues • Curriculum control/licensure • Role of regulatory agencies • Remote/distance program delivery within the province • Labour market needs • Communication and continuity with all partners
Q & A Session
