E-100: Programming for Students
References:
- E-100-BR
- E-100.1-AR- Programs in languages other than English
- E-100.2-AR-Off-Campus Education
- E-100.3-AR-Outreach School
- E-100.4-AR-Inclusive Education Programming
- E-100.5-AR-Early Childhood Services
- E-100.6-AR-Home Education Program
- Education Act: S. 19, 11, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23
- Ministerial Order on Student Learning
The board of trustees is committed to ensuring that all students are provided access to a high quality education. The board is also committed to offering choice to meeting the diverse learning needs of all resident students by ensuring access to appropriate programming. The board believes that teaching the programs of study in different ways and in different settings helps students to achieve the learning outcomes of a K-12 education and allows students to reach their full potential. The board believes that programming should provide continuity and flexibility for student learning. However, regardless of how the programs of study are delivered, all students will have equitable access to high quality programming throughout the division.
To maximize the potential of each student, the Board of Trustees supports the development and provision of a range of programming and instructional models to increase student engagement and accommodate diverse learning needs and interests including, but not limited to:
Regular Programming
The board of trustees supports all St. Albert Public Schools offering regular English programming and recognizes that no two schools are quite the same. Regular programming presents the curriculum required by Alberta Education in a way that is accessible for all students with diverse learning needs and backgrounds.
Alternative Programs
The board of trustees supports the provision of alternative programs within the division as an educational choice for students and parents.
Alternative programs are programs that emphasize a particular language, culture, religion, or subject matter, or use a particular teaching philosophy. Alternative programs are offered where numbers warrant.
Early Childhood Programming
The board of trustees believes that the first six years of a child’s life are important to their development and future education. The board believes that children who have positive experiences during the early years are more likely to develop and learn in ways that help them meet their full potential. Therefore, the board supports the provision of optional early childhood programming designed to enhance children’s abilities and skills and to address their developmental needs.
Home Education
The board of trustees recognizes that parents/guardians have the right to choose home education for their children and believes that the board has a responsibility to support and assist the home education program in order to ensure that the children will have the opportunity to meet the standards of education in Alberta.
Inclusive Education Programming
The board of trustees supports offering a range of programs and instructional options to accommodate students in need of specialized supports and services. The board supports the philosophy that educating students in need of specialized supports and services in regular classrooms in designated schools is the first placement option. The board also recognizes that a student by virtue of their behavioral, communicative, learning, physical, or intellectual characteristics may benefit from an inclusive education program. The board believes that meaningful involvement of parents is key to successful programming for students in need of specialized supports and services.
Locally Developed Courses
The board of trustees supports the local development of junior high and senior high school complementary courses that do not duplicate provincially authorized courses. The purpose of locally developed courses is to further develop and cultivate the interests and abilities of students, as well as to foster continuous improvement and excellence through innovation at the school level to reflect the unique nature of the school community.
Off-Campus Education
The board of trustees supports off-campus education opportunities for students to gain practical workplace experience while exploring career pathways. The board believes that off campus opportunities assist students in making wise decisions regarding their future education, training and employment and contributes to a smooth transition from school to work and/or post-secondary institutions.
Outreach School
The board supports Outreach School as an important educational alternative for junior and senior high students who require supports and services that are not typically offered in a traditional school model. The board recognizes that traditional school models do not meet the needs of all students. The board believes that the flexible approach to teaching and learning offered through Outreach School is important.
Programs in Languages other than English
The board of trustees believes that learning additional languages fosters personal growth and enrichment, as well as an understanding and appreciation of that language and culture. The board further believes that the ability to communicate in an additional language enhances career possibilities, contributes to the bilingual and multicultural dimensions of our country and assists students to become citizens of the world. Accordingly, the board supports the provision of French Immersion and French as a Second Language programs as well as other additional language programs, where numbers warrant.
School-Based Academy
Is considered to be a special configuration where a collection of students is scheduled to take the majority of their optional classes together.