Policy Manual

E-100-BR: Programming for Students

References:

• E-100
• Education Act: S: 19,11,18, 20,21,22,23
• Guide to Education
• Ministerial Order on Student Learning
  
  

1. Definitions
   1. Program - an education program based on the prescribed Alberta programs of study.
   2. Programs of Study - are established by Alberta Education and identify the student learning outcomes for all students in all subject-area courses and programs.
   3. Programming - refers to the program delivery and instructional model used to deliver the programs of study to particular groups of students and with individual students.
   4. Alternative Program - is considered to be a special configuration where a collection of students is scheduled to take the majority of their classes together. An alternative program delivers the programs of study by emphasizing a particular language, culture, religion, subject-matter, or using a particular teaching philosophy.  Alternative programs in the division currently consist of Advanced Placement, Cogito, French Immersion, Logos Christian and International Baccalaureate.
   5. 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. Current school-based academies include the recreation and hockey academies.
   6. Outreach School - flexible student program delivery in non-traditional settings.  Outreach School’s programming is provided to students who, due to individual circumstances, find that the traditional school setting does not meet their needs
   7. Inclusive Education Programming - the provision of programming and services which make it possible for students in need of specialized supports and services to receive an education appropriate to their abilities and needs. Adaptations to the outcomes in the programs of study, staffing, instructional and evaluation strategies, materials and resources, facilities or equipment may be required to provide specialized supports.
   8. Inclusive Education Program - is a specialized program with smaller classes offering specialized supports and services to meet the needs of students with diverse learning needs.  Flexible and responsive instruction is guided by an Individual Program Plan (IPP) and follows the Alberta Education Programs of Study, with adaptations and accommodations as necessary. Current special education programs include: Academic Challenge, Behavior Improvement, Goals, Learning Assistance and Opportunity. 

Alternative Programs 

1. The board of trustees reserves, to itself, the authority to approve the establishment of new alternative programs as defined by the board regulation.
2. The superintendent and/or designate(s) shall submit to the board any recommendations to establish a new alternative program, at minimum, six months prior to the suggested start-up date.
3. The closure of an alternative program requires board approval.
4. The housing of alternative programs may be determined by the superintendent.  In making the decision the superintendent will consult with division and school administration, as well as inform the board.
5. Principals shall submit a request to establish a new alternative program to the superintendent and/or designate(s), at a minimum, 12 months prior to the suggested start up. 
6. The superintendent and/or designate(s), in considering making a recommendation to the board for approval of a new program or the deletion of an existing alternative program, will consider factors such as:
   1. Rationale for program including a description of unique features;
   2. Degree of demand;
   3. Availability of staff and instructional resources;
   4. Impact on financial and human resources;
   5. Impact on facilities;
   6. Impact on current course and program offerings in this school as well as other schools in the division;
   7. Consistency with sound educational theory and practice;
   8. Consistency with board policies and administrative regulations; and
   9. Consistency with the Education Act, Alberta Education’s policies and its mission and mandate for education.

Programs in Languages other than English

1. The implementation of additional language immersion programs, other than French Immersion, requires board approval.

School-Based Academy 

1. Principals shall submit a request to establish a new school-based academy a minimum of 6 months prior to the suggested start-up.  The superintendent and/or designate(s), in considering the request will consider factors such as:
   1. Rationale for the academy including a description of unique features;
   2. Degree of demand;
   3. Availability of staff and instructional resources;
   4. Impact on financial and human resources;
   5. Impact on facilities;
   6. Impact on current course and program offerings in this school as well as other schools in the division; and
   7. Consistency with sound educational theory and practice.
2. The superintendent shall inform the board of any additions to or deletions of school-based academies.