Ministry of Education
McGuinty government creating new opportunities for student success
Funding Expands, Creates Alternative Programs For High School Students
OTTAWA, March 3 - High school students across Ontario are
benefiting from innovative projects designed to provide them with new
opportunities for success in school, Minister of Education Gerard Kennedy
announced today.
"These projects are great examples of what our school boards, teachers
and student success leaders can accomplish when they're given the support and
resources they need," said Kennedy during a visit with students at a worksite
of the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board's New House Construction Program.
"Our government recognizes that a one-size-fits-all approach does not
work. That's why we're helping our school boards tailor more courses and
programs to the unique needs of students."
The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board has received $186,300 for the
New House Construction Program. Students enrolled in the program have a unique
opportunity to either build or completely renovate a house. They earn six
Grade 12 credits while getting valuable on-the-job training and learning
construction trade skills. The students are responsible for every element of
construction, from creating timelines and budgets to drywalling and roofing.
Five Ottawa-Carleton high schools are offering the program this semester.
"This new program will have an immediate impact on students," said Jim
Watson, MPP. "The McGuinty government's support for this project puts our
commitment to meet the diverse needs of students into action."
The McGuinty government is providing $18 million to school boards to
support projects or create new innovative approaches that are helping to
reduce the numbers of students who do not graduate from high school. Projects
are also helping students who have left school make a successful transition to
either work or apprenticeships. More than 100 projects are being funded.
"This is a life-changing experience for these students," says Frank
Allan, student success leader for the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board.
"The program provides them with a sense of accomplishment and confidence that
they never experienced in a classroom."
"Innovative projects such as this remind students and parents that
apprenticeship training and the skilled trades are exciting career options
that should be considered along with a college and university education," said
Mary Anne Chambers, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities.
"Every student should receive a good outcome from publicly funded
education, whether it is an apprenticeship, job placement, or admission to
college or university," said Kennedy.
"That's why we're providing flexible funding to schools to support more
choices for students."
Disponible en français.
www.edu.gov.on.ca
www.resultsontario.gov.on.ca
Backgrounder
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CREATING NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENT SUCCESS
The McGuinty government is investing $100 million in student success
strategies to help students reach their full potential. The government's
student success program is providing students with the support they need to
succeed.
A government-commissioned study on the performance of high school
students by Dr. Alan King of Queen's University estimates that close to 30 per
cent, or 48,000 high school students, are at risk of not graduating from high
school. Under the student success program, curriculum issues are being fixed,
technological education programs are being improved and additional
alternatives are being created.
Giving Students What They Need To Succeed
The McGuinty government is creating new opportunities for student success
with an investment of $18 million in more than 100 innovative projects in
school boards across the province. The projects create new choices and
opportunities for students, benefit students who have dropped out of high
school and need help making the transition back to school or to work, and
provide apprenticeship opportunities.
School boards are expanding existing programs or implementing new
projects that expand on the work of student success leaders.
Innovative Projects That Work
The government recognizes that a one-size-fits-all approach does not
work. The education system has to adapt to fit the needs of students, not the
other way around. That's why funding that is flexible is being targeted to
school boards so they can customize programs to better meet individual student
needs.
This funding is having an immediate impact on students this school year
by providing:
- Opportunities for students to catch up on missed assignments rather
than losing a credit and falling behind
- Programs that help students make the transition back to school and
earn credits with flexible timetables
- Social supports and resources through workplace and community agencies
for students who have dropped out of school
- Technological education and experience that can lead to apprenticeship
or work opportunities
- Independent learning opportunities with an emphasis on the development
of learning skills and co-operative education
- Opportunities for students to earn secondary and post-secondary
credits at college campuses
- Specialized supports for groups of students especially at risk, such
as Aboriginal and homeless students
- Expanded cooperative education and work experience
- Programming strategies for Grade 9 and 10 students who might be at
risk that include interdisciplinary teaching, weekly attendance groups
and intervention teams.
- Teachers to staff achievement centres where they work one-on-one with
students in Grade 7 to 12 as well as students who are returning to
school.
The Ridgemont High School Renovation Project
The 12 students enrolled in Ridgemont High School's Renovation Project
are taking on the daunting task of completely renovating a house. The students
will spend the next four months working on every element of the construction,
from framing, drywalling and plumbing to creating budgets and timelines.
"This project is about creating opportunities for students," says Walter
Piovesan, principal of Ridgemont High School. "It is providing valuable life
skills that can benefit all students."
Alex Lawson, a Grade 12 student enrolled in the program has experienced
frustration in school. Sometimes, it was a struggle for him to get up in the
morning to go to school. He's excited about the work ahead. "When I see the
completed house that I worked on," said Lawson, "I will feel more satisfaction
than I ever have with a book of notes." Lawson is hoping to pursue a career in
the trades.
Funding is enabling the building construction project to be offered to
students at five Ottawa-Carleton high schools this semester.
Today's announcement is the next step in creating a new role for public
high schools. Success for students will move beyond college and university to
include apprenticeships and skilled job placements. Future steps include
raising the school leaving age to 18 and creating an alternative diploma
combining work experience and academic accomplishment.
Disponible en français
www.edu.gov.on.ca
Contact Info
For further information: Amanda Alvaro, Minister's Office,
(416) 325-2632, (416) 509-5696 (cell); Wilma Davis, Communications Branch,
(416) 325-6730; Public Inquiries: (416) 325-2929 or 1-800-387-5514, TTY:
1-800-263-2892
