Supported Learning
Life Skills | Gaining independence at home, at school, in the community and/or in the workplace is central to the development of self-reliance, confidence and daily functioning in society. Independence provides opportunities to interact and participate in daily activities that would otherwise be quite limited. It is important for students to be able to meet their potential and not be restricted by dependence on others in whatever choices they make throughout their lives. The transfer of independent living skills to everyday functioning is vital in order to become a self-sufficient and contributing member of society. The ultimate goal in the use of a life skills curriculum is to provide the student with the skills needed to achieve optimal independence, allowing the learner successful integration into their community. It is a curriculum that focuses on skills, knowledge and attitudes that are demanded in everyday life, incorporates the student’s present and future strengths and needs and are specifically taught in a targeted manner. In the life skills curriculum educators individualize student programming based on strengths and address identified needs.
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Boost | This innovative program supports the growth and success of individual academic, personal, and employability goals. We encourage and support a variety of students to provide optimum learning environments. Our teachers focus on developing genuine relationships with our students, building skills and addressing learning needs, while meeting students’ social-emotional needs. We work hard to help students build their self-confidence and to define their own academic journey. We value growth mindset, flexibility, and collaboration with in-house staff or community partners to support all the needs of our students. Students in this program are afforded the opportunity to earn 5 Learning Strategies credits per year as well as credits in HCS 3000 and CTR 1010 (employability based courses). There is also the potential for students to earn credits in module based courses. The Learning Strategies credits are designed to assist students in the classroom. Our aim is to provide a caring and understanding environment in which students can develop into self-confident, independent and efficient life-long learners. The focus of the program is the acquisition of strategies and the practice of course-based skills that will enable students to be more successful learners. Students will work to develop organization, time management, study and test-taking skills as well as improve their reading and writing skills in various subject areas. All students receive individualized instruction, aiding in the development of a positive attitude to learning. If a grade 10, 11, or 12 student is registered in Boost full-time, they are eligible to receive 5 credits per year (in either of Learning Strategies 15-25-35) for up to 15 credits, to be earned over 6 semesters. |
Knowledge & Employability | Knowledge and Employability (K&E) courses are directed toward improving students’ competencies in communication, computation, and social relationships. Students are afforded the opportunity to build upon their academic, employability, and personal skills as well as develop a sense of community and belonging. They obtain a sense of success and achievement in their learning experiences, thereby enhancing self-esteem and confidence. The K&E courses are designed for students who learn best through experiences that integrate essential employability skills in occupational contexts. K&E teachers use a variety of instructional practices, work hard to meet individual academic needs, and focus on assessment for learning to support their students’ success and growth. The courses provide students opportunities to enter employment or to continue their education. Students need to complete the required 80 credits to receive a Certificate of High School Achievement or 100 credits to obtain a general high school Diploma. |
