Instructional Programs and Materials AP 214: Knowledge and Employability Courses

Background

Knowledge and Employability courses provide students in grades 8 to 12 who meet the criteria with opportunities to experience success and become well prepared for employment, further studies, citizenship and lifelong learning.

Knowledge and Employability courses are for students in Grades 8 to 12 who demonstrate reading, writing, mathematical and/or other levels of achievement two to three grade levels below their age-appropriate grade.  

Students may combine K&E courses with other junior–senior high school courses or transition in and out of K&E courses throughout Grades 8 to 12.

Procedures

1. Students shall be enrolled in courses appropriate to their highest level of achievement;
2. Students shall be encouraged to achieve:
   1. A Certificate of Achievement when they successfully complete 80 credits in an appropriate combination of Knowledge and Employability and other courses, and/or,
   2. An Alberta High School Diploma where provincial requirements have been met;
3. Students will be identified, assessed and enrolled in Knowledge and Employability or other courses in accordance with provincial criteria including:
   1. Student is a minimum age of 12 years 6 months on September 1;
   2. Student’s goals:
      1. Include succeeding in school to become better prepared for the workplace and/or other secondary/post-secondary opportunities, and
      2. Parallel the philosophy, rationale, goals and outcomes of the courses;
   3. Student’s assessments indicate:
      1. That strengths, needs and abilities will be appropriately addressed and enhanced through enrolment in one or more of the courses;
      2. Achievement of success through learning activities that
         1. Focus on reading, writing and mathematical literacy in everyday living and occupational contexts, and,
         2. Provide practical applications and connections to the home, community and workplace;
   4. Students with some identified specialized learning needs may be enrolled in one or more of the courses:
      1. If the courses are consistent with their individual goals, abilities and needs and are deemed the most appropriate course(s), and
      2. If the programming for these students with special needs meets the requirements outlined in the Standards for Special Education, Amended June 2004;
4. Students who are involved in off-campus activities through occupational and other courses shall meet the requirements included in the Guide to Education: ECS to Grade 12 and the off-campus education guide.
5. Placement of students in Knowledge and Employability or other courses will be determined by the Principal.
6. Students shall be enrolled in Knowledge and Employability or other courses in accordance with the following processes:
   1. Review of past performance in a variety of recorded and documented standardized and classroom assessments;
   2. Annual written consent of the student and, if the student is under the age of 16 years, parent(s)/guardian(s);
   3. Consultation with the student, the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s), teachers, counselors and other staff
7. Information shall be provided by the Principal or designate to the student and parent(s)/guardian(s) about
   1. The philosophy, goals and nature of the courses;
   2. Attainable transitions to secondary, post-secondary and workplace opportunities;
   3. Creation of a plan that clearly states:
      1. The student’s goals, and,
      2. Maps and tracks courses needed to achieve those goals;
8. Appeal
   1. Parents shall be informed of their right of appeal of educational decisions affecting their child.
   2. Every effort will be made to resolve concerns of parents regarding the education of a student in Knowledge and Employability and other courses beginning at the school level and progressing to involvement of the Director of Inclusive Learning and/or the Superintendent or designate and if necessary to formal appeal in writing to the Board.
   3. Parents may request a review by the Minister of Education of a decision by the Board which significantly affects the education of their child.