Student Success Initiative
Six ways
Engaging students in new and innovative ways
Now in its fourth year, the Student Success Initiative is giving students more ways to accumulate credits to graduate, while improving the overall quality of education in Ontario’s secondary schools.
“Every student is an individual, with unique interests, goals, and strengths,” says Anna Barsanti, Student Success/Learning to 18 Leader in Rainbow Schools. “The Student Success Initiative recognizes that each student should be given an opportunity to reach their full potential.”
Student Success Teams
Every secondary school now has a dedicated team that provides extra attention and support to students when needed. The Student Success Team is made up of the Principal, the Student Success Teacher, a guidance counselor, and special education staff.Together, they identify and support struggling students, provide more options for learning and monitor student progress. Each Student Success Team works with school staff, students, parents/guardians, and the community to ensure more students in Rainbow Schools earn the credits they need to graduate.
Expanded Co-op Credit
Students can now apply two co-op credits towards their core graduation requirements. When students make the connection between the classroom and the world of work, learning becomes that much more relevant. This hands-on experience gives students an opportunity to test drive career options.Rainbow Schools are developing stronger partnerships between education, business, and community organizations in order to increase the number of co-op and job placement opportunities for students in Sudbury, Espanola and Manitoulin.
Specialist High Skills Major
The Specialist High Skills Major allows students to focus on a career path that matches their individual skills and interests. Each major is a bundle of 6 to 12 courses in a selected field, such as hospitality and tourism, mining or construction.Students who choose a major learn on the job and can earn valuable industry certifications, including first aid and computer technology qualifications. Students who complete a major will graduate from secondary school with the knowledge, skills, and industry-recognized qualifications desired by employers, and postsecondary education and training institutions.
The Rainbow District School Board is among 27 school boards in Ontario currently piloting a Specialist High Skills Major. The majors being piloted locally are in mining and business. The Specialist High Skills Major will be introduced across Ontario in September 2007.
Learn more about the Specialist High Skills Major in Mining at www.republicofmining.com
Dual Credit Program
Students can now earn credits that can be applied to their high school diploma as well as their postsecondary diploma, degree, or apprenticeship certification.A number of school boards in Ontario are piloting dual credit programs with positive results. Students are more engaged in their studies and are achieving academic success.