Student Success Initiative
Engaging students in new and innovative ways
The Student Success Initiative is giving students more ways to accumulate credits to graduate, while improving the overall quality of education in Ontarios secondary schools. Each student is different and in Rainbow Schools we are providing students the opportunity to customize their learning to their individual interests, strengths and needs.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 compulsory 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
Rainbow District School Board offers Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) programs in seven sectors: Arts and Culture, Business, Energy, Environment, Health and Wellness, Manufacturing and Mining. Each Specialist High Skills Major is a bundle of 8 to 10 courses in a selected field. Students learn on the job and can earn valuable industry certification.Learn more about the Specialist High Skills Major
Dual Credit Program
Students can now earn credits that can be applied to their secondary school diploma as well as their postsecondary diploma, degree, or apprenticeship certification. Dual Credit Programs are offered at Cambrian College in a variety of sectors including Chef Training, Business, Arts, Health Sciences, Trades, Technology and a number of Level 1 Apprenticeship programs.
Design and Technology for Grade 7 and 8 students
A design and technology program was developed and launched with Grade 7 and 8 students at Lively District Secondary School and Chelmsford Valley District Composite School. Each Rainbow District School Board elementary school now have the opportunity to offer the program in all Grade 7 and 8 classrooms.
Grade 8 to 9 Transition
Grade 8 and 9 students have a higher risk of dropping out during the difficult transition from elementary school to secondary school. In Rainbow Schools, elementary and secondary teachers are working together to ease the transition, through special information nights for students/parents, more dialogue between teachers in both panels, increased professional learning to share best practices, and improved tracking of students and their progress. Program Pathways Information Evenings
Information evenings for parents and students will be schedule in every secondary school to focus on senior program opportunities in Dual Credits, Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Programs, and the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program/Co-operative Education. These evenings will highlight recent employment trends to help students set themselves up to be successful in their transition into any postsecondary pathway. Students and parents can contact their secondary school for the date of their Program Pathways Information Evening.Co-op Opportunities in Early Childhood Education
The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) will offer Co-op placement opportunities in early childhood education within Rainbow Schools. Students who wish to follow this apprenticeship pathway will be registered as Early Childhood Educator apprentices. Rainbow District School Board will act as the sponsor.Students may also enroll in college delivered courses through distance education at no cost during the evenings to enhance their Early Childhood Educator work experience placements.
OYAP
Registered Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) apprentices may supplement their Co-op work experience placements with college delivered level one courses as part of their apprenticeship program. Opportunities may be available for those students registered as apprentice early childhood educators, developmental services workers, cooks/chefs, commercial vehicle and heavy duty equipment technicians, metal fabricator (fitter) and welders, and general carpenters.For more information on OYAP, please click here.