Program Reviews
Magnet Program Review
Overview
The following motion was approved at the June 30, 2014 Board Meeting: Than an assessment of magnet programs be done as part of our next accommodation review through the lens of student achievement and well-being. The review included an analysis of student achievement data and transportation costs as well as information gathered from principals, School Council Chairs, students and teachers.
Rainbow District School Board has four secondary schools with magnet programs.
The Arts Education Program at Sudbury Secondary School was established in 1985. Students earn eight credits in the Arts Education program. Students graduate with a locally developed Arts Education Certificate.
The Science and Technology Education Program (STEP) at Lockerby Composite School was established in 1991. Students earn 13 designated credits in the area of science and technology. Students graduate with a locally developed STEP Certificate.
The International Baccalaureate Program (I.B.) at Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School was established in 1999/2001. Students earn credits in designated I.B. courses, write six exams, and complete the Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) requirement. Students graduate with an I.B. Diploma.
The Integrated Technology Program (IT) at Lively District Secondary School was established in 2002. Students earn six technology credits. Students graduate with a locally developed Integrated Technology Certificate.
At the regular Board meeting on March 24, 2015, Trustees approved that magnet programs be maintained with transportation. Trustees also approved that community schools continue to receive additional supports through consultation and direct input of staff and the school community with timelines for implementation.
French Immersion Program Review
Overview
At the annual Accommodation Meeting held on January 24, 2011, Rainbow District School Board Trustees decided to conduct a review of the Board’s French Immersion Program. The review will include community consultation.
The goal is to continue to offer the best programming possible for French Immersion students as they progress from Junior Kindergarten through to secondary school graduation. Rainbow District School Board currently offers French Immersion in 13 elementary schools and six secondary schools. There are 2,368 students enrolled in French Immersion in Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8. There are 691 students enrolled in French Immersion in Grades 9 to 12.
French Immersion provides a balance of English and French instruction. French Immersion is designed for English-speaking parents/guardians so they can support their children in school
Mandate
A French Immersion Program Committee, comprised of teachers and administrators in French Immersion, has been established to lead the process and make recommendations.
The Board’s Executive Council will present recommendations regarding the French Immersion Program Review to the Board at the September Board meeting (date to be confirmed). The Board will hear public presentations in response to the recommendations at the October Board Meeting (date to be confirmed). The Board’s Executive Council will present its final recommendations to the Board for approval at the Board Meeting in November (date to be confirmed).
The goal is to continue to offer the best programming possible for French Immersion students as they progress from Junior Kindergarten through to secondary school graduation.
Rainbow District School Board concluded its review of the French Immersion Program at the regular Board meeting on November 22, 2011. Trustees decided that elementary schools that currently offer French Immersion will continue to do so, including Lansdowne Public School.
Secondary schools that currently offer French Immersion will also continue to do so. Sudbury Secondary School will retain its program for 2014-2015 providing there are 45 Grade 9 and Grade 10 students enrolled in the program on October 31, 2013.
If there are not 45 students in Grades 9 and 10 on October 31, 2013, no new Grade 9 students will be enrolled in the French Immersion program effective September 2014. Students currently in the French Immersion program at Sudbury Secondary School will continue in the program until graduation.