This fall the Ministry of Education sought input from around School District #53 to develop recommendations for new graduation requirements. Meetings were held in Oliver and Keremeos recently.
Facilitator Marcus Toneatto says: We had 20 people attend the Oliver forum and 12 people attend in Keremeos. This is the information that was forwarded on to the ministry. Very good discussions at both venues. Common themes are that we need to make changes that represent the needs of our learners on completion of high school.
Question #1: What do you think are the core or essential things all students should know, understand and be able to do by the time they leave secondary school?
Answers with most responses:
English 10 reading skill
Level of technical and practical skill
Critical thinking
Problem solving
Question #2: Beyond the core, how could pathways for choice or exploration be provided?
Answers with most responses:
Credits for subjects outside school
Self directed learning
Career people allowed in classrooms
Work experience/Workplace training
Build on student strengths
Question #3: Research is underway with a focus on the following five cross-curricular competencies*: a) Communication b) Critical Thinking c) Creative Thinking and Innovation d) Personal Responsibility and Well Being e) Social Responsibility How do you think students could demonstrate these competencies? *in development at the Ministry of Education
Answers given – not listed by priority:
-Grad Transitions
-Real world challenges
-Show, demonstrate
-Help kids understand test and quizzes
-Different ways of demonstrating of how they individually learn
-Building a semester around a certain theme
-Evaluations/assessments for each of the five competencies
-More physical activities
-Project based learning, working with others, interdisciplinary learning (5)
-Application of skills and collaboration
-Being respectful of cultural diversities
-Public speaking
-Performing at assemblies
-Coaching
-Job interviews
-Preparing large activities (i.e. Haunted House)
-Fine Arts projects
-Personal hygiene
-Having a part-time job outside of school
-Accountability and self-monitoring
-Parental involvement/connection
-Volunteer work
-Community-based involvement
-World event fundraising
-Mentoring of older students with younger
-Role models
Question #4: How should student learning be communicated? to: a) Students b) Parents/Guardians c) Post secondary Institutions
Answers with most responses:
Interview Post Secondary institutions
Student led Parent Teacher conferences
Self Assessment
Bench Marks
Personalized comments on report cards
Question #5: How would you design an awards program to recognize student success in a personalized learning environment?
Answers given – not listed by priority:
-Portfolios
-Performance based awards
-Make the students apply for award and explain why they deserve the award.
-More Awards
-Performance based awards ( ex. Dogwood awards)
-Anecdotal feedback on assignments
-Public recognition rather than trinkets and medals
-Equalize the financial incentives from the government to all regions of the province
-Pay for College/University for students willing to attend and perform at a certain level.
-Demonstrate interest and competencies of the students to the province or district which enables them to receive scholarships, College admission, etc. (i.e. Dogwood)
-Awards not always cash based
-Demonstrations or portfolio based
-Use leadership and citizenship criteria
-Standards based rather than me vs you – doesn’t have to be mark based
-Interview process
-Public recognition including the community
-Aim to motivate students and create pride in learning and achievement
-Scholarships tied to career goals and not just to students planning to attend post-secondary education
-Are awards ceremonies needed
-Change the name from award to “recognition“
-Career and Learning Fairs where every student is involved
These forums were facilitated by Marcus Toneatto, Principal of Similkameen Elementary Secondary. Attendees included 3 students, 7 parents, 8 teachers, 6 School Administrators, 4 Trustees and 4 others.