1.What is a program pathway?
A program pathway consists of the combination of courses that make up a student’s educational program and the supports provided in offering that program. A program pathway is designed to lead a student to a particular destination, and should reflect the goals that motivate students to complete their secondary education. A program pathway is considered successful if the student makes a smooth transition to the next stage of his or her life, be that the workplace, apprenticeship, or university/college.
2.What are the options available in selecting a program pathway?
Broadly speaking, students may select a program pathway that prepares them for a university or college program, for an apprenticeship program, or for immediate entry into the work force. Within each program pathway, students may take a combination of Academic, Applied, Locally Developed Compulsory Credit, and Open courses in Grade 9 and 10, and of University, College, and Workplace Preparation, Open, and Locally Developed Optional Credit courses in Grade 11 and 12.
3.Why would a student select a school-work transition program pathway?
Currently, most students opt for a program pathway that prepares them for university or college. Many of these students, however, do not go to university or college on leaving school, and are enrolled in University or College Preparation courses that are not suitable for them. Such students would benefit form selecting a program pathway that plays to their strengths and draws out the full range of their capabilities.
A school-work transition program pathway, will prepare students for employment immediately on leaving secondary school. It provides students with the opportunity to complete secondary school diploma or certificate requirements, meet the entry-level requirement of a specific industry, develop employability and industry-specific skills, and obtain experience in the workplace.
4.How do University Preparation, College Preparation ,and Workplace Preparation courses differ from one another?
The strands and expectations are similar. The difference emerge in the varying focus on theory and practice, analysis and application, and future orientation to theoretical study or practical application. All three programs present rigorous challenges that provide appropriate preparation for the student’s destination.
5.Are Workplace Preparation courses less challenging than University and College Preparation courses?
Workplace courses are challenging, but in a different way from University and College Preparation courses. They emphasize hands-on experience and skills application rather than theoretical learning. Skills application, however, requires a thorough understanding of the discipline areas concerned. Some students who plan to go to university or college choose to take Workplace Preparation courses because they offer excellent opportunities to acquire and develop knowledge and skills in particular areas.
6.How do Locally Developed Compulsory Credit Courses compare with other courses?
Locally Developed Compulsory Credit Courses fully recognized compulsory credit courses in the Ontario Secondary School curriculum. They are not substitutions. These are courses developed locally that meet Ministry of Education criteria and have ministry approval as compulsory credit courses.
7.How many Locally Developed Compulsory Credit Courses can a student take?
A student may take three Locally Developed Compulsory Courses as regular compulsory credit courses in Grade 9 or 10 in English, mathematics, and science.
8.How do students select a program pathway that is right for them?
Students should be encouraged to balance personal dreams with realistic assessment of skills, interest, and values in choosing future programs. This requires a measure of self-knowledge. This process should begin early and should be continuously re-evaluated as students grow, mature, and change. Programs must be structured to provide the flexibility necessary to accommodate and support these changes. Students need program pathways that are clearly aligned with their strengths and learning styles. They must see their courses and programs as viable and credible, enabling, them to achieve educational goals that fit well with their life goals.
9.At what grade level should a program pathway be selected?
A program pathway is not a permanent commitment but may be revised or redirected as skill levels and interests change. Preparing for the transition from school to the next stage of life begins before students enter secondary school. Students in Grade 7 and 8 need to learn how to make informed, responsible, and appropriate choices that will help them progress successful through secondary school and beyond. Schools endeavour to provide program flexibility for pathway transition to occur in a timely fashion.
10.How wide a range of courses is available to students selecting a school-work transition program pathway?
School-work transition program pathways offer both in-school and worked-based experiences. Over the course of two to four years, students earn relevant in-school credits that enable them to develop the range of skills (literacy, life, and employability) required for direct entry into the work force. The courses that form a student’s program pathway are drawn from all disciplines and may include Applied, Academic, open, Locally Developed Compulsory and Locally Developed Optional, and Workplace Preparation courses, as well as University or College Preparation courses. School-work transition program pathways also contain experiential learning component, including guest speakers, industry tours, job shadowing, job twinning, short-term work experience, virtual work experience, cooperative education, and school-work transition programs, and may include the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship program (OYAP).
11.Does selecting a school-work transition program pathway and using substitutes for compulsory courses affect the standing of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma a students receives?
The ability of the principal, in consultation with parents and students, to use substitutions for compulsory credits is recognized in Ontario Secondary Schools ,Grade 9 to 12: Program and Diploma Requirements, 1999. While each substitution is noted on the student’s Ontario Student Transcript, it does not have any impact on the diploma that the student will ultimately receive.
12.Once a program pathway has been chosen, can it be changed?
A program pathway is designed to lead a student to particular destination. This does not mean, however, that the students will always end up at that destination. Goals can change, and students should be free to make new choices as they develop new interests and abilities. Program pathways must have built-in flexibility so that these choices can be made without disrupting students’ progress. The choice of a program pathway is not therefore an irreversible decision. For specific information about your son’s or daughter’s options, please contact your local school.
13.Will selecting a school-work transition program pathway prevent my son/daughter form receiving any postsecondary education?
Entering the work forces does not put an end to opportunities for further education. Many people go to postsecondary education as mature students, having gained experience in their chosen fields after secondary school. For specific information about your son’s or daughter’s program and postsecondary options, please contact your local school.
14.Can students who follow a school-work transition program pathway look forward to fulfilling and successful careers?
Yes, they can. There are many opportunities for fulfilling and successful careers in every sector of the economy that do not require college or university education.
15.Where can I go for further information or assistance in making decisions about the program for my son daughter?
You should contact your local school or board for more information.
