Curriculum Redesign: Helping Bring to Life Inspiring Education Government of Alberta

Curriculum Redesign –Timelines and Next Steps

Government of Alberta Curriculum Redesign Communications Toolkit The toolkit is now available on the Alberta Education website at partment/ipr/curriculum/communic ation-toolkit.aspx.toolkit partment/ipr/curriculum/communic ation-toolkit.aspx

Review of Alberta High School Credentialing Requirements Government of Alberta

Overview of the Review Historical Perspective Discussion

Phase I (2011) Phase II ( ) REC’S (2014) High School (Sept 2016) Grade 9 (Sept 2015)

Current Alberta High School Credentials – Overview Chart High School Diploma (English and Francophone) Certificate of High School Achievement (Knowledge & Employability) Certificate of High School Completion High School Equivalency Diploma General Information Awarded to students who have successfully earned credits in courses that will provide access to post-secondary or employment. Recognizes students who have developed entry-level employment skills. Awarded to students with significant cognitive disabilities who have completed special education high school programming. Achieved by mature students who require or desire a high school credential. RequirementsMinimum of 100 credits, 56 compulsory: English Language Arts, social studies, mathematics, science, physical education, CALM. *15 credits in Français needed for Francophone. Minimum of 80 credits, 41 compulsory: English Language Arts, mathematics, science, social studies, CALM, PE 10, Occupational & workplace components. Can be nominated by principal or assistant principal. Intended for students going to: - community-based services, - workforce in supported position, - non-credit post-secondary program. 100 credits through combination of classroom credits, additional high school courses, adult education classes and experience, OR Success on GED tests. AssessmentDiploma exams required in English Language Arts and social studies Diploma exams not required Five General Education Development (GED) tests: OR Earn 100 credits and write diploma exams in ELA and social studies KEY FINDINGS Phase I Viewed as springboard to employment or entrance into post-secondary institutions. Respected credential but lacking choice and flexibility for Alberta’s increasingly diverse student population (i.e. students for whom English is not first language). Limited access to 30-level occupational courses. Many schools unable to offer range of courses. Not often recognized by employers as a credential. Tangible indicator of high school completion. Ensures student recognition for efforts, regardless of ability. Logistics and financial resources for upgrading to complete requirements often a roadblock. Diploma does not allow access to most Alberta post- secondary programs.

– Grade 8 Leaving Examination 1923 – Six different diplomas 1936 – A single diploma of 100 credits 1950’s – Approximately 6% attend university 1960’s – Three different diplomas for composite high schools 100 Years of Credentialing

1980’s – Provincial examinations re-introduced; two diplomas 1990’s – Single high school diploma and IOP certificate 1970’s – Provincial examinations discontinued 2009 – Certificate of High School Completion added 100 Years of Credentialing 2006 – Certificate of High School Achievement added

Government of Alberta What questions, concerns or suggestions do you have regarding high school credentialing?

Government of Alberta If you have more questions or are interested in organizing a focus group, contact:

Government of Alberta Thank You!