Literacy 10, 20, 30

The need for a different course Significant # of students were accumulating credits, but not meeting graduation requirements Many were struggling to meet the demands of existing English Language Arts courses

Student profile 15 years of age or older no identified learning difficulties but functioning several years below grade level personal problems and limited coping skills possibly ESL and/or no strong first language sporadic attendance reading below grade level, but has decoding skills little experience with school success & lack strong sense of self-worth

Connections to the existing curriculum 5 General Outcomes 1. Explore thoughts, ideas, feelings, & experiences 2. Comprehend & respond personally & critically to oral, print, & other media texts 3. Manage ideas & information 4. Enhance the clarity & artistry of communication 5. Celebrate & build community Addresses the six language arts: readingspeakingviewing writinglisteningrepresenting

Links with Essential Skills from Human Resources & Skills Development Canada Reading text Document use Writing Numeracy Oral communication Thinking skills Working with others Computer use Continuous learning

What will students learn? Students will become Informed citizens through Everyday Literacy Literate citizens through Family Literacy Active Citizens through Land as Text/Local Issues Reflective citizens through Media & Critical Literacy Productive citizens through Workplace Literacy

Some sample activities Everyday literacy Reading texts in the community buying & financing a car Family literacy guided reading at the elementary school creating a children’s tex t Land as text/Local issues Anthology of elders’ biographies Writing or editing a wikipedia article Workplace literacy Reading career biographies resumes, cover letters, & interviews Media & critical literacy create media & internet awareness materials designing a magazine

How is this course different? Real-life, alternative texts Student-centered - relevance through student choice Active inquiry - skill and experience emphasis Development of teamwork and interpersonal skills Emphasis on oral and visual literacy to support print/digital texts Self-assessment and reflection Focus on success and growth

How do students demonstrate their skills? Completing & participating in activities, assignments, & projects Completing & presenting a student-generated portfolio

Portfolios emphasizes self-assessment, reflection, & the acknowledgment of ongoing learning contains artifacts selected by students to represent their learning includes reflection on the learning represented by the artifacts includes learning goals set & monitored by the student throughout the course provides a basis for dialogue about their learning & skills