1. Knowledge and Employability St. Francis Junior High School 2015-2016 Welcome!!

2. Program Philosophy 0 Knowledge and Employability courses are available to students in grades 8 through 12 who meet specific criteria. 0 The courses are intended to provide students with opportunities to experience success and become well prepared for employment, further studies, active citizenship and lifelong learning. 0 K&E Handbook K&E Handbook

3. Course Descriptions Each K&E student will have opportunities to: 0 be encouraged to transition from Knowledge and Employability courses to other courses 0 Create a path to earn a Certificate of High School Achievement or, as appropriate, an Alberta High School Diploma 0 write Knowledge and Employability Provincial Achievement Tests in grade 9 to establish another benchmark of skills/knowledge 0 Have their parents be actively involved in developing, updating and monitoring their own learning plan; parents can be your greatest partners 0 Explore their own learning styles and adjust their outcomes accordingly

4. Grade 8 Program 0 students have a low teacher : student ratio (1:13-18) 0 teacher assistant presence through most of students’ day 0 curricula in core areas are modified version of full grade 8 program 0 parents are involved for at-home support and guidance 0 assessments are done early to determine student learning levels; programs are created to meet students where they are and see them advance gradually 0 higher emphasis on having kids learn in ways that match their individual learning styles 0 greater emphasis on social skill development, working in groups, and gaining student independence

5. Grade 9 Program 0 all of the aspects of the grade 8 program are maintained 0 Concepts covered in core areas are modified version of full grade 9 program 0 students write Grade 9 K&E Provincial Achievement Tests in May and June

6. Grade 9 Job Shadowing 0 2 seven-week Job Shadowing off-campus experiences that allow students to learn more about the world of work and gain valuable skills and responsibilities in the community 0 Before going, kids will complete some job-awareness skill development (Occupations 9 course material) 0 placements will be initiated by students’ interests - classroom teacher oversees performance in conjunction with job supervisors - in-class performance and attendance determines weekly participation in job shadowing 0 Also looking at having more guest speakers in, as well as field trips to spots based on student interest/curricular connections

7. FAQ 0 Why has my child been recommended for this program? - Your child may presently be performing 2-3 grades below other grade 7 or 8 students and would benefit from greater 1-1 support and more personalized plans for educational achievement. - Based on academic testing, your child has learning needs that can be better met in an adapted program - Your child’s attendance has been such that gaps in learning are evident and we want to boost his/her confidence as a learner

8. FAQ 0 What options does my child have for high school classes? - Kids who have taken K&E 8 or 9 classes may be eligible for 10-4 courses (K&E) in high school. - Many students start in 10-4 courses and transition to 10-3 or higher level courses during the quarter. - Careful transition planning occurs between St. Francis and CCHS.

9. FAQ 0 How does the K&E curriculum compare to the ‘regular’ curriculum? - The curriculums are quite similar, and in some subjects just as challenging. - There are fewer outcomes than in ‘regular’ programs. - One key difference is a greater commitment to meeting students where they are individually to see them excel in a more personal way.

10. www.alis.alberta.ca

11. Knowledge and Employability Making Sense of your Schooling Options St. Francis Junior High School

12. Questions?