Did You Know?Did you know that every HWDSB secondary school has a student success teacher available to help students who are struggling?What is Student Success? In 2003, the Ministry of Education launched the Student Success Initiative in response to the needs of secondary students who are experiencing difficulty in achieving the expectations of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma. Through additional resources and new program creation, this Student Success Strategy helps students in Grade 7 to 12 tailor their education to their individual strengths, goals and interests. The focus is to assist and engage students who are “at-risk” of dropping out of school prior to graduation.
Reason for ActionNearly a third of students were not completing their high school education only five years ago. Compared to high school graduates, students who drop out are:  Twice as likely to be unemployed
Three times more likely to spend time in prison Five times more likely to need income assistance
Graduation Goal The government has set an 85 per cent graduation rate target by 2010-11. This means 20,000 more students per year will graduate when the target is achieved. ProgressSince 2003-04, the high school graduation rate has increased by seven percentage points – from 68 to 75 per cent. That means 22,500 more students got their high school diploma and a chance at a brighter future. And more Grade 9 and 10 students are completing all of their courses and are on track to graduate.For more information, contact your school’s Student Success Teacher or Student Services Department.Links to More Information:New Initiatives There are many new programs being rolled out across the province for students pursuing university, college, apprenticeships or the workplace after graduation. Specialist High Skills Majors allow students to focus on a future career through a bundle of classroom courses, workplace experiences and sector certifications Expansion of Cooperative Education allows students to count this hands-on learning towards two compulsory high school credits E-Learning provides students with online courses and allows teachers to share resources across the province Dual Credits count towards a student's high school diploma as well as a college certificate, diploma or apprenticeship certification Think Literacy and Leading Math Success ensure teachers have the resources they need to help students build a solid foundation in reading, writing and math. Support is also being provided to struggling high school students so they can get back on track to graduate. Elementary To Secondary School Transition Program helps students succeed in high school through individual profiles, customized timetables and other programs Lighthouse projects help students refocus on graduation through unique opportunities developed by their local school boards Student Success Teams (principal, student success teacher, guidance counselor, special education teacher and other educators) provide extra attention in every high school to students who need it. Coming Soon! Watch this space for information regarding upcoming Student Success Events.Did You Know?Did you know that every HWDSB secondary school has a student success teacher available to help students who are struggling? |
