sait.ca CAREER PATHWAYS THE INTEGRATION OF SECONDARY AND POST SECONDARY EDUCATION Dual Credit Symposium Olds College, October 22, 2010 Greg Michaud – SAIT Polytechnic CENTRE FOR ACADEMIC LEARNER SERVICES

Setting the Context Throughout the world the research is converging: The Future of Public Education Let’s Talk About Personalizing Learning Leading Personalized Learning in Schools Personalizing Learning: Transforming learning for every child Building the Education Revolution Alberta Education Business Plan New CTS curriculum Inspiring Education: The Minister’s Dialogue with Albertans Setting the Direction for Special Education in Alberta The Distributed Learning Strategy Calgary School Boards Three Year Education Plan

Setting the Context  Focus on Students High school completion Successful transition into the world of work and post secondary education Ensuring success in lifelong learning  Student Engagement Interest/Passion Relevance Learning styles  Student Voice Flexibility Choice Learning styles

Moving to Personalization Career Pathways is a strategy implemented by: the Calgary Board of Education the Calgary Roman Catholic Separate School District and SAIT Polytechnic for guiding students successfully through K-12 learning, into post secondary education and on to successful careers.

Pathways of Possibilities Career Pathways, based on changes being lead by Alberta Education and Advanced Education and Technology in Alberta, merges K-12, post secondary education and business/industry together within career clusters. Personalized, project-based learning environments where all students are challenged to meet high expectations.

Pathways of Possibilities A seamless system for transitioning students preparing for high demand occupations - from high school to post secondary education or apprenticeships. Students are able to earn post secondary credit and work experience from business and industry while still in high school. Incorporates best practices and innovative methods for teaching applied academics.

Corporate and Community Partners Business and industry may provide employment and/or funding for post secondary training. Community supports may provide expertise, resources, and extended learning environments Career Pathways links education to the workplace through applied learning programs.

Benefits K-12 Students  Increased success in high school completion  Greater understanding of learning strengths, passions, and areas of growth  Increased opportunity to continue into post secondary education and the world of work  Increased awareness of career opportunities

Benefits Post Secondary Institutions  Increased skill level of applicants and graduates  Improved student engagement  Increased retention

Benefits Business  Increased number of qualified applicants  Increased skill level of employees  Increased retention

Pharmacy Technician – Retail Program Map Five-month certificate First year – High School delivery Second year – SAIT delivery Retail pharmacy practicum (160 hours): Prescription preparation and pharmacist assistance Tuition fee waived: approximately $4500

Collaborative Partners Alberta Advanced Education and Technology Alberta Education Alberta Employment and Immigration Calgary Board of Education Calgary Roman Catholic Separate School District SAIT Polytechnic

This model addresses issues such as… Funding/tuition for post secondary Grant based/earned revenue Admission requirements Curriculum development, mapping Teaching qualifications Dual credits Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition Transportation

Elements of Success Student engagement – program completion Parent satisfaction and support Strong working relationships and partnerships among learning organizations Support from Alberta Education and Alberta Advanced Education & Technology Willingness to adapt policy to facilitate delivery for all stakeholders

Measurements of Success Graduation rate – 82% Employment and/or rate of further study Application numbers of second cohort

Cohort Twenty students from Calgary Board of Education (William Aberhart High School) Twenty students from Calgary Roman Catholic Separate School District (St. Francis High School) Orientation and screening Second cohort began September 2009

Student Feedback Why did you choose this program? A combination of parental influence, health care focus as well as early post secondary participation What advantages do you feel the PTR program will provide? Opportunities for employment Has your experience been positive? All students: Yes!

Opportunities Continued partnerships with the Calgary Board of Education and Calgary Catholic School District Expanded partnerships

Further Studies (SAIT) Health and Public Safety Emergency Medical Responder Sterile Processing Technician Nutrition for Healthy Lifestyles Health Information Office Assistant Medical Transcription Medical Lab Assistant Information and Communications Technology Information Technology Hospitality and Tourism Culinary Travel and Tourism Hospitality Management Transportation Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Technology Automotive Service Technology Manufacturing and Automation Automated Systems Engineering Technology Business Accounting Certificate Administrative Management Construction Technologies and Trades Architectural Technologies Civil Engineering Technology Geomatics Engineering Technology Engineering Design and Drafting Building/Mechanical/Engineering trades Energy Power Engineering Production Field Operator

Evolving Issues Curriculum control/licensure Role of regulatory agencies Remote/distance program delivery within the province Labour market needs Communication and continuity with all partners

Q & A Session