1 Specialist High Skills Major

2 SHSMs - previous 9 months Dec 8, 2005: –press release announcing Student Success Phase 3 including the SHSMs Spring 2006: –gathered labour market data –met with sector organizations to gauge support –Students Success leaders submitted 160 proposals across province June 15, 2006: –5 SHSMs launched Sept 06: arts and culture, construction, hospitality and tourism, manufacturing, and primary industries: agriculture, forestry, landscaping, and mining –business and entrepreneurship ‘seeded’ in June 26, 2006: –met 27 boards with potential launch sites

3 SHSMs - previous 9 months cont’d July , 2006: –writing teams: 8 frameworks + 1 implementation guide August 2006: –transfer agreements in place with 27 boards to fund the pilots –sent draft frameworks to sector organizations and colleges for feedback Sept. 2006: –SHSMs identified in public awareness campaign for six innovative new programs at the heart of the Student Success Initiative

4 SHSM Framework The framework is the “what” of a SHSM –The provincial framework is set by the Ministry –addresses all four pathways – apprenticeship, college, university, workplace –has 5 required components includes Ontario curriculum credits, locally developed course credits, and potentially Ministry approved credits for Equivalent Learning (e.g., dual credits, sector-delivered training or certifications) as enabling policies and procedures are developed and implemented local circumstances, (e.g., facilities and equipment, staff qualifications, and partnerships /agreements), determine how the provincial SHSM framework’s components are offered to students in a school/board

5 5 Required Components 1.Bundled credits include 4 ‘Major’ credits (2 in each of grade 11 and 12) that enable students to build a foundation of sector-focussed knowledge and skills Support for the Major in 1 – 3 additional credits (e.g. English, science and mathematics) delivered in the context of the sector

6 Required Components cont’d 2. Sector recognized certifications -required generic certifications plus -a required number of additional certifications selected from a list NOTE: certifications are validated after students engage in experiential learning and meet the criteria of the relevant certifying body. In many cases the certification is not valid until the employer provides the site-specific training (e.g., WHIMIS)

7 Required Components cont’d 3. Experiential learning opportunities -e.g., job-shadowing, job-twinning, work experience -a minimum of two credits, and ideally additional credits, in Cooperative Education linked to the Major’s credits -Students gain workplace experience, further awareness of sector specific career opportunities, network with employers, and become aware of the importance of essential skills and work habits

8 Required Components (cont’d) 4. Documentation of Essential Skills and work habits using the Ontario Skills Passport (OSP) -to explore the NOC codes and occupations -to learn about the essential skills and work habits important for success in the workplace -to identify and track students’ demonstration of essential skills and work habits in a work plan during experiential learning opportunities in the sector

9 Required Components cont’d 5. ‘Reach ahead’ experiences - in the fields/sectors being considered as post- secondary destinations - enable students to gain confidence in their ability to be successful, refine skills and work habits, and make an informed choice about future careers and next steps - range from experiential learning a few hours in length (e.g. job shadow) to full courses (e.g. dual credit)

10 Implementation Guide the “how” of a SHSM: –Must include the 5 required components –Schools can determine which (if any) SHSM to offer –initial implementation considerations –getting started Gap analysis rubric available in implementation handbook Timeline to course selection –Schools will have to apply to MOE to offer a SHSM for the ’07-08 school year