sait.ca

CAREER PATHWAYSTHE INTEGRATION OF SECONDARY AND POST SECONDARY EDUCATION

Dual Credit SymposiumOlds College, October 22, 2010Greg Michaud – SAIT Polytechnic

CENTRE FOR ACADEMICLEARNER SERVICES

Setting the ContextThroughout the world the research is converging:

The Future of Public EducationLet’s Talk About Personalizing LearningLeading Personalized Learning in SchoolsPersonalizing Learning: Transforming learning for every childBuilding the Education Revolution

Alberta EducationBusiness Plan 2009-2012New CTS curriculumInspiring Education: The Minister’s Dialogue with AlbertansSetting the Direction for Special Education in AlbertaThe Distributed Learning Strategy

Calgary School Boards Three Year Education Plan

Setting the Context Focus on Students

High school completionSuccessful transition into the world of work and

post secondary educationEnsuring success in lifelong learning

Student EngagementInterest/Passion RelevanceLearning styles

Student VoiceFlexibility ChoiceLearning styles

Moving to PersonalizationCareer Pathways is a strategy implemented by:

the Calgary Board of Educationthe Calgary Roman Catholic Separate School Districtand SAIT Polytechnic

for guiding students successfully through K-12learning, into post secondary education and on tosuccessful 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 – RetailProgram 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 ResponderSterile Processing TechnicianNutrition for Healthy LifestylesHealth Information Office AssistantMedical TranscriptionMedical Lab Assistant

Information and CommunicationsTechnologyInformation Technology

Hospitality and TourismCulinaryTravel and TourismHospitality Management

TransportationAircraft Maintenance EngineeringTechnologyAutomotive Service Technology

Manufacturing and AutomationAutomated Systems EngineeringTechnology

BusinessAccounting CertificateAdministrative Management

Construction Technologies andTradesArchitectural TechnologiesCivil Engineering TechnologyGeomatics Engineering TechnologyEngineering Design and DraftingBuilding/Mechanical/Engineering trades

EnergyPower EngineeringProduction 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