Continuous Intake Co-op (CIC)

Helping students at risk get back into the swing of school

Brought to you by the Toronto District School Board

Why do students stop attending school?They dont see the relevanceThey are continually unsuccessfulThey have overwhelming personal problemsThey have financial obligationsThey dont relate to the other studentsThey have been removed from the school roll for unacceptable behaviour(and the list goes on)

How Does The CIC Program Help Students?Helps students catch up with creditsHelps students see the relevance of schoolHelps students gain job search and work experienceHelps students plan their future creditsHelps ease students back into schoolHelps keep students in school who might otherwise drop out

CIC isnt for everyoneStudents may include:Those struggling to succeed, who have lost self- confidence and have stopped attending;Those who have dropped out and would like to return to school;Those who dont fit in a regular classroom setting;Those who have gotten into trouble at school and are not welcome back;Those who may have to leave school for personal or family reasons, who need to earn a salary.

The Models of CICModel 1: Central ProgramCentrally-assigned teacher works with students from across the Board, and holds classes at host schools or other conveniently-located sites.Students can join almost any day of the school year.Students join a new home schools roll.Students are referred by the home school.Students may take four, three, two or one credit of co-op.Later in the year, students may remain on the home schools roll in order to complete courses in which they can still gain credits.

Model 2: School-Based ProgramSome TDSB schools have started a CIC Program for their own students. Referrals are not taken from other schools.Students can join almost any day of the school year.Students may be taking four, three, two or one credit of Co-op.Students may have supervision by a specified staff member when in the school, but it may not always be the Co-op teacher.

Model 3: School-Based ProgramStudent joins an existing co-op class part-way through the semester or school yearStudents can join almost any day of the school year.Students may be taking four, three two or one-credit Co-op.Students complete the pre-placement program in a module-based curriculum and are integrated into the regular classroom setting for integration sessions.

Model 4: School-Based ModelIn a non-semestered school, students who have taken on timetables that are too intensive for them join a dedicated CIC class in the home school.Students can join almost any day of the school year.Students may be taking part- or full-time co-op programs upon entry.

Considerations for Paid Co-opPaid Co-op can ONLY be offered in a specialized program according to the Ministry of Education.Jobs are entry-level only.Students benefit from taking part in their job searches, rather than being given a job by the teacher.Have students discuss paid Co-op in their job interviews, and not beforehand.Have an introductory letter for current employers and a similar letter for potential employers. In paid Co-op, the employer dictates the hours you dont have a choice of schedule!

Using Students Current JobsStudents must understand that their employer must meet with the school boards standards before being approved as a Co-op placement.Employers must understand what is expected and agree to the requirements before doubling as a placement. If all goes well, they may take on more students in future!The employer MUST pay 100% of the WSIB insurance if a student is paid!

Scheduling Continuous IntakeHave the pre-placement and integration course work set up as modules.Students may be left on their own to complete some of the curriculum modules. Students who require supervision will need to have plans made: Will another teacher supervise? An employment centre? A Student Success Leader?

Dont take on too many students! You will need time to do enough monitoring! (Remember: Three monitoring visits per credit!)Some students may have after-school or evening jobs. Ensure that the teacher is able to monitor at the times the student is working, and that they are available if there is an emergency at work.

Continuous CurriculumHave a choice of how students work on assignments (typing, hard copy, emailing).Create curriculum with less reading and writing than regular Co-op, but that still demonstrates the same learning.If students have special learning needs, ensure that teacher or adult support is available.Be aware that work may not be completed without teacher support/supervision.

CreditsDepending on the date that a student enters the program, establish how many credits it is possible to earn right away. Base the plan on 110 hours per credit.Students may earn one, two, three, or four Co-op credits.Students must have at least one school credit for two-credit Co-op, and two credits for three or four-credit Co-op.If students are earning one credit, you may let them choose which integration units they would like to complete.

The Moral CallsSome students may have criminal records or court cases pending.Secure suitable placements that will not compromise the student, the Co-op program, or the relationship with the employer.

The Extra ThingsConsider collecting (and ironing) clothes suitable for work and job interviews, so that you can give them to students as required.Consider having a prize box for students who do good work or complete a set number of assignments.

Consider purchasing hygiene kits for students, containing deodorant, toothpaste, breath freshener, etc.Consider keeping food and drinks in the classroom that students can consume free of charge.Consider keeping extra household items on hand (such as alarm clocks, telephones, etc.) for students who live on their own and who may not have these items at home.Keep a stock of transit tickets in your pocket or purse, in case of emergencies. (There will be many.)If you have a classroom, dont set it up like a traditional classroom. Keep it professional.

Who Should Teach CIC?Teachers who are keen, and will do the little extras that mean a lot; Teachers who can practice tough love;Teachers who will go out of their way to meet the needs of students;Teachers who can motivate at-risk students;Teachers who are flexible enough to change plans at the drop of a hat;Teachers who are extremely organized.

Tips for Continuous Intake Co-op TeachersBe flexible! Emergencies happen, schedules change, and you will be stood up!Always be available by phone. A cell phone and a laptop are must-have items!Dont take things personally!Be ready for (good and bad) surprises!Stay positive! Stay organized! Stay on top of your students progress!Have certificates and awards that students can add to their portfolios for good work!

Time Management HintsReserve your afternoons for 2-credit Co-op students (classes and monitoring)Reserve your mornings for 4-credit Co-op students, student intake interviews, paperwork, and phone callingEvenings may also be cut into for monitoring and follow-up with students, parents, or employers

References to Employers How is the students punctuality?

He isnt always punctual for school, but I think that when he is engaged in something hes interested in, his work habits will improve.

Students Getting FiredTell students, This is the real world. Employers pay you to do a job. If youre fired, youre fired.If a student is doing badly at work, dont defend them with the employer. Patch things with the employer. Buy gifts of chocolate and stay on good terms with the employer.If a student is fired, teach resilience. What are the lessons learned? How will she find a new job? Make a plan together and help the student to execute it!

For those who are unsuccessful in CICIf a student is unsuccessful or demitted from your course, keep the door open!Most students at risk accept failure far too easily. If they are demitted, tell them that they are welcome back if they can commit to the program.Follow up in the summer. Will advanced standing get the student back to school in September? If so, you might consider it!

Selling CIC to EmployersNever tell an employer that a student is at-risk. They are NOT at risk at work!Dont stigmatize the student at work!If you have found the job for a student, you might tell employers that the student may not like school too much, but that they are very keen to work. Sell the program as an advantage to employers. They are getting extra support from the school board for their entry-level employee.

Intakeof StudentsReferral THEN application students need to buy in before being accepted.Dont judge a book by its cover. The least likely may be your best students!Do a thorough interview, and ensure that students understand the requirements.Invite parents to attend the first part of the interview. Sell the program as a great opportunity open to a limited number of students.

Organizing Tips for TeachersHave all of your intake packages and employer packages pre-made.Track your student information carefully and compile statistics.Have tracking sheets for assignments and employer visits for use by both you and the students.Give students units in chunks to avoid having them lost, along with a CD that includes everything for the semester.

Tips for Dealing with At-Risk StudentsFocus on building self-esteemFocus on building portfoliosCreate many opportunities for students to earn certificates and awards, such as creating an Ontario Skills Passport, a Passport to Safety, CPR classes, certificates for good class work, etc.If students tend to lose things, keep certificates on file in the classroom all semester.Make your certificates exciting with nice paper, official seals, etc.Anticipate the unexpected and plan aheadDont lower your standards; motivate students to rise to challenges

The Student FileThere are three files in my system: student file (beige) with a second student file inside for confidential documents (yellow)and a third file that is given to the student (green) that contains pamphlets, applications and curriculum

The initial student package:ApplicationCourse descriptionTransit mapChecklist of assignmentsTeachers contact informationMedia Release FormCalendarInterview FormAllergy/Illness FormEducation PlannerIntroductory Letter to EmployersScript for calling employersCo-op brochuresCD of curriculumMaps to Youth Employment CentresWEA formWSIB accident formFive units from pre-placement modulesSelf-addressed fax cover sheetsHarassment policy CD

As a CIC teacher, you are changing lives and helping to put students back on track every day!

Its a great program, and a wonderful job!