welcome to semester information night. agenda process and history the ‘basics’ of semesters...
TRANSCRIPT
Welcome ToSemester
Information Night
Agenda
PROCESS AND HISTORY
THE ‘BASICS’ OF SEMESTERS
FREQUENT QUESTIONS
IMPLEMENTATION PLANNING
HISTORY
o Recurring Issueo Parents, staff and students
have raised the question o Previously, creative solutions to
its challenges have been enough
o 34 credit cap, new enrollment pressure changed the outlook in 2012-2014
Which System is Better?
o No clear or definitive answero Benefits and drawbacks to botho Focus became key areas identified as
important to WCI in ANY timetable:o Mentorship Culture
o Common Lunch
o Length of Period
o Enrollment
o Resources
o Student and Staff Workload
PROCESS
o Timetable Committee 2012
o Heads Council 2013o Senior Administrationo Staff Surveyo 34 Credit Gr. 11 and 12 Student
Survey o School Councilo Education Council, Executive
Councilo Trusteeso Decision by Principal
Factors that “Tipped the Balance”
• Student Workload
• Guided Practice
• Effective Use of TIME (Common lunch, e-learning, collaborative learning)
• Pathway Flexibility (Failures, reach ahead, ESL)
• Mid-year Registration
• Fewer Transitions
• Enrollment – 34 credit data, transfer data
• Classroom Materials
• Student and Staff Workload
A Decision is Made…
WCI IS CHANGING TO A SEMESTER SCHEDULE IN
SEPTEMBER 2015…and we are taking time on the HOW.
SEMESTER SCHEDULETHE BASICS
•Most Common; 2 day rotation, 74 min. periods, 60 min common lunch
•Same course selection
•Computer will schedule 4 classes in Semester 1 and 4 classes Semester 2
SAMPLE SEMESTER TIMETABLE
PERIOD BELL TIME DAY 1 DAY 2
1 8:09 9:25
A A
2 9:3010:45
B B
COMMON LUNCH (Block C) 10:45 – 11:45
3 11:45 1:00
D E
4 1:052:20
E D
Most Common Questions
QUESTION
Gaps in Learning?
Homework?
Programs: AP, Magnets, Special Education, VIP?
ANSWER
Spiral curriculum, teacher adjustment, special case exceptions.
Less subjects, faster pace, in-class time, reasonable timelines still needed.
Proper Implementation! Full year options, either scheduled or co-curricular.
Most Common Questions
QUESTION
Grade 12 or 5th year, how does it work?
ANSWER
Semesters will allow 4, 4.5 or 5 years within the 34 credit cap.
Students may split a final 4 credits in their 5th year in two each semester.
Communicationo IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE
o TIMETABLE by END of OCTOBER
o Program Planning
oWEBSITE – Principal Updates
oNEWSLETTERS, PARENT LETTERS
oCOURSE SELECTION INFORMATIONo ASSEMBLIES and CLASS VISITS
o INDIVIDUAL Pathway Counselling
o INFORMATION NIGHTS o Sept. 25
o TBD-Close to Course Selection Time
oEMAIL QUESTIONS TOo [email protected]
Have a Great Evening
If you chose to do so, you may….
Find one of our team to answer your questions,
Write your questions on the handout provided,
Request a phone call to discuss your questions on the handout provided,
Watch the Website for more updates and information.