GUELPH – Alternative education programs at Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) high schools were recently reviewed by Sam Dunlop Consulting Inc.
The review was set to be presented to the board’s policy and priorities committee on Jan. 7.
“Alternative education programs in the UGDSB have a significant positive impact on school communities,” an executive report about the review states.
“They successfully enhance student engagement, and they are evolving to better serve and ensure equity of access for all students.”
Programs reviewed include Beyond Borders, Community Environmental Leadership Program (CELP), Local Environment Agriculture and Food (LEAF), Cadence, hockey skills, MADE: Urban Arts, Advanced Placement, and school-based two-credit bundles in construction, hospitality and manufacturing.
According to the executive report from UGDSB director Peter Sovran and prepared by superintendent Patrick Hamilton, the review determines how the programs meet students’ needs, ensure equity of access, eliminate barriers and reflect the board’s multi-year plan.
It provides “information, analysis and recommendations about equity of access to programs, student engagement, viability and sustainability of programs, pedagogy, accommodation needs, student diversity and equity, and financial implications,” the report states.
The review found each of the programs running this year had “strong enrolment.”
Alternative programs cost more than most courses and are funded through various sources, including student fees, school budget funds, board funds and corporate and community donations and sponsors.
According to the report, “Alternative education programs have traditionally included a student fee … as high as $500.
“Over the years, these fees have lessened as principals and lead teachers have considered how to make programs more accessible for students,” it continues.
“Some specialty programs have reduced or even eliminated the cost to students through fundraising, donations or by reducing the number and type of field trips.”
Moving forward, student fees will be capped at $250, with schools all prepared to support students with fees.
Beyond Borders
Beyond Borders focusses on leadership development, business, math, global development and sustainability and emphasizes team building, skill development and experiential learning, with day and overnight field trips.
It is based out of Tytler Public School in Guelph and includes 62 Grade 12 students from Erin District High School, Centre Wellington District High School (CWDHS) and Centennial, John F. Ross and Guelph Collegiate Vocational Institute (CVI) this year.
Beyond Borders students organize an annual gala for causes of their choice, raising $133,000 in 2024 and $121,000 in 2023.
CELP
CELP is an outdoor education program that includes 75 students from Norwell District High School, John F. Ross, Centennial and Guelph CVI.
CELP students from Guelph high schools (27 students) are based at the Guelph Arboretum, those from Norwell (26) are based at that school and at other local sites, and those from Wellington Heights (22) are based out of the CELP House at Luther Marsh in Wellington North.
The Grade 10 students “immerse themselves in nature and develop a relationship with the natural world,” the report states. “Students learn about local environmental issues and sustainable living [and] build friendships that go beyond the walls of the classroom.”
On Dec. 17, CELP students held a “Climate Showdown” for 150 Grade 9 students from John F. Ross, Centennial, and Guelph CVI.
The conference included hands-on team challenges and a climate fair.
Arts Performance Project
The Arts Performance Project (APP) is offered to Norwell District High School students in Grades 9, 11 and 12.
It allows students to “explore the arts in a collaborative, non-traditional environment,” the report states.
“Using the Theatre Norwell stage as a base, they develop artistic talent in theatre, music and/or dance and visual arts,” including by working with industry professionals and community members.
In Grades 11 and 12, APP students usually produce a full-length musical theatre production including the set, props, stage management, lighting and sound.
Hockey skills
The UGDSB has three stand-alone hockey skills programs: at CWDHS, Norwell and Centre Dufferin District High School (CDDHS) in Shelburne, three communities the report states “have a strong hockey culture.
“Parents, guardians, families and community partners often support the programs,” it continues.
Most players are male and play in house or rep leagues, “although there have been some beginners and female identifying players in the past,” the report states.
The three hockey skills programs were each started by individual teachers within the last two decades, and they differ in courses, grades and pedagogy.
At CWDHS the program is offered to Grade 10 students and 60 are enrolled this year. At Norwell it’s offered in Grades 9, 11 and 12 and 67 students are participating this year. The CDDHS program is paused for this school year.
Last year, 60 students participated.
LEAF
Grade 11 students at Norwell can participate in LEAF, a program geared to the school location and resources in the community.
The 26 students enrolled this year grow food in the school’s garden and greenhouse, cook and eat local food, and make connections between agriculture and the environment.
Advanced Placement (AP)
The UGDSB offers AP courses and exams for some of its Grade 12 students.
They are administered by the American College Board, an independent organization that provides detailed expectations about what AP courses should cover.
AP courses are recognized by 90 per cent of post-secondary institutions in North America and in over 600 universities around the world, according to the report.
“Centennial CVI has been offering AP courses and exams in numerous subjects for over 20 years,” it states.
Students at John F. Ross and Guelph CVI can take AP exams but not courses.
Cadence
Cadence is a leadership program for Grade 12 students from John F. Ross, Centennial and Guelph CVI who are at risk of not graduating. It is located in downtown Guelph and is supported by community partners and sponsors.
Between 22 and 26 students participated this year.
“This program is a small community of teachers and students who work towards goals of regular attendance, increased skills and credit accumulation, with the ultimate goal of graduation,” the report states.
MADE: Urban Arts
A total of 27 students in Grades 11 and 12 from John F. Ross, Centennial and Guelph CVI participated in the MADE: Urban Arts program this year.
It is rooted in the belief that the arts can be a tool for community building, cultural development and profound social change and focusses on “non-traditional creative arts” including performance, installation, video and digital.
Partnerships with arts organizations and community networks in Guelph empower the students to make a positive impact on the community.
Conclusions, next steps
The review found that “In many respects, alternative education (specialty) programs in Upper Grand are very successful and attract high levels of interest from students across the district.
“The sustainability of individual specialty programs depends on many factors, including board support, student interest and enrollment, cost of the program, an appropriate location, pedagogy that is current and equity based, and the commitment of staff,” it states.
“Looking ahead, the next steps will involve further aligning these programs even more closely with the UGDSB multi-year plan to ensure their sustainability and growth, thereby continuing to provide valuable opportunities for students.”
