Instructional Programs and Materials AP 221: Outreach Program

Background

The Division supports the transition of funded students, who are unable to attend or to benefit from a regular school program, or who choose an alternative to conventional classroom learning, back into school through an Outreach Program.

The Superintendent has the responsibility for developing an Outreach Program and operating the program in a site or facility separate from an existing school building.

Procedures

1. The best educational and personal interests of the student are paramount considerations when devising a program for the student in an Outreach Program.
2. An Outreach Program is intended to meet the needs of students in grades 10-12, who exhibit one or more of the following characteristics:
   
   1. Prefer to enrol in courses which are provided through an outreach delivery model;
   2. Are experiencing social difficulties in regular classrooms;
   3. Are at-risk of dropping out of school;
   4. Have health issues or child care or other extenuating family commitments which preclude regular school attendance;
   5. Are unable to meet regular school time schedules due to unusual employment/personal commitment;
   6. Wish to enrol in a low-enrolment course that may not be offered in a regular school;
   7. Require only a small number of courses/credits to graduate;
   8. Wish to accelerate their high school program.
3. The location whether or not is in a school or in leased space, the site and facilities must meet Alberta building, health and safety and liability insurance standards for school buildings.
4. Programs of study and locally developed courses for students must be authorized by Alberta Education and/or the Board.
5. Educational services, such as personal and career counselling, conflict resolution, anger management, time management, study skills, etc., must be provided to students.
6. Certificated teachers will provide instruction in the Outreach Program.
7. Outreach Program operations and results will be included in the Annual Education Results Report and education plans.
8. Eligibility
   1. Students who are unable to attend or to benefit from a regular school program, or who choose to learn in an alternative setting shall be eligible for admission to an Outreach Program.
   2. Individuals older than 19-years of age may be eligible for admission and must pay course fees established by the Board.
   3. An intake interview involving the student, the parent(s) and if necessary, others, will be arranged by the designated Principal as the initial registration step.
      • This alternative model of education is primarily designed for grade 10-12 students. Enrollment of any other students must involve and be approved by the Head of Inclusive Learning.
   4. The student must make a commitment to attend, to complete schoolwork and to abide by rules outlined in the school student conduct procedures.
9. Attendance
   1. The student must attend or complete schoolwork regularly according to agreed upon schedules and consequences for not attending.
   2. The Principal is responsible for monitoring and recording student attendance according to District and school procedures.
10. Program
    1. Outreach Programs will offer the Alberta Programs of Study and Locally DevelopedCourses approved by the Board.
    2. The program will provide students with educational services that are in addition to authorized courses and materials. Examples of such services include: personal and career counseling; conflict resolution; anger management training; time management; and study skills.
    3. Flexible individual programs will be based on assessment of individual student needs and will be developed in consultation with the student and parent(s) or guardian(s).
    4. Students, in consultation with certificated staff, will have the primary responsibility to implement their own individual program.
    5. High school Outreach programs will provide the equivalent of 25 hours of access to a certificated teacher for each credit offered.
11. Performance and Evaluation
    1. The student is expected to meet standards of performance consistent with those of Alberta Education, the District and school procedures.
    2. The pace and goals of student learning will be set by each individual student in consultation with professional staff.
    3. The Principal and teacher(s) are responsible for instruction and supporting the completion of courses by the student.
    4. The student will be evaluated on a regular basis using appropriate assessment for learning approaches and results will be reported according to District evaluation and reporting procedures.
    5. The Principal is responsible for monitoring student achievement in all courses and for analyzing achievement reports, participation rates and results on Grade 12 diploma examinations.
12. School Operation
    1. The Principal of an Outreach Program is responsible for adhering to policies, guidelines, procedures and standards of Alberta Education and the District in administering to the operation of an outreach school.
    2. Staff of an Outreach Program will work closely with high school administrators, parent(s) or guardian(s) and external support agencies to help serve the needs of outreach students
    3. The Principal will annually prepare a School Growth Plan and provide information and data on operations and results for the Division Annual Education Results Report and Education Plan.
13. Appeals
    1. The student and parent(s) or guardian(s) may appeal decisions in accordance with Administrative Procedure 152 – Dispute Resolution and/or Administrative Procedure 390 – Student Appeals.
    2. The student, parent(s) or guardian(s) will be advised of their right to make a formal appeal to the Board regarding the decisions made by school staff that significantly affect the education of the student.