Alternate Education

The Alternative Education pathway provides students with foundational literacy, numeracy and life skills learning in preparation for the world beyond high school. It is designed for students who have experienced prolonged difficulty in regular programs, have unique and/or complex learning needs, and/ or have participated in Special Education classes prior to high school. The goal of the pathway is to provide students with an inclusive high school experience that is tailored to their individual needs, wants, and wishes, driven by the Alberta Education Special Needs Program Guide and an individual program plan, while developing the skills needed to become contributing, independent and mature members of our community. Students participating in this pathway finish their high school education journey with a High School Completion Certificate. 9  

Inclusion is a key component. Learning takes place with the same aged peers in a variety of environments within the school including, but not limited to, general and special education classrooms as well as in a variety of community settings (work experience). Instruction may be delivered individually, with a partner, and/or small and whole group configurations. A team of educational assistants provide support as needed while recognizing the goal of independence.

Areas of skill development include communication, social interaction, gross and fine motor, self-management and personal care, time management, organization, problem solving, employment, and safety.  Instruction of functional skills are embedded within the naturally occurring routines and activities throughout the day.

Students’ success is demonstrated through daily attendance and active participation and engagement in all learning activities which may vary from passive participation to complete independence.

The Alternative Education Pathway strives to infuse learners with diverse and unique (complex) learning needs into a culturally supported inclusive environment of meaningful learning experiences to open doors of opportunity.

The goal of this program is to introduce students to high  school coursework in a supported environment. Students  will realize their capabilities and may continue on to earn a  high school diploma.

Students in Grade 9 who have previously been enrolled in   Knowledge and Employability courses may consider entering the diploma path in Grade 10 by enrolling in English 102, Social Studies 10-2, Math 10-3 and Science 14. Students in these courses will be expected to attend every day,  complete assigned work and attend any available support  classes that may be offered. Students who do not meet  these criteria are encouraged to continue in Knowledge and Employability courses 

Knowledge and Employability (KE) Courses
KE courses make meaningful connections between schooling and personal experiences. These courses are designed to meet the educational needs of students who learn best through experiential learning activities.  The focus is on the development and application of reading, writing, mathematical literacy and essential employability skills.

KE courses promote student skills, abilities and work ethics including:
  »» Academic and occupational skills of a standard determined by the workplace to be necessary for success
  »» Practical applications through on- and off-campus experiences
  »» Career development

Knowledge and Employability courses can be completed in 2.5 years (5 semesters, 80 credits) leading to a Certificate of High School Achievement. These courses prepare students to earn a senior high school credential, enter the workplace with employability and occupational skills that meet industry standards or make successful transitions to other courses that further their education and training. Once the Knowledge and Employability Program is completed, students are encouraged to register in mainstream programming for 2 extra semesters in order to obtain their Alberta High School Diploma (100 credits).