Elementary Alternative Program Review

On 23 June 2009, Board approved the initiation of a review of the elementary alternative programs in the OCDSB. The purpose of this review is:

	to determine the extent to which the current mandate, expectations and practices regarding program delivery for the alternative elementary program in the OCDSB differs from that of the non-alternative programs (e.g., regular English and French immersion);
	to determine the extent to which a strengthened, or redefined, alternative program would be expected to differ from that expected to result from planned improvements to regular programs;
	to determine whether or not the OCDSB will continue to offer the alternative program in grades JK-8 – it should be noted that a decision to discontinue the alternative elementary program may require other processes (i.e., an Accommodation Review Committee – ARC); and,
	in the event of a decision to continue with alternative programming in elementary schools, that a process to focus on program quality and continuously bringing pedagogical or best practice benefit to the whole District be developed; and,
	in the event of a decision to discontinue alternative programming in elementary schools, that a process be developed to demonstrably address any significant program-program gaps identified under the, above.

As part of this review process, the following groups will be asked to provide input through an on-line survey in the fall of 2009 in order to: (i) measure the importance of each of the guiding principles associated with the alternative program; and, (ii) identify some of the practices/activities currently being employed that are associated with each of the guiding principles:

all elementary school administrators (alternative and non-alternative);
all elementary alternative program teachers; and,
a random sample of non-alternative elementary program teachers.

Paper-and-pencil surveys will also be distributed to the following groups of respondents in October 2009:

	all parents of elementary students who are enrolled in an alternative elementary school program in September 2009;
	a random sample of parents of elementary students who are enrolled in a non-alternative elementary school program (i.e., English or French immersion) in September 2009;
	all students enrolled in grade 10 in September 2009 and who were enrolled in an alternative program in June 2007 (i.e., their grade 8 year) along with a parent/guardian of each of these students; and,
	a random sample of students enrolled in grade 10 in September 2009 and who were not enrolled in an alternative program in June 2007 along with a parent/guardian of each of these students.

For individuals or groups (including advisory committees to the board) wishing to provide comments/ feedback regarding the alternative elementary program, please forward your message via e-mail. Additional information about this review can be found in the Board's approval of framework for a review of the elementary alternative program (PDF)

Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)