Academic Handbook 2021-2022 | Page 23

Essential Learning

This section defines what is meant by ‘ essential learning ’ when it is used in the context of reduced course expectations for students , and the circumstances leading to a student requiring the short-term support of an Essential Learning Plan ( ELP ). It is important to note that ‘ essential learning ’ is a different strategy than what is commonly referred to as ‘ accommodation ’ or ‘ modification ’. These latter terms describe on-going support for students with a learning designation requiring an Individual Educational Plan .
What is Essential Learning ?
The foundational or minimum competencies and fundamental content knowledge that each student must acquire in a course in order for the student to be successful in future , and for the credits earned upon completion of the course to have academic integrity .
What is an Essential Learning Plan ( ELP )?
An ELP is a short-term intervention whereby a student ’ s learning requirements are determined by what is defined as essential . This means that for a fixed period of time teachers will communicate through an ELP the minimum assessments of student learning expected in order to continue in a course and to earn credits for completion . There are four key aspects of a plan which must be acknowledged by a student in advance of initiating an ELP .
1 . Depending on the anticipated duration of an ELP and the timetabled courses difficulty and / or number , a student will be required to reduce her course load as a condition of being permitted to demonstrate only essential learning in selected courses .
2 . An ELP is in place for a fixed period of time . What determines this period is the specific subject and grade level of the course . A course which is performance-based or heavily discussion-oriented is limited in its ability to be reduced to essential learning . Further , more
Academic Handbook 2021-2022
advanced courses limit the duration of an ELP due to the content and pace of these courses .
3 . Demonstrating only the minimum of learning standards may impact further success when the student moves from essential to regular course expectations or to the next level of study . Gaps in competency and content may require additional support from sources both within and beyond the school .
4 . At times , for students taking Grade 10 to 12 level courses , a course can be shortened from four to two credits as an alternative to moving to essential learning ; however , the student should be aware that this may impact the number of credits they have towards graduation .
Who Is Supported on an ELP ?
A student supported on an ELP will be able to demonstrate an understanding of key concepts and big ideas with fewer or less rigorous requirements for learning
… returning to learn following an extended absence for reasons beyond their control ( eg . concussion ).
AND
OR
Evidence an ELP is Effective
An ELP is effective when :
… experiencing health-related issues that impact their ability to be at school fulltime .
1 . A student demonstrates she is able to meet the expectations of learning included on the ELP in terms of quality of learning and timing ;
2 . The student is able to maintain a continuous connection with the learning and move forward in her learning ;
3 . The student demonstrates she is able to manage increasing learning expectations as the plan comes to an end ; and
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