SECONDARY LEARNING PROGRAMS
at Homelinks

Homelinks Secondary Program...

Students who choose to complete grades 8-12 at Homelinks will meet all the graduation requirements established by the Ministry of Education or the criteria for a School Leaving Certificate outlined in a current Individual Education Plan. Graduation requirements are posted on the Ministry of Education Web site at: http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/graduation  and are available in print at the Homelinks Centre.

Students entering grade ten will develop a Graduation Plan outlining their program for grades 10, 11 and 12.  The student’s graduation plan will be developed in consultation with the Homelinks staff, parents and the student and reviewed annually or as required.  Changes in the graduation plan will be made in consultation with the student, parents, teaching staff and the Homelinks Principal. Homelinks teachers supervise the program, assess the learning and report on the progress of each Homelinks student. 

Expectations of Staff, Students and Families in the Homelinks Secondary Program...

At Homelinks we are community of families, students, teachers committed to developing and delivering individualized programs that will build success for each student and respect the values and priorities of each family.  We work as partners in developing a program that builds success for each student.  Students, families and teachers each have vital roles to play.  Listed below are some of the vital elements that build success at Homelinks.

Homelinks Secondary Staff.... Work with parents and students to develop a student learning plan (SLP) that reflects the individual student’s learning style and interests and meets the graduation requirements Provide course outlines and suggested timelines for teacher directed courses Work with family and student to select learning outcomes and portfolio requirements for self directed courses Stay in regular contact with students and their families by email, phone, electronic conference or tutorials at the Centre Provide four progress reports per year to parents of students in self-directed courses based on material submitted in student portfolio Mark selected assignments, quizzes and tests in teacher directed programs, provide regular and timely feedback to students and parents

Homelinks Secondary Students....

• Follow a regular schedule of studies at home
• Contact your teachers at least once a week by email, phone or coming into the HL Centre
• Keep your books and materials organized
• Ask for help when you need it, don’t wait!
• Complete assignments and exams on schedule in a teacher directed course
• Hand in your work or portfolio on schedule for all self directed courses

Parents of Secondary Students....

• Participate in student learning plan (SLP) and graduation plan meetings
• Review the SLP with the teacher annually, and at any time during the year if changes are needed
• Establish and supervise a regular schedule of studies at home
• Be familiar with course outlines for teacher directed courses
• Supervise and direct student work in a self-directed study program
• Ensure that assignments, tests and portfolios are submitted on schedule
• Contact Homelinks staff at least once a month to review progress and discuss any questions or concern

Enrolment Procedures...

We welcome new students at Homelinks until September 30^th each year, but it’s best if you enroll before June 15^th for next September. That way we can be sure we will have time to build a learning plan that meets your needs and have all your books and supplies ready for September.  Grades 10, 11 and 12 students may start and finish courses at any time during the school year.

Currently enrolled students re-enroll before the end of February and complete learning plans by June 15. New students enroll and complete learning plans by June 15th Late registrations will be taken until Sept 30th.    Course start dates may be delayed for students who enroll after June 15th and access to funds for supplies, internet and computer support may be limited. Enrollment is limited – please register early! Registration forms are available on this website by clicking on the FORMS button on this website, at the Homelinks office or email vice-principal, Gloria Gadacz, at ggadacz@sd8.bc.ca.

Student Learning Plans...

Your student learning plan is your  “road map” for the year.  Developing a student learning plan is the first important step in the Homelinks program. 

Students and their parents meet with the Homelinks Secondary staff to develop a student learning plan (SLP).  Students in grades 10-11-12 will also have a graduation plan.  Teachers will provide course information and outlines at SLP meetings.  Students will be able to look at the resources and material available for teacher directed courses.  They will decide if their courses are going to be self-directed or teacher-directed.  Students will be able to look at the resources and materials available for their courses.  

If you would need more information about Homelinks or would like to enroll, please telephone vice-principal Gloria Gadacz at 428-2217 or email to: ggadacz@sd8.bc.ca.

Options for Completing the Graduation Program...

At Homelinks you can choose to plan and organize your own course of study in a Self Directed Program.  If you prefer, you can select a Teacher Directed program where you follow an established course of study.   You can enrol full time or part time.  However you choose to complete your high school courses the Homelinks staff will help you along the way. 

Option 1: Self-Directed Program

In a Self-Directed program the student and family will work with the teacher to customize a unique student learning plan. These learning plans may draw on a variety of approved resources. In addition, work schedule and assessment strategies can be set to meet the unique needs of the individual student. Teachers will:

• develop a student learning plan or a graduation plan and update it annually
• review learning materials to ensure the content meets the BC learning outcomes
• ensure that the graduation requirements are understood and that the student’s learning plan meets these requirements
• provide texts and learning materials as required
• schedule provincial exams as required
• tutor the student as required
• evaluate and assess student work and provide the family with a progress report in November, January, March and June

The teacher and student may select alternative learning resources not provided by the Homelinks program if the resources meet the criteria of Learning Resources Selection as outlined in School District 8 Policy #400. http://www.sd8.bc.ca/pol400.htm. 

In order to complete the graduation program students may be required to write school exams and all students are be required to write the required government exams in grades 10, 11 and 12.

Option 2: Teacher-Directed Program

In a Teacher Directed program the Homelinks staff are responsible for providing learning materials and ensuring that the student has met all the requirements for graduation in the required and elective courses. Students, parents and teachers will develop a graduation plan that meets the graduation requirements and update it annually.

• Learning material will be selected from the resources provided by the Homelinks Centre. 
• Teachers will schedule the course work and assignments in consultation with students and parents.
• Teachers will hold small group or individual tutorials as required  or when requested by students.
• Teachers will report regularly to parents (at least four times per year) on student progress and communicate any concerns about achievement, attitude or attendance to parents. 

In order to complete the graduation program students will write school exams and  government exams in grades 10, 11 and 12.

Option 3: Blended Program In a blended program there will be a combination of a customized, self-directed program and the standard teacher-directed program. Each part of the Graduation Plan and Student Learning Plan must clearly indicate the details of each course, whether customized for the needs of the student or simply the standard program offered by the teacher.    Part time students Enrolling part time is an option for students who want to take more time to complete the graduation program, who only need a few courses to complete the graduation requirements or who are interested supplementing a Home School program that isn’t leading to a Dogwood diploma. In order to complete the graduation program students will write school exams and  government exams in grades 10, 11 and 12.

Assessment and Reporting on Learning...

At Homelinks we believe that all students can learn and succeed.  Assessment should be formative and authentic.  It should shape a student’s learning, not limit it. 

 Homelinks teachers believe that assessment is part of learning.  By looking at your work with you we will be able to help you build your strengths and follow new paths.  Together we will keep track of your progress toward meeting the learning outcomes in the required and elective courses.  All learning outcomes are posted on the Ministry Website at http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/irp/curric/lo.html.

In order to graduate, students are required to collect and present a portfolio of their best work and evidence their learning experiences.
http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/graduation/portfolio This is a link to the Graduation Portfolio web site. You will be hearing us talk about “portfolio aspects” , “portfolio evidence” and “portfolio quality” over the course of this school year. The web-site will give you more basic information and ideas. Students in Planning 10 will get more information during the course.

As we go through the school year, the teachers will help you decide which of your assignments and projects are “portfolio quality”. Other portfolio requirements are linked to your healthy lifestyle, your work experience (paid or volunteer) and your contributions to your community. There are many ways you can collect and present evidence of these things. The portfolio is meant to be a celebration of your learning and a record of your successes

Self-Directed Students Self directed students submit a portfolio of work four times a year: November, February, March and June.  The contents of the portfolio will be determined by the teacher, in conversation with the student and reflect the student's best work related to the learning outcomes for the course.  For example, a student taking English through directed study might be required to submit a novel study, a current affairs essay and a review of a play.  The student, family and teacher will review the portfolio. The teacher will decide if the content of the work is meeting the selected learning outcomes and if the quality of the work is above, at or below the standard expected for the student’s age and grade.  Students may choose to write cumulative or final course exams.   Teacher-Directed Students Teacher directed students complete scheduled assignments and tests.  The teacher, or parent if appropriate, will mark selected assignments, quizzes and tests and provide regular feedback and direction to the student.

Provincial Exams

All Homelinks students who are in the graduation program are required to write provincial exams in grade 10 (Math, English and Science), 11 (Social Studies) and 12 (English). 

Students who do not write provincial exams will be awarded a grade based on course completion.  They will not receive graduation credits without writing the provincial exams.

Options for Earning Credits in Grades 10, 11, 12...

There are many ways for you to earn course credits in grades 10, 11 and 12.  You can get credit for courses you have taken other places, for things you have learned on your own and for activities you participate in outside of “regular school”.  We will help you explore all the options.

Equivalency, Challenge, External Credit

A student in grades 10-12 may receive equivalency credit for courses if they can provide documented evidence of prior learning as outlined in School District 8 policy #420.  There is no limit to the number of equivalency credits a student may receive. For more info, go to this website:  http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/policy/policies/earning_credit_through.htm.

A student in grades 10-12 may  course challenge credit as outlined in School District 8 Policy #421.  It is the student’s responsibility to provide detailed evidence of his/her achievement and ability to meet the required provincial learning outcomes. The student may be required to write school and/or provincial exams.  There is no limit to the number of challenge credits a student may receive.  Teachers will provide students with a list of required learning outcomes and assess the evidence submitted by the student.  Students in grades 10-12 may receive external credit for courses they complete outside the public school system if they provide documentation as required by the Ministry of Education.  There is no funding or teacher support available for equivalency credit courses. A list of external credit courses is available from the Homelinks office or at http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/graduation/courseinfo/cid.pdf

Independent Directed Studies – Choose your own path

Students in grades 10-12 may receive credit for independent directed studies . This policy enables students to initiate their own area of learning and to receive credit towards graduation. Under the direction of a teacher the student will study one or more of the provincial learning outcomes in depth, or study more broadly a wide variety of learning outcomes from a single course. There is no limit to the number of independent directed studies courses a student may take.  IDS credits may only be used to satisfy elective requirements.  IDS courses are fully funded and fully supported by Homelinks staff. 

Extra & Co-curricular Activities  We want to help students explore their own interests and develop their skills.  Students may select alternative learning resources and attend activities not provided by the Homelinks program if the resources are part of the students learning plan and meet the criteria of Learning Resources Selection as outlined in School District 8 Policy #400 (http://www.sd8.bc.ca/pol400.htm). Materials will be ordered by the Homelinks staff and delivered to parents.  Charges for lessons and other services that are part of the student’s learning plan must be pre-approved by the principal and invoices sent directly to the Homelinks office.  Most school supplies are available from your liaison teachers.

Computers for Secondary Students

Homelinks will loan computers to secondary students who select an electronic course delivery option or need a computer for access to email and internet to complete the graduation program.  Homelinks will reimburse a family up to $250.00 per year for internet access.

Group Activities

Secondary students enrolled in Homelinks are invited to attend weekly seminars, workshops and lessons at their local Homelinks Centre. The activities offered vary based on the needs of the students and input from parents in planning and scheduling events. Typical Homelinks activities include music, PE, French, Spanish, German, woodworking, art, skiing and field trips to Fort Steele, the Creston Valley Wildlife Centre, the climbing wall and the Calgary Zoo, Phantom of the Opera (Spokane), Nutcracker (Spokane).

Teacher-Directed Course Delivery Options at Homelinks...

We offer a range of course delivery options in each subject at Homelinks.  You can choose to work on-line or on-paper.  Your teacher will show you different courses in your subject areas and you can choose the format that you like best.   Here is a summary of the options:

Nautikos Elearner Courses
Computer managed courses using Nautikos.  Go on-line to get assignments and take tests.  Work off-line on assignments and projects.

Open School Courses
Packages of print materials that do not require the use of a computer.  Teachers mark most assignments, exams are written at the Homelinks Centre.

Proactive Courses

Packages of print material that do not require the use of a computer.  Students mark their own assignments at the Homelinks Centre, tests are written at the Homelinks Centre.

Homelinks Secondary Teachers...

Here is a list of the secondary teachers at Homelinks in Creston.  We welcome your questions and encourage you to call us at 428-2217 between 8:30 and 4:30 p.m. or email at the addresses shown below.

Mrs. Buchholz: English, Communications, Career & Personal Planning, Planning 10, Family Studies 11 & 12, Psychology 11, Geography 12. Secondary Art.  Days at Homelinks:  Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday.             Email: cbuchholz@sd8.bc.ca  Ms. Nowoselski:  Social Studies, P.E. 8 &9.  Days at Homelinks: Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday.               Email: cnowoselski@sd8.bc.ca  Ms. Quackenbush: Math, Science, Biology, Earth Science, P.E. 10 & 11.  Days at Homelinks:  Monday, Thursday, & Friday.  Email: nquackenbush@sd8.bc.ca Mrs. Gadacz: Secondary Art, Home Ec (Textiles Grades 5-12), Equivalency & Course Challenge credit, Communications 12 adult. Email: ggadacz@sd8.bc.ca

Teacher-Directed Secondary Courses Offered through Homelinks...