Literacy 10, 20, 30

The need for a different courseSignificant # of students were accumulating credits, but not meeting graduation requirements

Many were struggling to meet the demands of existing English Language Arts courses

Student profile15 years of age or older

no identified learning difficulties but functioning several years below grade level

personal problems and limited coping skills

possibly ESL and/or no strong first language

sporadic attendance

reading below grade level, but has decoding skills

little experience with school success & lack strong sense of self-worth

Connections to the existing curriculum5 General Outcomes

1.Explore thoughts, ideas, feelings, & experiences

2.Comprehend & respond personally & critically to oral, print, & other media texts

3.Manage ideas & information

4.Enhance the clarity & artistry of communication

5.Celebrate & build community

Addresses the six language arts:

reading speaking viewing

writing listening representing

Links with Essential Skillsfrom Human Resources & Skills Development Canada

Reading text

Document use

Writing

Numeracy

Oral communication

Thinking skills

Working with others

Computer use

Continuous learning

What will students learn?Students will become

Informed citizens through Everyday Literacy

Literate citizens through Family Literacy

Active Citizens through Land as Text/Local Issues

Reflective citizens through Media & Critical Literacy

Productive citizens through Workplace Literacy

Some sample activitiesEveryday literacy

Reading texts in the community

buying & financing a car

Family literacyguided reading at the elementary school

creating a children’s text

Land as text/Local issuesAnthology of elders’ biographies

Writing or editing a wikipedia article

•Workplace literacyReading career biographiesresumes, cover letters, & interviews

Media & critical literacycreate media & internet awareness materials

designing a magazine

How is this course different?Real-life, alternative texts

Student-centered - relevance through student choice

Active inquiry - skill and experience emphasis

Development of teamwork and interpersonal skills

Emphasis on oral and visual literacy to support print/digital texts

Self-assessment and reflection

Focus on success and growth

How do students demonstrate their skills?

Completing & participating in activities, assignments, & projects

Completing & presenting a student-generated portfolio

Portfoliosemphasizes self-assessment, reflection, & the acknowledgment of ongoing learning

contains artifacts selected by students to represent their learning

includes reflection on the learning represented by the artifacts

includes learning goals set & monitored by the student throughout the course

provides a basis for dialogue about their learning & skills