Eastern Lakeshore Regional Planning Team

Creating a Centre for Success: Moving beyond SWACStrategies and Best Practices

Matt Bowen – Centre for Success Teacher, St Thomas Aquinas CSSJane Sammut – Student Success Consultant, PVNCCDSBWilliam Howe – Manager, Dual Credit Operations, Fleming College

What is a SWAC?

A Dual Credit alternative learning opportunity for students who have completed at least 22 credits to complete their OSSD requirements in a college setting.

What is a Centre for Success?

A SWAC program that includes additional enrichment activities and resources funded through ???

What to consider before starting a Centre for Success?

• Student selection – Primary Target Group, right class size, etc.

• Secondary School Teacher fit• College Course fit• Additional Enrichment Activities & Resources

Student Selection

“I was thrilled when I heard about the opportunity. I was also concerned about whether this was a program that would stigmatize my son as a poor performer. The fact that he has been engaged from day one. Loves his teachers and completing his work without my involvement makes this program a huge success for Jwoel and our family. He also planned to take off a year to think about what he wants to do.

Although he still plans to do this, he has also said he is considering college as an option after the year.”

 Mother of a Student at the Fleming College CFS

Student Selection

“I was thrilled when I heard about the opportunity. I was also concerned about whether this was a program that would stigmatize my son as a poor performer. The fact that he has been engaged from day one. Loves his teachers and completing his work without my involvement makes this program a huge success for Jwoel and our family. He also planned to take off a year to think about what he wants to do.

Although he still plans to do this, he has also said he is considering college as an option after the year.”

 Mother of a Student at the Fleming College CFS

Secondary School Teacher fit

“She is happy attending school with you.  She loves you dearly and never has a mean thing to say about you or the program.  What a difference from last semester.  She is inspired to pass and graduate with her friends.  This is what she has needed in a long time.”

“I have noticed a difference in her since she has begun with you.  We talk about you all the time and I brag about this program to anyone who wants to listen and even if they don't.”

Mothers of Students at the Durham College CFS

College Course fit

TOUR39 Trip Planning (Outdoor Adventure Skills/Outdoor & Adventure Education Programs)

“In this course, students will learn some of the skills required for a successful outdoor adventure expedition including strategies related to gear preparation, selection and organization, route planning, map reading skills, trip budgeting, clothing selection, weather prediction, menu planning and food preparation. Field experiences will provide opportunities for practice and assessment of practical outdoor trip planning skills.”

Additional Enrichment Activities & Resources

• Recreation Centre memberships• CPR & First Aid Certification• College Services

Summer CFS Program at Durham College (starts July, 2015):

• Students will be selected that have the potential to graduate upon completion of the program and possibly attend college in September. Students can earn 1-3 Secondary School credit(s) through Dual Credit and credit recovery

• Team-Taught Dual Credit course GNED1108 Human Relations linked to GLN401 Navigating the Workplace grade 12 course

• Secondary School Teacher will be Guidance qualified

• Additional Enrichment Activities & Resources include: local transit bus pass, Campus Recreation & Wellness Centre pass, breakfast program, college service supports, Parent & Student Open House Orientation day

Summer CFS Program at Loyalist College:

• Students selected must be part of the Primary Target Group

• Participants select 1 or 2 Dual Credits from Techniques of Baking, Lights, Camera, Action! The Studio, Nail Techniques & Suspension, Steering & Brakes and earn additional credits through credit recovery

• Additional Enrichment Resources include access to college services and gymnasium, Parent & Student Orientation evening prior to beginning of classes

Eastern Lakeshore Regional Planning Team