Page 14 - Choices into Action

In planning and providing for the guidance and career education needs of exceptional students, principals will ensure that there is a process to:
– correlate students’ annual education plans (starting in Grade 7) with their IEPs (includ- ing transition plans);
– ensure that students have equitable access to career exploration opportunities that reflect the goals set out in their annual education plans and IEPs;
– ensure that teacher-advisers and guidance counsellors receive the information they need to provide the necessary and appropriate sup- port for these students.
English As a Second Language (ESL)
and English Literacy Development (ELD) Students
Students for whom English is a second language or who require support in developing their English skills (ESL/ELD students) need time to acquire the language skills they require to par- ticipate fully in the guidance and career educa- tion program. They may also need additional support to become oriented to the Ontario school environment while learning a new lan- guage in a new culture. Special attention should be given to helping them with their course selec- tions and choice of postsecondary destinations. Given that language acquisition follows a contin- uum, students’ current level of language profi- ciency should be a factor, but not a barrier, in their choice of courses and postsecondary desti- nations. Annual education plans will allow for ongoing review and revision of course selections and education and career goals.
To help ESL/ELD students and their parents benefit from the guidance and career education program, it is recommended that, where appro- priate, ESL/ELD teachers be part of the school guidance and career education advisory team and help ESL/ELD students develop their annual education plans.
Native Students
Schools serving Native students should consider the range of these students’ needs, particularly students from a remote First Nations commu- nity who need to become oriented to a different school environment in a new community. Schools with Native students should consider making Native counsellors or mentors available to help students adjust to a new setting, select appropriate courses, clarify their postsecondary destinations, and develop their annual education plans.
PROGRAM CONSIDERATIONS
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