Page 11 - The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 11 and 12: Technological Education, 2009 (revised)

THE ONTARIO CURRICULUM, GRADES 11 AND 12 | Technological Education
Community Partnerships
Community partners in the area of technological education can be an important resource for schools and students. They can provide support for students in the classroom, and can be models of how the knowledge and skills acquired through the study of the curriculum relate to life beyond school. As mentors, they can enrich not only the educational experi- ence of students, but also the life of the community. Schools can, for example, make arrangements with firms or other groups in the community to provide specialists in vari- ous areas and aspects of technology (e.g., engineers, technicians, technologists, tradespeo- ple, or experts in construction, health care services, or green industries) to participate in in-class workshops for students based on topics, concepts, and skills from the curriculum. Such firms or groups may also be interested in working with schools to create opportuni- ties for cooperative education and apprenticeships, in connection with the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP).
Schools and school boards can play a role by coordinating efforts with community part- ners. They can involve colleges, universities, trade unions or professional organizations, local businesses, and community volunteers in supporting instruction and in promoting a focus on technological education in and outside the school. Postsecondary institutions and other community stakeholders can be included in events held at the school (such as parent education nights, technology skills competitions, and joint ventures), and school boards can collaborate with their community partners by providing educational opportu- nities within the community.
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