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What is the PSDL Model?
The personalized self-directed learning model is a way of learning
for students which enables the students to “take charge” of their
education in a partnership role with their parents and teachers. As
a result, the students learn to become more independent, responsible
and goal-oriented in their studies and personal lives. Many
educational experts refer to this as “emotional intelligence”. As a
result of spending three years immersed in this way of learning,
students are better prepared for post-secondary education.
The Personalized
Self-directed Learning Program is solidly based on the following
pillars:
1.
Personalized
Scheduling
Personalized daily schedules meet each student’s specific
educational needs. The schedule reflects the student’s use of time
taking into consideration unique talent, interests and academic
capability. For Grade 10 students the opportunity to take “more
structured” academic courses is available.
2.
Teacher Advisor (TA)
The role the Teacher Advisor (TA) plays in each student’s learning
experience is significant and crucial. The student will check in
with the TA three times a day and spend an extended period of time
every week with the TA to discuss progress, review the educational
plan and access learning support.
3. Supported Independent Study
Learning is viewed as
an active not a passive process. Independent study is not study
alone apart from the direction and support of adults and peers, but
instead independent study is a triangle of group presentations,
seminar sessions, and one-on-one conversation with subject experts.
4.
Continuous Progress
The curriculum is organized
into learning guides or modules to allow for continuous progress.
Students do not waste time waiting for other students to catch up.
Students are not frustrated by the teacher’s pacing of work that is
difficult for them.
5.
Regular review of student progress
Student progress is fully reviewed every 6 weeks
to ensure that the students are successful in their studies. Also,
parents can regularly monitor their child’s progress by accessing a
secure web-based progress report which tracks academic performance
in a dynamic fashion. As students complete their work, teachers
assess the work and record their marks. Parents can then access the
results, daily if they wish, from a program called “Parent View”.
St. Joseph
High School
PSDL Learning Attributes for
Success
Strong Reading Skills
·
65% or better in grade 9
English Language Arts and/or equivalent in CTBS scores
Strong Organization
and Communication Skills
·
demonstrated ability to
communicate and negotiate with adults
·
commitment to meeting
deadlines and self-organizing
Independent,
Self-Motivated Learner
·
demonstrated skills as an
independent learner with the ability to self-monitor, self-motivate,
and self-evaluate
·
consistent and regular school
attendance
Specific
Post-Secondary Goals
·
desire to complete high
school at an accelerated pace and post-secondary plans clearly laid
out
Full Support of Adults
·
strong recommendations from
grade 9 teachers and the academic record to back up these
recommendations
·
full parental support and
understanding of the learning mode of PSDL PROGRAM
UNIT COMPLETION
GUIDELINES
The self-directed learning program at St. Joseph is completely
personalized and flexible for scheduling and use of time.
However, if a student is to complete the Grade 12 High School
diploma requirements in the expected three years, (s)he needs to
follow the minimum guidelines for unit completion based on the
information below. The student will work closely with the
Teacher Advisor to plan and exceed these minimum goals. These
planning skills will empower the student to meet life’s challenges.
COMPLETION OF
COURSES
Students will have a maximum of five
months to complete any course from the date of registration in that
course. After five months, final marks will be assigned.
At the end of June each year, final marks are assigned for all
courses begun prior to May 1 of that school year.
DIPLOMA EXAMINATION
ELIGIBILITY
The following conditions apply to a
student’s eligibility to write a diploma examination:
1.
The student must have a mark of at least 50%
in the diploma course.
2.
The student must have completed a minimum of
20 units by December 20 or May 30 (depending on semester) in the
diploma course.
3.
The student who does not complete the 25
units of a diploma course may be eligible to write the diploma
examination if at least 20 units are completed in the course.
Learning guides and units not completed will be given a grade value
of zero and the final course mark will therefore be the mark arrived
at after entering the zeroes.
4.
The student is granted permission to write
the diploma examination at the discretion of the department head.
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