In the Traditional Structured Learning experience, students will be afforded more classroom-based instruction with their teacher in comparison to students in the GCL program, where the focus is individualized instruction. Students will experience four classes per week focused on curricular outcomes. Additional instructional time is intended for students to gain enrichment or remedial supports during the guided customized learning (GCL) blocks that occur after lunch every day. During these instructional blocks, teachers create customized learning experiences based on student needs.
Students in the Traditional Structured Learning environment are assigned a full timetable in Grade 10 to ensure students are on track to meet all graduation requirements. In Grade 10, students are required to complete courses in Religion, Physical Education, and Career and Technology Studies (CTS)/ Fine Arts in addition to their core classes of English, Math, Social Studies, and Science.
In comparison to the GCL program, students in the Traditional Structured Learning experience will have very little ‘flex’ time to work on the various learning floors. During this time students will be directed by their classroom teacher as to what work needs to be completed. The Traditional Structured Learning program is teacher-directed where the teacher determines the sequence of learning experiences.
Students in this experience are also assigned a Teacher Advisor (TA) and will also participate in the daily TA blocks as well as a weekly TA class. During these blocks, teachers review student progress and provide supports to ensure students are working to their full potential. The Teacher Advisor is always the first point of contact for families. Teacher Advisors maintain contact with the home every month to report on academic progress, celebrate successes, and maintain open lines of communication with the home to ensure students are accountable for their studies.
Our Traditional Classroom Learning (TCL) program is based on a traditional classroom delivery model. For more information, please select the most appropriate heading to learn more.
How does TCL work?
A student who is registered in a TCL class will experience a delivery model which is consistent with most of their previous educational experience. The student has a teacher we call a Course Advisor. The student will attend the scheduled class throughout the week depending on whether it is a three of five credit course.
The course advisor will provide the delivery of educational outcomes and students will work on the learning of those outcomes through a variety of learning opportunities. Students will complete assessments either at home or in class based on a schedule set for the class by the course advisor.
Who is eligible to register in a TCL course?
Students who are in Grades 10-12 and have successfully been accepted at St. Joseph are eligible to register for TCL courses.
Select students in Grades 13 and 14 (students continuing their education beyond their three years in high school) may be eligible depending on their Education Plan. Courses selected that will not lead to a student's credentially path may be limited due to limited space in many classes.
Adult students and students outside of St. Joseph High School are ineligible to register for a TCL course.
Is attendance required in a TCL course?
Attendance is mandatory in a TCL course.
Can I bring a device to a TCL course?
St. Joseph High School a device friendly school environment. If a student wishes to bring their own student owned device for use in a TCL course, they are free to do so.
Please be aware of the recent provincial requirements for cell phones in classrooms. St. Joseph High School has committed to providing a school environment that focused on learning in the classroom and therefore the use of any student owned devices will be used for learning and not for activities that are not related to achieving the learning outcomes.
How do I communicate with my child's teacher?
Once a student has been registered in a TCL course, you will have access to the teacher's email via PowerSchool. You can contact the teacher via the email link that is provided to you.
Additionally, you can always contact the school at 780-426-2010 and request a callback.
Please be aware that teachers are in class most of the day and may be unable to return your call or email until the next business day. We strive to return calls within a 24-48 hour time frame.
Can I drop my TCL course?
No. Students are not eligible to drop a TCL course as it is part of their educational programming. In some cases, dropping a course may require a student to complete more courses in the long run. Prior to any drop of a course, a student must meet with the appropriate Link Administrator (Assistant Principal) to discuss the situation.
Students who are in Grades 13 and 14 may be eligible to drop a course depending on their educational plan
Does a TCL course have a diploma or other final exam?
Depending on the course that is taken, the answer is yes. Many of our TCL courses do have a final exam which is scheduled to be written at the school at the end of the semester.
Provincial diploma exam schedules are set by the Province of Alberta and we cannot accommodate re-scheduling of the exam.
We've scheduled a holiday or we need to leave the area during the course. Can I get extra homework and do my studies online?
While we understand that there is educational value to visiting other places around the globe, we cannot accommodate an educational plan for a student who has registered for a TCL program. Students can meet with the CA to discuss what materials they will be missing and what they can do to keep up so that when they return they are not far behind but we cannot expect our CAs to provide alternative programming to accommodate a family holiday or due to being in a different location.
If there is a need to take our online program offering, please see our Modular Digital Learning Program or contact the Link Administrator for more information.
How do I register for a TCL course?
Students in Grades 10-12 and were accepted to St. Joseph will have already registered for their courses.
If you are a new student and would like to apply to attend St. Joseph and need to register for a course, please check out our Event Calendar for the dates which you can visit the school to register for the appropriate courses.
If you have any further questions, please contact the school at 780-426-2010.