PQP II: PRACTICUM

FINAL REPORT / LAURA GAZZELLONE

What I Did ...

After working in the role of Student
Success Teacher for 4 years, I became
increasingly aware of the students
that typically fall through the
educational cracks. I felt that there
was an increasing need for an
alternative type program within my
school to help high risk students
graduate and move past the walls of
the high school classroom.

RATIONALE
At the end of the 2012/2013 school
year, my high school had a total of
120 at-risk students (thats 12% of
the student population). These
students are deemed at-risk of not
graduating due to academics, social,
emotional or a combination of all of
these factors.
During TEAM meetings, I noticed that
it was the same students being
discussed time and time again. They
all had one thing in common: they
were completely and utterly

These students had many absences

(some as many as 184 missed days
of school) and were severely credit
deficient.
I decided that there needed to be an
alternate way to re-engage these
students and help them succeed in
their goal to graduate high school.
From this, my practicum proposal
idea was born- an alternative

educational program focused

strictly on re-engaging the most
needy student population.
While I realize that most high
schools in my board already have
programs like these in place, my
high school did not- something
needed to change.

continued on page 2

9%
11%
12%

38%

Grade 9
Grade 10
Grade 11
Grade 12
Grade 12+

31%
2013/2013 SCHOOL YEAR

GRADE 12 + STUDENT DATA

Outline of the
Program

AROUND CAMPUS

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The St. Martin A.I.M (achieve goals,

inspire others, and make a
difference) program is an
alternative education program that
targets students whose needs can
not be met in the traditional
classroom.
The goal of the AIM program is to
reach students and motivate them
to set goals and achieve them,
inspire positive change, and make a
difference in their ilife and in the
community.
The program provides students with
a smaller educational atmosphere
that is individually designed to set
them up for success.
The program will promote a positive
learning environment with diverse,
flexible, and creative learning. The
program will be a combination of
hands on assignments and
community events that are geared
towards teaching important
educational and life skills.
Students will work on a bundle of core
courses throughout the school year

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and, along with additional

individually tailored courses, will be
on the path towards high school
graduation.
The program will focus heavily on
personal growth and development.

courses- all designed with the

alternative education framework in
mind. Students enrolled will also
have the opportunity to recover any
gaps in their diploma requirements.

The program (designed as a 1 year

placement) focuses on a bundle of

QUESTION: WHY ARE YOU DISENGAGED?

Insert quote here ...

Insert quote here ...

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Attendance

38%

Average

34%

Credits Recovered

16%

Enthusiasm

6%

Pellentesque

3%

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1%

Aliquam Volutpat

1%

2013/14

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A.I.M
CLASS
Students: 13
Grades: 11 & 12
Gender: 7 females, 6
males
Program Hours: 9:00 1:00
Additional Credits: On
an individual, currently there
are a total of ___ additional
credits required
Team Building: Students
participate in two field trips
to outdoor educational
facility for team building
activities
Volunteer: Class makes
monthly visits to various
charitable organizations
Class Projects:
Mustangs Pay it Forward
Campaign- class provides
weekly help to elderly
citizens within the school
community.
Mustang Winter
Wonderland- class
organizes, advertises and
executes community event

QUOTES

INSTRUCTION & CURRICULUM

The main goal of the A.I.M program is to re-engage. So, in order
to accomplish this goal, the traditional learning environment
is not going to work. The program follows the differentiated
instruction ideology and recognizes that not all students learn
the same. In fact, learning is specific to the individual. Students
will have an individualized learning plan in order to properly
map out goals and requirements. Whenever possible, hands-on
activities and field trips will be incorporated in order to connect
learning with everyday life.
The program places heavy emphasis on community
involvement and class projects. Students are responsible for
giving back to their community and participates in a variety of
volunteer work throughout the school year. The class also
organizes a school/community-wide event in which they plan,
organize, budget, fundraise, and execute themselves.
In an effort to promote positive change and choices, students
will also participate in a variety of team and self building
activities, exercises, and field trips. Emphasis will be placed on
recognizing the need for personal growth and supporting
change. In order to accommodate this, outside resources will be
utilized in conjunction with school support staff.

I feel like I have a plan

now
- Justin

This program has

made me a better
person.
- Kerstin

I am going to
graduate and that feels
awesome!
-

Batul

I learned that I am
not a bad kid

- Xavier

Links to D.P.C.D.S.B Learning Plan

the creation of collaborative, safe and
supportive learning communities.
They recognize their shared
responsibilities and leadership roles
in facilitating student success.
Members maintain and uphold the
principles of
the ethical standards in these
learning communities.

Connections

The Dufferin Peel Catholic District

School Board Learning Plan, each
student is called to realize the
graduate expectations to the fullest
extent possible. The learning plan
focuses on the belief that every
student is able to succeed- so why
werent they in my school? First
thing first, I had to meet with each
potential candidate and figure out
why they were so disengaged from
their education. Commitment to
Students
and Student Learning
Members are dedicated in their care
and commitment to students. They
treat students equitably and with
respect and are sensitive to factors
that influence individual student
learning. Members facilitate the
development of students as
contributing citizens of Canadian
society.

Leading the Instructional Program

consistent and continuous schoolwide focus on student achievement
& fosters a commitment to equity of
outcome and to closing the
achievement gap.

Embracing & integrating

new pedagogies
Supporting diverse
learning needs of all
learners
Maintain a caring &
inclusive faith-based
community in the
classroom
Included 6 practices as
outlined in Growing Success
Is collaborative
Allows learners to take
ownership of their own
learning
Safe learning
environment


BENEFITS

The introduction of the

A.I.M
program not only be
nefits the
students enrolled, bu
t also their
parents and the schoo
l community
as a whole.
Parents have noticed
a considerable
positive change in the
ir son/
daughter.

Leadership in
Learning Communities
Members promote and participate in

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Lorem High School
1234 Main Street
Anytown, State ZIP

CULTURE CLUB
ISSUE no. 17
VOLUME 01

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