Introduction of New Support for Grade 8 Students

We are excited to announce new support for Grade Eight students as they transition to secondary schools. Research indicates that cross panel collaboration around transitions can increase graduation rates by sixteen percent.

The Thames Valley DSB Board of Trustees approved allocation of new staff at the Board meeting on April 24, 2018. This allocation was to ensure that every TVDSB Elementary School was to have at least one Guidance Lead Teacher to help Grade Eight students to make successful transitions to secondary schools. This targeted investment in senior elementary students will support teachers to:

* prepare students for their academic transition to high school,

* engage students in experiential learning that provides exposure to role models and positive examples of a diversity of careers, and

* encourage high expectations for all students and facilitate exploration of all pathways options.

In order to support students’ transitions, Elementary Guidance Lead Teachers will create a Student Learning Individual Profile (SLIP) for each grade eight student informed by the student’s: academic data, myBlueprint Info, Student Reflections on Experiential Learning, and input from the student’s teachers.

As in the past, students will continue to use myBlueprint to complete their Individual Pathways Plan, and to submit courses for TVDSB secondary school registration. Individual Education Plans created in elementary schools will transition electronically to the TVDSB secondary school in which your child registers.

We love having parents/guardians as partners so please ask your child about conversations they have had about transition planning. Should you have any questions about the support we are providing, please contact your child’s Elementary Guidance Lead, or Administration.