BAA Learning Strategies 10, 11 District Name : Okanagan Skaha District Number : 67 Developed by : Learning Assistance Department, Penticton Secondary Date Developed : February 2, 2005 School Name: Penticton Secondary Principal’s Name : Peter Corcoran Board/Authority Approval Date : Board/Authority Signature : Course Name : Learning Strategies 10, 11 Grade Level of Course: 10, 11 Number of Course Credits: 2 or 4 Number of Hours of instruction: 60 or 120 Prerequisite(s): Students with learning difficulties or identified learning disabilities Students having difficulty learning course content Students who need adaptations or modifications to their course work Students who have been recommended through the School Based Team, Learning Centre and/or Counsellor Course Synopsis: This course has been designed to help meet the academic and emotional needs of students with learning difficulties, chronic health issues, physical disabilities, and identified learning disabilities. It provides direct instruction in the effective learning skills and strategies that are needed to become independent, successful learners. It has been developed to provide an opportunity for students to : · Receive instruction in strategies to assist general learning in the regular classroom · Receive assistance utilizing these strategies while doing subject work from regular classrooms · Receive instruction in organizational/time management strategies · Receive instruction in study skills strategies · Receive instruction for remediation of academic areas of concern (Ex. Reading, writing, math) · Receive the extra time required to finish tests from regular classrooms · Prepare for the writing of provincial examinations · Receive counseling in developing skills that enable them to deal effectively with staff and peers · Receive counseling on how to effectively solve problems or conflicts · Develop the skills needed to be effective self-advocates · The primary focus for students taking this course at the grade 10 level will be on more intense instruction in various organizational and study skill techniques. They will be more closely monitored for binder organization, planner use, and homework completion. Grade 11 and 12 students will be expected show more independence in their use of these skills, as well as starting to focus more on personal goal setting. They will be expected to show more effective selfadvocacy skills and more independence in accessing any adaptations that they may qualify for on government exams. The course is divided into the following components: Organizational skills Social / Emotional skills Learning and Study Skills Assignment and testing support Learning Resources Video and audio tapes related to subject curriculum Daily Planner Inspirations, Successmaker, Kurzweil, and other software Adapted and modified novels, plays and related materials Ministry website CURRICULUM ORGAIZATION & LEARNING OUTCOMES : Organization Skills 20% It is expected that the student will : Consistently use an agenda Independently keep track of all assigned work Maintain organized binders Take responsibility for missed assignments Make effective use of class time to complete homework, study, and seek help when needed Study for tests at home Complete homework assignments Effectively manage their time to ensure they have adequate time to complete assignments Use visual organizers to organize notes, study sheets, etc. Learn & implement effective study strategies Learn how to effectively obtain information from a text Social / Emotional Skills 20% It is expected that the student will develop skills in the areas of : Responsibility Exhibit behaviours that demonstrate accountability Self-advocate Independently use problem-solving strategies Self-monitor and manage emotional responses Seek help/guidance from support staff when needed Behaviour Resolve conflict constructively Show respect and empathy for others Demonstrate appropriate classroom behaviour Work effectively with peers Learning and Study Skills 20% It is expected that the student will : Seek help from subject teachers Make and use effective study guides Effectively use reference materials (library, dictionary, internet, etc.) Effectively use text features such as index, table of contents, glossary, bold text, review sections, etc. Make use of appropriate technology Use effective test taking strategies Learn how physical factors such as nutrition, sleep habits, exercise affect memory and learning Demonstrate a commitment to personal goals Assignment & Testing Support 40% Students will receive support and individual instruction on assignments from other classes. Students will receive adaptations to course content in accordance with their I.E.P. INSTRUCTIONAL COMPONENTS The student will be exposed to a variety of learning experiences which promote application and transfer of learning strategies and study skills to other courses, independent learning and goal setting. The application of these learning strategies will be determined by individual needs. Evaluation : Student evaluation is based on the student meeting the learning outcomes. It is done on an on-going basis and includes student and teacher assessment of : In-class use of organizational and learning strategies Performance in other subject areas Self-monitoring of progress Self-advocacy Assessment methods could include : Teacher observation Student reports Subject teacher reports Student conferences Progress checks : binders, assignments, classroom marks Checklists Exams, tests, quizzes Rating scales Written assignments