to gain sector-specific skills and knowledge in the context of engaging career-related learning environments. SHSM helps them focus on graduation while pursuing their postsecondary goals.
customize their secondary school education to suit their interests and talents while meeting the requirements for the OSSD select a bundle of 8 to 10 required Grade 11 and 12 credits focused on sector-specific (i.e. Social Justice) knowledge and skills that are designed to help prepare students for their postsecondary pathway. explore, identify, and refine career goals and make informed decisions about their postsecondary options; take part in “reach ahead” experiences that will help them gain confidence in their ability to be successful, refine skills and work habits, and make an informed choice about future careers develop Essential Skills and work habits that are required in the sector, and have their performance of those skills and work habits assessed and documented gain confidence in their ability to succeed, and see the connections between their studies, the world beyond high school, and their future careers begin to establish relationships and networks in their chosen field receive a SHSM Record that documents sector-related certifications earned and training courses completed
In Canada, there are at least 50,000 direct or indirect jobs in the sector of international development and relationships. These opportunities are found in the federal, as well as in the provincial and municipal government, the private foundations, NGO, associations and private sector. According to the HR Council for the Non-Profit Sector,
“The nonprofit sector is uniquely positioned to offer a range of careers that are dynamic, engaging and rewarding. Whether in the fields of art, culture, education, the environment, health care, social development or sport, there are countless career paths for people who share the sector's common vision: to make a difference.”
Each Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) consists of varied required components. Students must successfully complete all the required components in order to earn the SHSM designation on their diploma – a red seal embossed with the words “Specialist High Skills Major”. Please visit the Ministry of Education website for more details at: http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/studentsuccess/pathways/shsm/ .
Drop by the Guidance office in the fall for more information and watch for information posted on our website at: http://www.dpcdsb.org/HNMRY/SHSM/
Students must complete a defined bundle of 8 – 10 required HNM Grade 11 and Grade 12 credits to earn the
SHSM designation on their diploma. This bundle of credits includes:
4 Major Credits – enables students to build a foundation of sector-focused knowledge and skills.
2 – 4 Other Required Credits – contain contextualized learning activities (CLA’s) that connect learning in these course with the SHSM sector Social Justice.
2 Cooperative Education Credits – related and authentic learning experiences in a workplace setting.
Successful completion of all SHSM components is indicated on the student’s Ontario Student Transcript (OST).
Where are SHSM programs being delivered?
In the 2009–10 school year, SHSM programs will be available in all school boards across the province. About
430 schools will offer SHSMs in one or more of the sectors. This September we are joining the more than
700 SHSM programs province-wide. Holy Name of Mary will be the first in the province to offer a SHSM in
Social Justice, JustAct .