The Alternative Secondary School Program (ASSP) offers standard Ontario secondary school curriculum, cultural programming (cultural credits), promotes Indigenous student success, and provides an alternative learning environment for Indigenous learners wishing to obtain their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). The cultural curriculum component allows for students to be introduced to a different way of learning, through an Indigenous pedagogical model which encourages critical thinking, innovative problem-solving and independence.
Program Goal:
The purpose of the program is to address the needs o urban Indigenous students and help them complete their OSSD. The program aims to incorporate cultural teachings and learning approached as they prepare students for workplace readiness, skills development and training, or for transitions to mainstream high schools or post-secondary education institutions.
The Alternative Secondary School program seeks to improve Indigenous students’ success at the secondary level, to increase graduation rates of students and to positively impact the well-being of Urban Indigenous learners in Ontario’s education environments.
Program Objectives:
The ASSP model facilitates a safe learning environment for Urban Indigenous learners within the Friendship Centres in Ontario and in other community settings where applicable. The ASSP incorporates into the program’s design cultural information, resources and materials, as well as activities to facilitate students’ learning processes. The program provides a safe, trauma-informed learning environment which promotes a sense of belonging her learners. The ASSP incorporates self-esteem building interventions into its service delivery to promote mental and emotional well-being for the students in the program. This ensures that services are geared towards emphasising wholistic wellness and student success. Moreover, the ASSP incorporates culturally appropriate assessments and evaluation tools into its design to provide a culturally-based educational program. Through these facets, the ASSP provides students with the necessary resources to gain credentials towards completion of their OSSD.
Target Group/Eligibility Criteria:
Indigenous learners who wish to complete their OSSD.
Outcomes:
- improved educational attainment for Indigenous students, including closing the achievement gap between Indigenous students and other students
- Provision of culturally relevant education and wrap-around supports to Indigenous students
- Equitable and increased access to cultural resources
- Positive self-image, mental health, and well-being for Indigenous students
- Improved access to Indigenous-based education, culturally relevant resources and safe learning environments that promote holistic well-being and student achievement
For more information:
705-707-1031
lasseassist@nbifc.org or
iassec@nbifc.org