Supervised Alternative Learning Programming
What is Supervised Alternative Learning?
Under the guiding principle of “Reaching Every Student,” secondary schools in Ontario use many strategies, interventions and innovative alternative programs to support, assist and meet the unique learning needs of students. These options exist in schools, in other school board facilities, in partnerships with community agencies and employers and other creative learning structures.
There is a small but distinct group of students whose needs are not met by these in-school programs and interventions. Often, many programs have been tried but without success. At this point, information about the Supervised Alternative Learning (SAL) should be shared with parents/guardians and the student.
Supervised Alternative Learning is a program for 14- to 17-year-old students with significant difficulties with school engagement. SAL Plans provide students with an individualized alternative learning experience that enables their progress toward obtaining an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), an Ontario Secondary School Certificate (OSSC), or a Certificate of Participation, and toward achieving their education and life goals. The process is initiated after careful consultation with Guidance, Administration, the Attendance Counsellor and the SAL Coordinator.
A Supervised Alternative Learning program should include:
- enrollment in a credit-bearing course
It may also include one or more of the following:
- Enrollment in a non-credit life skills course or other non-credit course
- Preparation for employment and development of general employment skills
- Training for a specific job or type of employment
- Full-time or part-time employment
- Counselling
- Volunteering
- Any other activity with the potential to help the student achieve their goals that have been approved by the SAL Committee
A pupil who is approved by the SAL committee to participate in Supervised Alternative Learning is legally excused from regular attendance at school as long as the pupil’s plan has not expired or been terminated.
