For contact information, see wisdomhomeschooling.com > About > The Team
WISDOM Home Schooling is a registered trade name of The Gilbertine Institute.
The Gilbertine Academy, Calgary, is an independent school operated by The Gilbertine Institute.
Phone: (780) 741-2113
Toll Free: (877) 425-8546 with questions: office@wisdomhomeschooling.com
Publisher: WISDOM Home Schooling
Content/Editor /Desktop:
TobyLauren Burgess, Rebecca Bekolay
Desktop / Design:
Naomi Doyle
wisdomhomeschooling.com
Photography:
Unless otherwise credited, photography is courtesy of the Noster, Burgess, Tinant, and Doyle families. The people appearing in photos throughout this publication do not endorse any specific product, service, cause, association or endeavour. Images and photos are for illustrative purposes only.
image courtesy of the Koehn Family Cover Image Courtesy of the Koehn Family
Welcome to high school credits at home
You have opened this handbook because you are interested in earning Alberta credits.
Read this High School Credit Handbook and speak with your Facilitator during your Spring Evaluation meeting or as early as possible in September. Your Facilitator will begin the process. If you need additional help, contact the WISDOM office to be put in touch with our Credit Advisor.
Students may:
• earn an Alberta Education transcript of courses and marks, or
• earn an Alberta Diploma with a transcript of courses and marks.
This handbook describes the credit options and the means by which they may be achieved in a parent-delivered program. Parents remain the primary educators, helping their students earn credits and marks by the authority of the Home Education Regulation and through the Course Challenge process.
In some cases, where students would prefer direct teacher assistance, parents can pass some of their authority to a school providing online Distance Education. Limits may apply.
The Gilbertine Academy's home education administration, WISDOM Home Schooling, helps you access Alberta High School marks and credits for parent-delivered courses. You will receive an official Alberta Education Transcript listing course credits and marks awarded by The Gilbertine Academy.
The Gilbertine Institute (A0363) is the society that operates independent school
The Gilbertine Academy (S2338).
Holy House is the name of the Gilbertine Academy's Shared Responsibility Program, and WISDOM Home Schooling is the name of the Gilbertine Academy Home Education Administration.
C ourse C re D its
Four ways to receive high school credits:
• Course Challenge
• Course Waiver
• Mature Diploma Exam Challenge
• Externally delivered courses through other schools. (see page 16)
C ourse C hallenge
The Course Challenge process is the best way for most home school students to obtain high school marks and credits for eligible courses. The family exercises full authority over chosen resources and learning timeline; only the final result is evaluated by our team, according to the requirements of the Alberta Programs of Study for each course.
See following pages for more information.
C ourse W aiver
While course challenges allow students to obtain both course credits and marks, a course waiver registers only the credits and a “pass” on the high school transcript.
M ature D iplo M a e xa M C hallenge
A mature student (defined by AB Ed as being 19 years of age or older prior to September 1) may achieve 100% of their high school course mark by successfully challenging the Diploma Examination. That student will also automatically be awarded credits by Alberta Education for the prerequisites in that course sequence.
Course waivers for prerequisite courses in certain course sequences allow students to receive course credits without marks.
• A student who completes a higher level course in a course sequence is eligible to receive course credits without marks for the lower level prerequisite courses in the sequence.
• Ex: a student who is waived into English 30-1 at the start of the term and successfully completes the course challenge, receives a mark and 5 credits for English 30-1, plus prerequisite credits for the waived English 10-1 and English 20-1 courses. The transcript will show a mark for Eng 30, a “Pass” for Eng 10 and Eng 20, and a total of 15 credits.
• For many parents who prefer alternate resources over the Alberta textbooks, the waiving of Grade 10 and 11 prerequisites is beneficial.
• Waived Prerequisites might not be available from most schools who provide externally delivered credits.
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I Need No Marks or Credits I Need Specific Marks or Credits
While parents and students are showing an increased interest in obtaining high school marks and credits, employers and post-secondary institutions are showing an increased willingness to accept home schoolers who have completed high school at home without credits. Many accept the Parent Verified certificate of High School Completion as a legitimate indication of high school success.
Choosing to graduate without Alberta high school marks and credits should not be an excuse to reduce the rigor of the home education program. Rather, the family should embrace the freedom to develop a rich Home Education program designed around the unique needs and career aspirations of the student. WISDOM facilitators and office staff have considerable experience helping parents plan for high school.
By the end of high school, students should have met all the Student Learning Outcomes of the Alberta Home Education Regulation. When students take charge of their education and meet the Student Learning Outcomes, based on their own talents, passions, and career directions, this can provide the best possible education.
Students Can Earn:
• WISDOM Diploma
• Parent Verified Certificate of High School Completion
• Parent Verified Transcript of Courses and Marks
See the WISDOM hIgh SchOOl hanDbOOk fOr MOre InfOrMatIOn.
Post-secondary institutions often require only some course marks and credits and not an Alberta Diploma. If students know which career or post-secondary path they plan to take after high school completion, they should investigate requirements for specific high school marks and credits.
While pursuing specific Alberta high school marks and credits, the student has time to focus on a rich, wellbalanced high school education.
In addition to the assistance available through your facilitators and the office staff, the Credit Advisor and Subject Specialists are available to support Course Challenge. See pages 8-11
Course Challenge requires:
• writing Alberta diploma exams for a portion of the final mark for core 30-level courses
• evaluation by facilitators or Subject Specialists, which may include portfolio review, oral or written exams
Research the specific university and faculty to determine which courses are required for specific programs. The courses most often required by university faculties:
• English 30-1
• Social Studies 30-1
• Math 30-1 or 30-2
• one or two 30-level Science courses.
• Some also require a second language.
Students will receive an Alberta Education Transcript of courses and marks
I Need Specific Marks & 100 Credits
Pursuing an Alberta High School Diploma may restrict the freedom to design a home education program around the unique needs, talents, and career aspirations of the student. Because WISDOM is a department of The Gilbertine Academy, students who graduate with an Alberta High School Diploma can receive a transcript of courses and marks awarded by The Gilbertine Academy.
1. Speak with your facilitator as early as possible
2. Plan your course load so as to complete the following, with a minimum of 100 credits:
• English 30-1 or 30-2 (or Français 30-1 or 30-2)
• Social Studies 30-1 or 30-2
• Mathematics Math 20-1, 20-2 or 20-3
• Science 20 or 24
• or Biology or Chemistry or Physics 20
• Physical Education 10 (at least 3 credits)
• Career and Life Management
• 10 credits from
• CTS courses, or
• Fine Arts, or
• second languages, or
• Phys Ed 20 or 30, or
• the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP)
• Knowledge and Employability
• 10 credits in any additional 30-level courses
• Other optional courses
3. Follow the schedule provided by the office
4. Write AB Diploma exams for English and Social Studies
It isn’t always necessary to complete the details of each course. If a student successfully completes English 30-1, we can waive English 10-1 and 20-1 and assign credits without marks for those courses.
Students will receive:
• an Alberta Education High School Diploma
• an AB Education transcript of courses and marks
I Need More Grade 10-12 Marks to Qualify for Scholarships
This option may open doors to more scholarships and bursaries than Credit Option #3. The process is the same as for Credit Option #3, with the addition of Course Challenge for 10 and 20-level courses. This option restricts flexibility for Grade 10 and 11 core course content.
A popular scholarship is the Rutherford Scholarship ( studentaid.alberta.ca/scholarships-and-awards/ alexander-rutherford-scholarship). Become aware of the specific course credits and marks required to qualify for this and other scholarships.
Pursuing an Alberta High School Diploma using Option #4 may restrict the freedom to design a home education program around the unique needs, gifts, and career aspirations of the student.
Note: Many Scholarships exist that do not require an Alberta Diploma or Transcript.
Course Challenge Course Challenge
course challenge For non-core courses
Course Challenge for non-core courses can be processed with the family’s WISDOM Facilitator.
• Parents may use their own home school friendly programs and resources to prepare for non-core Course Challenge, but they need to meet the learning outcomes prescribed by AB Education.
• Meet with your Facilitator to demonstrate the degree to which the student has achieved the Alberta requirements of the course.
• The Facilitator will use a combination of portfolio, oral evaluation, a test, or another teacher with more expertise in the subject to arrive at a final mark for each course being challenged.
• Students will receive credits and marks for the challenged course.
course challenge For core courses
Course Challenge for core courses (Math, Science, Social Studies, English), as well as French, Latin and Spanish, are administered and evaluated by WISDOM Subject Specialists. Parents may use their own home school friendly programs and resources to prepare for the Core Course Challenge, but they need to meet the learning outcomes prescribed by AB Education.
• The Subject Specialists for the Core courses will provide parents and students with guidance to effectively prepare for the Course Challenge.
• The Subject Specialists will typically use a combination of portfolio review and tests to determine a final mark for each core course being challenged. All challenges for core courses will require students to write the WISDOM Final Exam, generally worth 30% of the course mark.
• Students will receive credits and marks for the successfully challenged courses.
Important Dates & Information for Course Challenge
A full list of mandatory dates and deadlines can be found at: wisdomhomeschooling.com/images/PDFs/Core_Course_Dates_Deadlines.pdf or scan our code:
spring visit with Facilitator
• Provide a list of proposed Course Challenges for the subsequent year, and insert them into your EPP for that year.
Beginning oF the timeline oF preparation For course challenge
• Parents consult with subject specialists to choose appropriate resources, and determine the course study readiness, plan, and evaluation scheme.
• Recommended timeline beginning: Term 1 - Late August, Term 2, Mid January.
Fall registrations
• Facilitator will contact parents who are new to WISDOM to see if they desire a Course Challenge, in order to start the process as soon as possible.
midway through the timeline oF preparation For course challenge
• Strongly recommended to submit the student’s current portfolio to the Subject Specialist for a review to ensure the student is on track for a successful Course Challenge.
• The writing portions of the AB Diploma Exam require specific skills and knowledge. For English and Social Studies, it is required that sample essays are submitted to the subject specialist at the midpoint of the term if the student desires to receive guidance that is key for success in the writing portion of Alberta Education exams.
towards the end oF the timeline oF preparation For course challenge
• Course portfolio is submitted, Final Exam readiness is determined.
• Final exams are taken and the Course Challenge mark is awarded.
non-diploma courses
• Final marks are reported to Alberta Education in November or January for Term 1, and April or June for Term 2.
diploma courses
• School Marks are reported to Alberta Education by WISDOM in conjunction with the date of the Alberta Diploma Exam.
Photo by debby-hudson
Course Challenge
Policies & Procedures
To support families who choose the home education option of pursuing Alberta course marks and credits, WISDOM has developed a comprehensive Course Challenge procedure. WISDOM Course Challenge serves both as a support to Home Education families and fulfilment of requirements set forth by Alberta Education. The basic outline and important information on Course Challenge has been included in this handbook, but parents may review the full WISDOM High School credit policy for more detailed information
For reference to Alberta Education Course Challenge directives, go to: manuals.alberta.ca/guide-to-education program-administration-and-delivery-awarding-course-credits/course-challenge
WISDOM Course Challenge Preparation Support
Your Facilitator will support you for non-core Course Challenge preparation whereas Subject Specialists will support you for core Course Challenge preparation.
WISDOM support prior to a Course Challenge can include any of the following:
• Resource recommendations
• Evaluation recommendations
• Portfolio feedback as student progresses through course material
• Recommendations on preparing for the WISDOM exam (core courses)
• Recommendations on preparing for the AB Diploma Exam (core courses)
French & Spanish Lydie Delli Santi lydie@wisdomhomeschooling.com (403) 392-9209
Latin James Rauch james@wisdomhomeschooling.com (587) 487-7890
Other Courses All Non-Core Course Challenges will be evaluated by your Facilitator
Determining Student Readiness for Core Course Challenge
Since a Course Challenge is tied to the outcomes of an Alberta Education course, the student’s evidence of readiness for Course Challenge will be assessed against Alberta outcomes. While we always encourage students, whenever possible, to pursue their own learning outcomes, the Course Challenge requires that the student prepare to be evaluated based upon Alberta Education outcomes.
A course can be challenged only once. If a student fails a Course Challenge, the only way to earn credit for that course is to take the course from a school (online or in school). To avoid failure of a Course Challenge, WISDOM performs advance evaluation of a student’s readiness to succeed. The WISDOM Subject Specialist may recommend that a student postpone the Course Challenge until the next term or year in order to succeed. Given this Course Challenge limitation, a student may opt to complete the Course Challenge in the next term in order to achieve a better result. Note: final exam rewrites can be completed only in the following term or year. Readiness is determined in two stages:
Course Study Readiness: At the beginning of the term, the Specialist needs to know the skill level of the student in order to provide advice and assistance to the student preparing for a successful Course Challenge. In English and Social, this requires that parents demonstrate that the student is aware of the types of essays that are related to each course. In Math and Science, this usually means families need to provide information on the level of the student’s prior learning in the subject.
Final Exam Readiness: If the Portfolio assessment indicates a student is ready to write the final exam, the Subject Specialist will recommend completing the Course Challenge by writing the final exam.
Course Challenge Portfolios
Core Courses: 70% of the Course Challenge school mark is based upon subject specialist evaluation of a student portfolio.
Non-Core Courses: 100% of the Course Challenge school mark is based upon facilitator evaluation of a student portfolio.
Portfolios are developed throughout the student’s program. In the development of a portfolio, parents should evaluate their own children’s work and assign a parent mark. Subject specialists or facilitators will review the submitted portfolio, and either confirm the parent mark, request further evidence of student readiness, or make suggestions for student readiness.
In addition to the minimum portfolial requirements, it is recommended that the portfolio gives a strong example of completing the various Alberta Education course outcomes.
Speak to the respective Subject Specialist or facilitator for basic portfolio recommendations. Portfolios can include:
• Dated samples of student work
• Copies of graded unit tests, assignments, quizzes, and practice exams
• Midterm exams
• Samples of essays and creative writing assignments
• Photos of projects
• Lists of literature studies
• Etc.
Note: While the marks provided in the portfolio will inform the subject specialist, Alberta Education requires that a Certificated Teacher be responsible to evaluate the depth and breadth of a student’s knowledge. The subject specialist has final say on any mark.
kaboompics
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WISDOM Final Exams for Core-Courses
30% of the core Course Challenge school mark is based upon a WISDOM final exam.
WISDOM exams are used as both an effective evaluation method, and a preparation tool for students planning to write a Diploma Exam.
Exams are designed to be completed within 3 hours, and up to double time may be requested for any exam. Exams can be written once the Subject Specialist has determined the student’s readiness to successfully complete the Course Challenge. Subject Specialists will provide students with information to book their exams, and the WISDOM office will coordinate.
Exams are administered online* through solaro - this will require that the student has a WISDOM solaro account (See WISDOM solaro Account)
All WISDOM Final Exams must be proctored, either locally or remotely.
• A local proctor is someone from outside your household and family who is willing to supervise the exam in person or over an online video link.
• A remote proctor is a WISDOM staff member or other authorized person who will supervise the exam over an online video link.
For more information on final exams or proctors, please contact the WISDOM exams team at exams@wisdomhomeschooling.com
*Accommodations can be made for exams to be taken in print format.
WISDOM Student Email
Every student that pursues a Core-Course Challenge will receive a WISDOM Student Email Account. All Core-Course Challenges are managed through WISDOM student email accounts. Students are expected to monitor their own WISDOM email account, but parents may choose to assist by comanaging them. In learning how to manage a WISDOM student email, students will be more equipped for any post-secondary pursuits which often require students to have school email accounts. Parent email addresses will always be connected to student emails in Course Challenge communications so that both the student and parent receive important emails concerning the student's Course Challenge.
Course Challenge Rooms
WISDOM utilizes the Google Classroom platform for managing all Core-Course Challenges. Each subject will have a specific Course Challenge Room (referred to as: CC Rooms) which students can access through their WISDOM student email accounts. In the CC rooms, students can communicate with subject specialists, access Course Challenge information and subject-specific resources, find dates and deadlines, credit policies, upload course portfolio work, book final exams, and view marks awarded for portfolios and final exams.
Alberta Diploma Exams
Core 30-level courses require Diploma Examinations to gain an official mark for the course. This exam is in addition to the WISDOM Final Exam.
Alberta Diploma Examination courses are:
• English 30-1 or 30-2
• Biology 30
• Social 30-1 or 30-2
• Chemistry 30
• Math 30-1 or 30-2
• Physics 30
• Science 30
Diploma Exam dates and times are set by Alberta Education
Students wanting to write a Diploma Exam in August must register with a school offering the course in a Summer School program (unless it is a re-write).
Alberta Diploma Exam registration deadlines are 6 weeks to 2 months prior to the exam dates. WISDOM requires a notice of intent from parents well in advance of any Diploma Exam in order to complete the registration process.
The Course Challenge mark (“School Mark”) and the Diploma Exam mark are each reported on a student’s transcript. Generally, the two marks are averaged: 70% School Mark and 30% Diploma Exam Mark to create the Official Mark (this ratio of marks has been altered on occasion by AB Education).
Note: if a student is registered to write a Diploma Exam but is not ready when the exam date arrives, the student may postpone the exam by not showing up and register for a later writing date without penalty.
myPass Student Education Account
Students pursuing Alberta high school course marks should create a myPass account with Alberta Education. With myPass, students can order high school transcripts, see Diploma Exam results, register for Diploma Exams, print a Detailed Academic Report (DAR), etc. You will need to register an email address for the student with WISDOM so the address is in their student record: wisdomhomeschooling.com/ forms/alberta-mypass-account-setup
Go to The Alberta MyPass welcome page for more information and signup instructions. You will need:
• Alberta Student Number (ASN) - found on your Evaluation forms
• Student email account that is in the student record
• Student birth date
WISDOM SOLARO Account
All students completing a core Course Challenge require a WISDOM solaro Student account.
WISDOM solaro accounts can be purchased through the solaro order page on the WISDOM website: wisdomhomeschooling.com/resources/shop-online/ programs-licenses/solaro-licence
WISDOM students can purchase a solaro account at a discounted price. solaro licences give both students access to solaro resources, and parents can monitor student progress. Students can use solaro for exam review, working through lessons, and practice tests or unit tests for one’s portfolio. Coursework found within solaro aligns with the Alberta core curriculum. It is also possible to obtain a personal school solaro account for an additional fee so that parents can create assignments and tests using solaro question banks. Contact us for more information.
Steps for Receiving High School Marks_
Steps for Receiving High School Marks_
Steps for Receiving High School Marks
Choose courses and speak to your facilitator and possibly the Credit Advisor.
Choose courses and speak to your facilitator and possibly the Credit Advisor. Prepare your Education Program Plan with sections following Alberta Programs of Study Facilitator relays your choices to the team
Speak to your facilitator as soon as possible about any courses being challenged. An opportune time for this conversation is during your spring visit when you fill out a High School Program Choices form.
Speak to your facilitator as soon as possible about any courses being challenged. An opportune time for this conversation is during your spring visit when you fill out a High School Program Choices form.
Prepare your Education Program Plan with sections following Alberta Programs of Study Facilitator relays your choices to the team
Student email address is created and student joins Course Challenge room(s).
Student email address is created and student joins Course Challenge room(s).
Parent orders SOLARO
Parent orders SOLARO
Parents and Students choose resources in consultation with with Subject Specialists*
Parents and Students choose resources in consultation with with Subject Specialists*
Student studies course, as delivered by the parent and a course portfolio is developed Course portfolio is submitted to Subject Specialist* for review via Course Challenge Room(s) Core Courses
Core Courses
Student studies course, as delivered by the parent and a course portfolio is developed Course portfolio is submitted to Subject Specialist* for review via Course Challenge Room(s)
Subject Specialist* determines student's exam readiness and releases final exam booking
Subject Specialist* determines student's exam readiness and releases final exam booking
In your Education Program Plan (EPP), list the course(s) your student will challenge in this format:
In your Education Program Plan (EPP), list the course(s) your student will challenge in this format:
(eg 1) English 30-1, Alberta Programs of Study
(eg 1) English 30-1, Alberta Programs of Study -
(eg 2) Math 202, Alberta Programs of Study
(eg 2) Math 202, Alberta Programs of Study
Your Facilitator will enter your course requests into our Course Challenge system which alerts specialists that there are students preparing for a Course Challenge.
Your Facilitator will enter your course requests into our Course Challenge system which alerts specialists that there are students preparing for a Course Challenge.
All students completing a core Course Challenge will receive a student email address and will use Google Classrooms for all core Coruse Challenges. Students must also have a WISDOM SOLARO account for final exams and optional study practice.
All students completing a core Course Challenge will receive a student email address and will use Google Classrooms for all core Coruse Challenges. Students must also have a WISDOM SOLARO account for final exams and optional study practice.
Resource Recommend-ations are provided by WISDOM. Parents can reach out to subject specialists for Course Challenge Preparation Support
Resource Recommend-ations are provided by WISDOM. Parents can reach out to subject specialists for Course Challenge Preparation Support
Resources used should prepare the student to successfully meet the Alberta course outcomes.
In the development of a portfolio, the parent(s) should evaluate their own children’s work and assign parent suggested marks
Resources used should prepare the student to successfully meet the Alberta course outcomes. In the development of a portfolio, the parent(s) should evaluate their own children’s work and assign parent suggested marks
Submit the student’s final portfolio to the Subject Specialist* before the submission deadline for evaluation. It's strongly recommended to do this halfway through studies as well to ensure student is on track.
Submit the student’s final portfolio to the Subject Specialist* before the submission deadline for evaluation. It's strongly recommended to do this halfway through studies as well to ensure student is on track.
If the portfolio assessment indicates a student is ready to write the final exam, the Subject Specialist* will recommend completing the Course Challenge by writing the final exam. An exam booking link will be provided to the parent.
If the portfolio assessment indicates a student is ready to write the final exam, the Subject Specialist* will recommend completing the Course Challenge by writing the final exam. An exam booking link will be provided to the parent.
* Facilitator * Facilitator * Facilitator
* Facilitator
* Facilitator * Facilitator
Core courses include English, Social Studies, Math, and Science and are overseen by Subject Specialists (French, Spanish and Latin also have
Core courses include English, Social Studies, Math, and Science and are overseen by Subject Specialists (French, Spanish and Latin also have
Credits by Course Challenge
and/or Credits by Course Challenge
and/or Credits by Course Challenge
Core Courses Core Courses
Core Courses Core Courses
Parent arranges for a proctor and books final exam
Core Courses
Core Courses
Parent arranges for a proctor and books final exam Student writes WISDOM final exam (s). Subject Specialist* evaluates as required
Final exams are typically only required in core courses. They are worth 30% of the Course Challenge mark, and are administered through SOLARO. All WISDOM
Final Exams must be proctored, either locally or remotely.
Final exams are typically only required in core courses. They are worth 30% of the Course Challenge mark, and are administered through SOLARO. All WISDOM Final Exams must be proctored, either locally or remotely.
Student writes WISDOM final exam (s). Subject Specialist* evaluates as required
Final exams are coordinated with the office and must be taken prior to the term deadline. By default, exams are taken online, however, print copies for most exams can be made available upon request. Exams are marked by Subject Specialists*
Final exams are coordinated with the office and must be taken prior to the term deadline. By default, exams are taken online, however, print copies for most exams can be made available upon request. Exams are marked by Subject Specialists*
Subject Specialist* determines final course mark
Subject Specialist* determines final course mark
Subject Specialist* returns exam mark(s) and overall course mark to the student, parent, and facilitator
Subject Specialist* returns exam mark(s) and overall course mark to the student, parent, and facilitator
WISDOM
WISDOM Office records marks and/or credits with Alberta Education Principal approves final mark and waived prerequisites where applicable
Office records marks and/or credits with Alberta Education Principal approves final mark and waived prerequisites where applicable
Student is registered and writes core 30-level Diploma Exams where applicable.
Student is registered and writes core 30-level Diploma Exams where applicable.
Student is encouraged to audit their official marks through myPass
Student is encouraged to audit their official marks through myPass
Course marks are awarded by the Subject Specialist* according to Alberta course outcomes. Marks are determined by a final exam (worth 30%), and/or portfolio evaluation, taking into consideration parent marks (worth 70% to 100%).
Course marks are awarded by the Subject Specialist* according to Alberta course outcomes. Marks are determined by a final exam (worth 30%), and/or portfolio evaluation, taking into consideration parent marks (worth 70% to 100%).
The final course mark, as determined by the Subject Specialist* will follow the WISDOM high school credit policy. Parents may appeal a course mark to the Associate Principal. Data entry errors should be sent to the High School Advisor.
The final course mark, as determined by the Subject Specialist* will follow the WISDOM high school credit policy. Parents may appeal a course mark to the Associate Principal. Data entry errors should be sent to the High School Advisor.
All Course Challenge marks and credits are reported to Alberta Education. Once approved, the marks will appear on the student's detailed academic report and Alberta Transcript.
All Course Challenge marks and credits are reported to Alberta Education. Once approved, the marks will appear on the student's detailed academic report and Alberta Transcript.
It is the senior high school principal's authority and responsibility to grant waived prerequisites, as well as ensure a student’s achievement in a Course Challenge are reported to Alberta Education and are approved.
It is the senior high school principal's authority and responsibility to grant waived prerequisites, as well as ensure a student’s achievement in a Course Challenge are reported to Alberta Education and are approved.
Core 30-level courses require Diploma Examinations to gain a final mark for the course. This exam is in addition to the WISDOM final exam. Students can self register, or the office can register students for Diploma Examinations.
Core 30-level courses require Diploma Examinations to gain a final mark for the course. This exam is in addition to the WISDOM final exam. Students can self register, or the office can register students for Diploma Examinations. Marks will typically be available in myPass at the end of the term in which they are reported. (usually late Jan. and late Jun.). 30-level Diploma Course marks will not appear until mid-Feb. or mid-Jul. for term one/two respectively. * Facilitator * Facilitator * Facilitator
Subject Specialists and generally follow the core Course Challenge process). Non-core Course Challenges are overseen by facilitators.
Marks will typically be available in myPass at the end of the term in which they are reported. (usually late Jan. and late Jun.). 30-level Diploma Course marks will not appear until mid-Feb. or mid-Jul. for term one/two respectively. * Facilitator * Facilitator * Facilitator Subject Specialists and generally follow the core Course Challenge process). Non-core Course Challenges are overseen by facilitators.
Special Projects
Special projects are permitted within a Home Education program. Special Project Proposals are created following the structure required by Alberta Education, below, and submitted to the Principal (via the Facilitator), then carried out under the supervision of parents. Credits and a course mark are then assessed by the Facilitator in consultation with the parents after the project is completed. Special Projects must receive approval from the Principal before they can be initiated.
Students become involved in the selection, planning and organization of their own programs.
Students pursue activities in which they have considerable interest or ability but which are not within the scope of the regular curriculum or the programs being offered in the school.
r equirements
Special projects credits are designed for work undertaken by students as individuals or in small groups to pursue personalized learning.
Student participation in a program or course offered by organizations external to Alberta Education is not considered a special project.
Each project shall be carried out under the supervision of a staff teacher (facilitator) in the school.
Students are required to submit a clearly planned proposal to the principal for approval, which should include
• description or outline of the project
• number of hours of work expected to complete the project
• method by which the project is to be carried out
• description of expected learner outcomes
• evaluation procedures as outlined by a teacher (facilitator)
• expected completion date
• name of the supervising teacher (facilitator)
The principal shall retain a copy of each special project proposal.
If a special project is related to a specific school subject, the content of the project shall be distinct from, and in addition to, regular course requirements.
Projects shall be completed and reported to the principal prior to the conclusion of the semester or full term.
Special projects may be offered for 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 credits at each course level, based on 25 hours of work per credit. Credits will be awarded for successful completion in any one semester, or full term, on approval of the principal.
A number of restrictions apply to special projects. Examples where special projects credits cannot be earned include
• student activities that would be considered a normal part of extracurricular or co-curricular activities generally offered by a school (e.g., school team sports, school newspaper, yearbook, field trips)
• student activities that would be considered a normal part of extracurricular or co-curricular activities generally offered by a school (e.g., school team sports, school newspaper, yearbook, field trips)
• in-school work experience
• teacher-developed projects
• In instances where a student enrolls in more than one special project, credits shall not be approved unless the projects vary substantially from year to year or demonstrate increased levels of proficiency.
Options for Taking Externally Delivered Credit Courses
While WISDOM supports only 100% parent directed education, high school students with WISDOM have some opportunities to take externally delivered credit courses through another school authority. There are two predominant options that support this choice:
WISDOM students may take up to 5 credits through any school in Alberta that offers online or paper based distance education. These 5 credits are fully funded and do not affect the student’s Home Education program. A student who engages in Shared Responsibility with an outside school authority can take externally delivered credit courses. To cover the funding loss, WISDOM charges a support fee based on the percentage of education taken from the partnership school.
Options for Taking Externally Delivered Credit Courses
Non-Primary Registration with Another School
(600/622 or 623 option):
With this option, WISDOM students are considered to be 100% Home Education students, and are fully funded by Alberta Education for their Home Education program. A student can enroll as a Non-Primary student with another school in Alberta (not including your local school) that offers online or paper-based Distance Education and take up to 5 credits worth of courses. WISDOM retains the primary registration of the student, and Alberta Education will also fully fund the other school school authority to deliver up to 5 credits (equivalent to one core-course). Students must be registered prior to term start dates for courses. Certain schools will also allow students to enroll in more than 5 credits worth of courses by charging the student a fee per credit taken (usually about $125 per credit).
Pros:
• Students retain 100% Home Education status.
• Courses are teacher-directed and totally organized by the other school authority.
• Can be a good option for students who need extra support.
• This option is fully funded by Alberta Education.
• Some courses have flexible programming and students can work at their own pace.
• Opportunity to complete off-campus courses with this option (RAP, Green certificate, etc.).
Cons:
• Limited to 5 credits per year.
• Some courses lean heavily into independent study with limited support.
• Some courses follow a strict schedule which may be cumbersome to some students.
• Course delivery method might not fit the student's learning style.
Shared Responsibility with Another School
(611/612 option):
WISDOM students may enrol in a Shared Responsibility program with a partner school to take 10 or more credits in externally delivered courses. Shared Responsibility with another school comes with funding implications. In this model of education, funding is divided between the two school authorities according to the percentage of education being delivered at each. As a result, WISDOM receives proportionately less funding but must provide full Home Education support. To assure long term sustainability of this model of schooling, WISDOM will charge a support fee based on the percentage of education pursued with the partnership school (example: if a student takes 10 credits at another school authority, the family will be charged an amount equal to approximately 30% of their normal home education funding allotment to cover lost WISDOM funding). This option is only available to students who have given notification to WISDOM and enrolled in credit courses delivered by the partner school before September 12. Partner Schools include: Hope Christian School, NorthStar Academy, and Chesterton Academy
Pros:
• Courses are teacher-directed and totally organized by the other school authority.
• Students can take more than 5 credits per year with another school authority.
• Can be a good option for students who need extra support.
• Opportunity to complete off-campus courses with this option (RAP, Green certificate, etc.).
Cons:
• There are funding implications, and WISDOM will charge a support fee to cover any Alberta Education funding lost with this option.
• Option is available only with schools in partnership with WISDOM (currently Hope Christian, NorthStar Academy, and Chesterton Academy).
• Parents must relinquish a portion of their education responsibility to a school authority.
• Course delivery method might not fit the student's learning style. Important
Options for Taking Externally Delivered Credit Courses
Summer School (not with WISDOM)
WISDOM students can take up to 10 credits through summer school without affecting their Home Education status during the regular school year. This option is totally external to WISDOM, and is fully funded. Many schools in Alberta offer online summer courses.
Pros:
• Courses are teacher-directed and totally organized by the other school authority.
• Students can take up to 10 credits.
• This option is fully funded.
• Can be a good option for students who need extra support.
• Off-campus courses may be completed with this option (RAP, Green certificate, etc.).
Cons:
• Summer courses may limit other opportunities such as volunteerism, summer jobs, and event or vacation participation.
Post-Secondary Courses
A Home Education student is permitted to take a portion of their overall education at a post-secondary level without affecting their Home Education status. Students can enroll in open studies or upgrading courses delivered by post secondary schools to complete high school courses, and/ or some university courses.
Pros:
• Students retain 100% home education status.
• Some open studies courses might be applied to post-secondary program credits.
• Some open studies courses will allow a student to satisfy admission requirements to a postsecondary program through an open admissions pathway.
• Upgrading courses provide mature students an opportunity to take teacher-directed high school courses after graduation.
• Upgrading courses often have very flexible delivery methods.
Cons:
• Courses are expensive (about $650+ per course), and Home Education funding may not be used towards these courses.
