Learning after high school Information for Alberta parents with children in Grades 6 to 9

Make plans together

What’s inside? Page 2



Making a plan

Page 4

Finding out about postsecondary schools

Page 5

These 4 students are thinking about their futures. Their parents are helping them make plans.

Helping children do well in school

Page 3

English Express

Natasha

Etienne

Natasha: I want to be a famous photographer. I like to take photos that tell a story. I plan to live with my grandmother in the city when I go to college or university.

Etienne: I like to help people. I might become a nurse one day.

Exploring programs and jobs

Pages 6 –7

Figuring out costs

Page 8

Etienne’s mom: My son’s teacher is helping him choose optional courses for Grade 9. I am helping my son explore jobs in medical care.

Getting help and information

Dictionary n elementary school: Kindergarten to Grade 6 n secondary school: Grades 7 to 12

• junior high school:

Natasha’s mom and great aunt: We talk about Natasha’s dreams. We are helping her choose courses for high school. We are finding out about programs at post-secondary schools.

Mitchell Mitchell: I like working with animals on our farm. I belong to a 4-H club. I am raising a calf for my 4-H project. In school, I like science and math.

Grades 7, 8 and 9

Raven

• high school:

Raven: It would be fun to build houses when I grow up. Maybe I will be a carpenter one day.

Grades 6 to 8, or 6 to 9 Grades 10, 11 and 12 n marks: Students get marks on tests and on homework. Final marks in courses are often a percentage. For example: A student needs 50% to pass a course. 100% is excellent.

Photo: Brittany Burton

• middle school:

n post-secondary education: education after high school n post-secondary school: a college, university, technical institute, vocational school

Note: The information on these

pages is for “parents.” We mean mothers, fathers, foster parents and other people who are raising children. For example: grandparents, aunts and uncles.

Raven’s parents: Raven is in Grade 7. She is taking a course in construction technologies. She is learning about hand tools. She might start an apprenticeship program in high school.

Mitchell’s parents: Our son wants to go to college one day. So we are saving money now. He is saving money too. When he sells his calf, he will put the money in the bank.

Helping children do well in school When children do well in Grades 6 to 9, they have more choices later on. Parents can help their children do well in school. Here are some tips.

1 Talk about school 4 Here are some questions to ask: n What is your favourite

subject? Why do you like it? n What is your hardest subject?

Why is it hard?

n When do you choose your

courses for next year?

4 Encourage good study habits

8 Encourage reading

4 Here are some good study habits:

4 Teachers expect students

n Listen carefully in class. n Take notes in class. n Do homework neatly.

to read every night.

Mom, did you know that Wabamun means mirror in Cree?

n Prepare for classes. n Organize binders. n Use time wisely.

Do you need dividers for your binder?

What are you learning about in social studies?

9 Encourage extra activities

at school

4 Your child can join sports

5 Help your teen make time

teams or clubs at school. For example: a soccer team, band, a language club.

for homework

4 In junior high, students have

2 Be positive 4 Praise your child often. Give small rewards when your child works hard.

You worked hard on your project ! Let’s have pizza for supper.

about 1 to 2 hours of homework every night. It is important to hand in homework on time.

4 Does your teen have a job?

Make sure your teen has enough time to study and to do homework.

I hope I get a good mark on this paper.

Your paper is on time. Great!

10 Talk to your child’s teachers 4 You can talk to teachers

anytime. Phone the school to make an appointment. Or send a note.

4 Schools have parent-teacher-

student interviews once or twice

6 Help your child find

3 Help your child find

a quiet place to study Time to turn off the TV. Your brother is studying.

a computer to use 4 Sometimes students need computers to do school work. Help your teen find a computer to use. For example:

a year. It is important for parents to attend. You might talk about report cards, homework and your child’s future. ¿Como va Raven en Ingles?

He asked, “How is Raven doing in English?”

n a computer at a library n a relative’s computer

7 Encourage your child

to eat well and be active 4 Healthy food and physical activity are important. They help students think and remember things.   •  English Express  •  Learning after high school

Note: If you don’t speak English well, you can bring an adult to interpret for you. Sometimes the school has an interpreter.

Making a plan for each school year Grade 6 Students study 8 subjects in Grade 6. For example: math, social studies, science, art and music. Some schools have other subjects. For example: drama, languages.

Talk to your child

Plan ahead

4 What does your child like to do?

4 What junior high will your child go to? Does it have special programs?

4 Does your child have favourite subjects?

4 Visit the school together.

Junior high school (middle school) Students must take core (required) subjects in Grades 7, 8 and 9. For example: social studies, English language arts, health and life skills, math.

Students can take optional subjects too. For example: foods, mechanics, languages, fashion studies. Many students also do extra activities at school.

Talk to your teen 4 Encourage your teen to work hard. Grade 9 marks are important! High marks mean more choices in high school.

Plan ahead

Practice

I am taking Cree as an option in Grade 9.

Expand. 1. 5(x+1) 2. 3(x-2)

4 What high school will your teen go to? 4 Teachers and guidance counsellors can help your teen choose subjects for high school.

High school Choose courses carefully Teens should choose courses carefully in high school. Different programs at post-secondary schools require different high school courses. Help your teen plan ahead!

Apprenticeship program

Students can choose from many courses in Grades 10, 11 and 12. All courses have a name and a number. The number is very important! For example: There are different English courses for Grade 10 students— English 10-1, English 10-2 and English 10-4. If students plan to go to university, they usually take English 10-1 in Grade 10. Then they take English 20-1 in Grade 11, and English 30-1 in Grade 12.

Credits Students get credits if they pass a course. For example, English 10-1 is worth 5 credits. A student must get 50 per cent or higher to pass. Photos—recorder, Earth, camera, guitar: iStockphoto

Some high schools have a Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). In RAP (say: rap), students begin an apprenticeship program and finish high school. They learn on the job and in class.

Talk to your teen 4 Are there jobs that your teen is interested in? What education will your teen need for these jobs? 4 Is your teen planning to go to a post-secondary school? What programs might your teen take? Where can your teen take these programs? What courses and marks will your teen need to get into the programs? Note: High schools often have information booklets for parents. Good. I talked How was Career to a web designer Day at school? and a lawyer.

Other activities Students can join clubs. There are often activities after school and at lunchtime.

Plan ahead 4 How will you and your teen pay for tuition, books and other costs after high school? Learning after high school  •  English Express  • 

Finding out about post-secondary schools Alberta has many postsecondary schools. Students take courses there. They can study full time or part time.

2 Colleges

4 Apprenticeship programs

Some students go to a public college. For example:

Some students take an apprenticeship program. For example: a program to be a carpenter or welder. They learn skills on the job. And they take training at a technical institute or college.

n MacEwan College (Edmonton) n Medicine Hat College

1 Universities

n Olds College

EJ

Some students go to a public university. For example: n University of Alberta n University of Calgary n University of Lethbridge

OC

OC

n Athabasca University

(You learn mostly at home and on the Internet.)

OC

OC

UA

University of Alberta campus in Edmonton

Most apprenticeship programs last from 3 to 4 years. Students earn money while they learn. They are called apprentices. They get a journeyman certificate when they are done.

Classes are often smaller at colleges. Colleges have many different programs. Students can earn diplomas and certificates. Some colleges offer degrees. In some programs, students can transfer to a university after 1 or 2 years.

lecture hall

UA

5 Learning at home 3 Technical

institutes

Some students go to a technical institute. For example: n NAIT (Edmonton) n SAIT Polytechnic (Calgary)

Photo: Uwe Wetz

Many students get a diploma or a certificate. Classes are often small at a technical institute. Students can learn on-the-job skills.

Students often go to university for 4 years to get a degree. For example: n a degree in education (B.Ed.) n a degree in nursing (B.ScN.)

6 Private institutions Alberta also has private postsecondary schools. For example: n private colleges n private university colleges n private vocational schools Are there post-secondary schools near you? Look at our map. 1. Go to: www.englishexpress.ca 2. Click on: Links 3. Click on: Post-secondary schools in Alberta

iS

Programs have different entrance requirements (marks, courses, credits). Some programs require very high marks. Some programs accept a small number of students. So it is hard to get into these programs. For example: pharmacy.

At some schools, students learn at home. They receive course materials. They use the Internet to learn. They talk to their teachers by phone.

  •  English Express  •  Learning after high school

Visiting a campus

Exploring programs and jobs How can parents help their children explore programs and jobs?

What is a campus?

4 Talk to your child about skills and interests.

Post-secondary schools have one or more campuses. A campus often has:

4 What jobs might your child do well and enjoy?

n buildings with classrooms,

labs and lecture halls

4 What education will your child need for these jobs?

Etienne

n a library

n a cafeteria

Interests (Things I like to do) n I like to help people. n I like to read. n I like to learn new things.

Jobs I might enjoy n nursing

n areas for

n space

sports

outdoors

Favourite school subjects n math and science

EJ

Skills (Things I am good at) n I have a good memory. n I am good in science. n I follow directions well. Jobs to explore n registered nurse (RN)

My mom and I talked to our neighbour about her job. She is a nurse.

I can take a nursing program at a college or university. It takes 3 or 4 years. Average salary=$48,700 a year

UA

OC

n licensed practical nurse (LPN)

I can take a practical nursing program at a college. It takes about 68 weeks.

n residences

Average salary=$32,300 a year Note: Salaries from 2005

Raven UA

Some students live in a residence. Students can rent rooms there during school. Ask about prices.

Visiting a campus 4 Do you have friends or family at a post-secondary school? Ask them to take you and your teen on a tour.

4 Many campuses have open houses and info sessions. Parents and teens can go to the campus and ask questions.

Interests (Things I like to do) n I like to draw. n I like to build things. n I like to be outdoors. Skills (Things I am good at) n I know how to fix my bike. n I am organized. n I can plan and finish a project. My teacher told me that I can start an apprenticeship program in high school.

Favourite school subjects n construction technologies and social studies Jobs I might enjoy n carpentry

Jobs to explore n carpenter

I can take an apprenticeship program through a technical institute or college. It takes 4 years. n cabinetmaker

I can take an apprenticeship program at NAIT or SAIT. It takes 4 years. Tool belt: iStockphoto

Learning after high school  •  English Express  • 

Figuring out costs How much does post-secondary school cost? A post-secondary education costs money. But after students finish, they usually get good jobs. They earn good salaries. They often have more choices.

Costs for 1 year of post-secondary school

Get information about costs

One year of post-secondary school is often 8 months long. Many students take classes from September to April. Here are some costs for fulltime students:

Each post-secondary school has different costs. And each program has different costs.

Tuition, fees, books and some supplies

4 Ask for information at your child’s school.

4 Find out costs from postsecondary schools. Look for information on their websites.

4 These things cost about $5,000 to $8,000 per year. Note: Tuition costs are different in apprenticeship programs. Students only pay tuition when they take their technical training. The technical training is often 6 to 8 weeks per year. Also, students earn money while they are in their apprenticeship programs.

Living expenses 4 Students also need money for living expenses. For example:

KUC

4 Talk to other parents, friends and neighbours about costs.

Living in a student residence Some students live in a student residence while they go to school. A student pays about $2,000 to $3,000 to share a basic room for 8 months. Meals in the cafeteria are extra.

Some residences have apartments with kitchens. A student pays about $3,000 to $5,000 to share an apartment for 8 months. Students buy their own groceries. Living off campus Some students rent a house or an apartment off campus. They often have roommates to share costs.

n housing n food

Remember that costs will continue to go up every year.

n transportation n fun

things to do

Living with parents or relatives Some students live with parents or relatives. Living costs are less for these students.

Photos—books, cheque, ticket stub: iStockphoto • Average costs based on information for 2006-2007 school year.

How can families help pay for post-secondary education? 1 Save money

2 Open an RESP (say: R-E-S-P)

4 Start to save money now. For example, try to save $10 a week. In 7 years, you can save more than $3,500!

4 You can open a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) for your child. The money grows tax-free. For example, the money can earn interest in a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC). Your child can use the money to pay for post-secondary costs later on. You can open an RESP at banks, credit unions and other places. Some places charge fees. Some do not charge fees. You can open an RESP for one child. Or you can open a family or group plan. It is good to open an RESP when your child is young.

4 Your child can earn and save money too. For example, your child can do chores for relatives and neighbours.

Raven earns money by babysitting.

To open an RESP, you need: n your social insurance number (SIN) n your child’s SIN

6  •  English Express  •  Learning after high school

Find out about these programs Canada Education Savings Grant n Under this grant, the federal government adds money to your child’s RESP. Canada Learning Bond n This money is for children in families who get the National Child Benefit. You get $500 for a child born after December 31, 2003. The money is added to your child’s RESP. You could also receive $100 per year for your child—up to the age of 15. Information: 1-888-276-3624 (free)

Alberta Centennial Education Savings Plan n You can get $500 for an RESP from the Alberta government for a child born after December 31, 2004. Your child might also get $100 at age 8, 11 and 14. Information: 1-866-515-2237 (free)

Figuring out costs How can students help pay for their post-secondary education? 1 Scholarships

2 Grants and bursaries

4 Go to school part time

Your teen can apply for scholarships. This money helps pay for post-secondary costs. Your teen does not have to pay back this money.

Your teen can apply for grants and bursaries. They are usually for students from families with low incomes. Students do not have to pay back this money.

In some programs, your teen can go to school part time. There will be fewer costs per year. But it will take longer to finish school.

4 Scholarships come from many places. For example: n government n post-secondary schools n businesses n community groups 4 Scholarships can be small or large. For example: $100 or $10,000. Students get the money when they start their postsecondary program. 4 Encourage your teen to apply for many scholarships. A scholarship might go to: n

5 Student loans from

I got a bursary for students in rural Alberta. It is for $1,000.

the government

Your teen can apply for a student loan from the federal and provincial governments. 4 Your teen will have to pay back this money. I got a student loan for $12,000 this year. I need the money for tuition, rent, food and gas.

You can get more information about scholarships, grants and bursaries at: www.alis.gov.ab.ca/scholarships

a student with high marks

a student who helps in the community n

a student who is a very good athlete n

4 Students in Grades 10, 11 and 12 can apply for the Rutherford Scholarship. It is for high marks.

3 Part-time jobs and summer jobs

Your teen can save money from part-time or summer jobs.

Photos—objects: iStockphoto

4 Students can use the money from a student loan to pay for post-secondary costs. 4 There is no interest on the money while students are in a full-time program. The interest starts when the students finish classes. 4 Usually, students must start to repay the loan 6 months after they leave their full-time program.

Etienne gets help from the assistant principal Etienne: I can make money from summer jobs too. And I have $600 in my savings account.

Etienne: I want to study nursing at university. How much will tuition be? I can live at home. Mr. Rooney: One year costs about $8,000. That money pays for tuition, books and some supplies. Costs will be higher in 5 years. Let’s budget $11,000 for school plus $3,000 for living costs. There are many ways to pay for university. First, work hard in school. High marks will help when you apply for scholarships.

Mr. Rooney: Great. Many students work during university too. You can work full time during the summer and part time while you take your classes. Can your mom help you pay for university? Etienne: Yes, she started an RESP for me. There is $1,500 in it. And I sometimes get money for my birthday. I try to save a third of that money too.

Etienne’s budget for 1 year from scholarships, grants, bursaries

$ 2, 000

from my savings (in 5 years)

$ 3, 000

from my RESP (in 5 years)

$ 2, 500

from a student loan

$ 6, 500



$ 14, 000

Total

I’ll show the budget to my mom. Thanks.

Mr. Rooney: That’s a great start! You can also get a student loan. You apply for it in Grade 12. Now let’s make a budget for your first year of university. Learning after high school  •  English Express  •  7

Getting help and information Do you have questions about your child’s education? Talk to someone at your child’s school. For example: n your child’s teacher n the guidance counsellor n the assistant principal n the ESL teacher

Homework clubs Some schools and immigrantserving agencies have homework clubs. They are often for students learning English as a second language (ESL). Students get extra help from a teacher or volunteers. The club might meet at a school or library.

Let’s review these words. They might be on your test tomorrow.

Talk to them at parentteacher-student interviews. Or call the school to make an appointment. Or send a note.

More information Use the ALIS website 4 ALIS (sounds like Alice) is short for Alberta Learning Information Service. ALIS is a website. It has information about many things. For example: n occupations (kinds of jobs) n schools and programs n students finance (loans) n scholarships and bursaries n Alberta apprenticeship Go to: www.alis.gov.ab.ca

Learning Clicks What to talk about

4 Learning Clicks is for students in Grades 9 to 12 and their parents. It helps them learn about postsecondary education. Go to:

The school can help you and your child do many things. For example: n explore your child’s skills

www.learningclicks.ca

and interests

n help your child choose courses

for junior and senior high school

n apply for scholarships n find out about student loans n find out about post-secondary

programs and costs

Mentors Some schools have a mentor program. Adults volunteer to be mentors. The school matches a mentor with a student. They often meet once a week. They do many things together.

Harnaik—ESL teacher

“Make sure your child shows you notes from school. Please sign and return forms right away.”

“Some teens come to Canada from other countries. It can take them 5 years or more to know English well. Be patient.”

“Some kids don’t know what they want to do. That’s okay. But plan ahead. Your child might go to postsecondary school one day.”

Charlotte—Aboriginal school counsellor “Try to be positive about school. Encourage your children to finish high school and to study after high school too.”

Bruce—assistant principal

Wendy—phys ed teacher

Brian—guidance counsellor

“All kids are different. Try not to compare your teen to other students. Teens have lots of ups and downs!”

“It is important for kids to be active. Exercise helps them feel good. It helps them handle stress.”

Visit the English Express website at www.englishexpress.ca 8  •  English Express  •  Learning after high school

4 Visit the Alberta Education website. It has information for parents. You can find handbooks about the curriculum from kindergarten to high school. Curriculum is what your child studies in each grade. Go to: http://ednet.edc.gov.ab.ca/ parents/handbooks/

Tips for parents Marilyn—teacher

Alberta Education

Note: You can download and print the Teaching Notes for this guide. 1. Go to: www.englishexpress.ca 2. Click on: Links 3. Click on: Learning after high school —Teaching Notes Special thanks to the people who helped with this issue and to the volunteers in the photos. Unlabelled photos: Bev Burke Photo credits: Edmonton Journal (EJ), Olds College (OC), University of Alberta (UA), King’s University College (KUC), iStockphoto (iS) English Express is for adults who are improving their English reading skills. Learning after high school—Information for Alberta parents with children in Grades 6 to 9 is a special issue of English Express. It is published by Alberta Advanced Education and Technology. The views expressed in this special issue are not necessarily the views of this department. Material in English Express is copyrighted.

Where to get copies of this special issue We can send free copies of Learning after high school—Information for Alberta parents with children in Grades 6 to 9 to schools, libraries and agencies in Alberta, the NWT, Nunavut and the Yukon. Please consolidate orders for your organization or school. We do not send copies to other provinces or countries, or to individual readers. Mail: English Express Box #38028 Capilano Edmonton, AB T6A 3Y6 E-mail: [email protected] Phone: In Edmonton, 780-440-3722 Outside Edmonton, 1-877-440-3722 (free) Fax: 780-468-3119 May 2007 ISSN0825-5466 Please contact Bev Burke regarding content. E-mail: [email protected]