I have been coming out to see you all these last few weeks to explain the cuts to education and trying to make you aware of the impacts that they will have.
One of the items on the Ministry's cuts is the Credit Cap. This blog contains some frequently asked questions that could help you understand the impacts this cut can have to your student. Thank you to OCSTA for this information.
Credit Cap re: Ontario's Four-Year High School Program
Among the initiatives announced as part of the government's 2012 Budget was the government's plan to put a cap on high school credits. Starting in 2013-14 full funding for high school credits will be capped at 34 credits. Credits beyond 34 will be funded at Adult Education grant rates which will reduce funding to boards for students going above the cap of 34 credits.
To help answer the many questions arising in the community around this decision, the Ministry of Education published a number of "Frequently Asked Questions" (FAQs) on the Ministry website. Those FAQs are listed below:
From the Ministry of Education website at http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/students/faqs.htmlhttp://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/students/faqs.html
Q: What is the new “34-credit cap”?
The ministry is putting in place a cap that would allow students to take up to 34 credits. Thirty credits are required to graduate, so this would allow for an additional four credits which is equivalent to a semester.
Over a decade ago, Ontario moved to four years of high school, but many students are still taking that additional fifth year.
Last year, there were almost 20,000 students in Ontario who returned for at least another semester despite having already graduated in four ears – that's 13 per cent of last year's students.
That's why we need to shift the culture in our schools and encourage students to graduate on time.
The vast majority of students should be able to earn the 30 credits they need to graduate in four years.
Students who want to take more than 34 credits can do so, but the ministry would fund the school board at a reduced rate for those credits.
Q: Will I be charged a fee after my 34th credit? Will I be able to return to high school?
No, you will not have to pay for any additional credits.
Our intent is to encourage better planning of your educational pathway early on so that you can get all the credits you need in four years.
Yes, if needed, you can still take more than 34 credits.
Q. If I am currently in Grade 12 and plan to return next year, will this impact me?
No. You will not be impacted.
Q: When will this start?
The ministry will implement the cap and reduced funding for boards as of September 2013.
Q. If I fail a credit, does that count toward my 34 credits?
No. Only successful credits count toward your total.
Q: Can I take more than 34 credits? What if I want to upgrade my marks?
Yes, you can still take more than 34 credits. Yes, you can still upgrade your marks.
We will work with your school board and schools to support you in planning your educational pathway so that you can get all the credits you need in four years.
Each board will determine how this will be implemented for students taking their 35th credit and beyond. Options may include enrolling students in part-time studies, e-learning, night school or summer school.
Q: If I take the same course twice to upgrade my mark, does this count as one or two credits?
Both courses would count toward the 34-credit cap, but only one credit counts toward the 30 credits required for graduation.
Q: Are you doing anything to help boards work with their students?
The ministry is working on a document to help each student better plan their path through school and move forward to the next stage in their lives.
The first version will be available this fall, and it will focus on grades 11 and 12.
A second and more complete version will cover kindergarten to Grade 12. This should be available in the spring of 2013.
Q. If I have questions about specific course or program offerings, who can I talk to?
Please contact your local school board.
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