The following SHSM Q&A document was created by the Student Success team at the Ministry of Education and reposted here as an additional resource for our clients. Questions on the content should be directed to the Student Success group at the Ministry of Education.
Operational QAs—Specialist High Skills Major Program and Experiential Learning
Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM)
Q: Should boards continue to work on and submit new SHSM Applications and projections for existing SHSM programs? When is this due?
A: Yes, boards should continue to work on new program applications for 2020-21 and submit enrolment projections as they are able to. If boards need an extension beyond April 9, 2020 please contact a member of the ministry SHSM team.
Q: Will Boards still be required to complete the SHSM Final Report?
A: Yes, boards should anticipate completing the SHSM final report as per the TPA that requires student enrolment, student completion and expenditure data.
Q: Many students were on track to graduate with the SHSM/OSSD prior to schools closing. Will exemptions be granted to award students the SHSM/OSSD? Can this be managed at the board level instead of sending them to the ministry for approval?
A: The SHSM program has an override request process already in place for school boards. Graduating students in the SHSM program unable to complete their SHSM requirements due to extenuating circumstances, including the impacts from COVID-19, will be supported through the override request process. Usually overrides are submitted to the EDU SHSM team for consideration. This year due to the unusual circumstance of school closures and the anticipated volume of override requests for the 2019-20 school year decisions for overrides should be made at the board level. The EDU SHSM team is available to offer guidance as requested by boards. For tracking purposes, boards will be asked to provide a tally of overrides to the Ministry.
Q: Should boards mandate students to complete SHSM Certifications and experiential learning through online resources?
A: Where appropriate, boards may decide to use online resources for SHSM students to participate in sector specific experiential learning. Where possible and appropriate boards may support students in completing SHSM certifications and training using online resources. Consideration should be given to teacher and student workload completing other curriculum related coursework. Students who were on track to earn the SHSM/OSSD but were unable to complete SHSM requirements due to school closures should be supported through the override process (see above).
Q: Can SHSM funding be repurposed to support other priorities within school boards that have resulted from the temporary closure of schools?
A: Direction on whether and how school boards may be able to redistribute or repurpose funding from the Partnerships and Priorities Fund or other sources will be forthcoming.
Experiential Learning
Q: Will online meetings for Leaders of Experiential Learning be held for the remainder of the school year?
A: Online meetings for the school year were originally approved in Fall, and have been scheduled for April 21 and 23, May 19 and 21, and June 16 and 18. Ministry staff will be in touch with Leaders of Experiential Learning in advance of each date to confirm details.
Q: Can funding from the Expansion of Experiential Learning TPA be repurposed to support other priorities within school boards that have resulted from the temporary closure of schools?
A: Direction on whether and how school boards may be able to redistribute or repurpose funding from the Partnerships and Priorities Fund or other sources will be forthcoming.
Q: When will school boards hear about experiential learning funding and the role of the Leader of Experiential Learning for the 2020-21 school year?
A: As a result of school closures, funding announcements have been delayed. Program funding details when available.
Q: With regards to hands-on activities, what happens to a child who has an accident while doing a school related activity at home (e.g., cuts himself while making a meal as part of a food and nutrition course)? Are there any issues of liability?
A: All questions related to health and safety and liability should be directed to the appropriate leads at your school board.
