Chinook's Edge School Division is excited about the positive impact that a pilot in the Life Skills program is having. Specifically, the pilot is underway at École Fox Run School and École H.J. Cody School in Sylvan Lake. It involves having a teacher lead the program in collaboration with educational assistants, based on a specific curriculum developed by Chinook's Edge several years ago.
Life Skills programs support students who require modified programming in one or multiple school subjects. In many schools, educational assistants work to provide these modified supports for students.
"We are excited about this pilot, and the positive impact of having a teacher leading the program," says Marcie Perdue, Associate Superintendent of Student Services. "A teacher is equipped to provide assessments, and support that is individually tailored to each student's specific needs and in alignment with our curriculum. The involvement of a teacher, paired with educational assistants who also provide incredible support for students, we believe is a winning combination that will have a positive impact on student success," says Perdue.
Perdue says the Sylvan Lake pilot, which began in September 2024, has already had a positive impact.
Jacqueline Fern is the teacher leading the pilot. She says the growth she has seen in individual students this year is exciting. For instance, one student has experienced significant growth in his math skills. One of her students is talking more often with the people around him. Another student has seen gains in reading.
"This is the most rewarding thing I've ever done in my career," says Fern. "I've always loved building relationships with students; it's my thing. This program is allowing me to be able to focus on that. I love that I am able to really get to know each student."
Fern spent most of her career teaching math and science at the high school level. She retired in 2018, and came out of retirement during the pandemic to substitute teach. When she was asked to lead the Life Skills pilot program she knew it would be different from what she had done before, but was excited about the opportunity.
"I love how we work as a team, and that the whole team, throughout the school knows each student," says Fern. Jane Giles, an educational assistant at H.J. Cody, also appreciates the team approach. "I appreciate that Jacqueline asks for input, and we work together to meet the needs of students. It's a team effort," says Giles.
For instance, Giles's storytelling skills are appreciated by the students, so she leads that part of the day. "Jacqueline oversees assessment and she ensures the right materials are in place for the students. Then we all work together to implement that plan with the students," says Giles.
"It's powerful to have a teacher working in collaboration with a strong educational assistant team," says Alex Lambert, Principal of H.J. Cody School. Lambert says, "That team approach strengthens individualized programming and moves learning forward. It enhances alignment and gives intentionality when it comes to programming for Life Skills students. This approach places a high priority on these students' education and their success."
Grade 11 student, Adam, who spends part of his schedule in Life Skills, says he likes being there because "I like to see my friends. Mrs. Fern is a nice teacher, and she helps me do hard stuff in social studies. I also like Friday because we get to play games."
Grade 9 student, Keegan, who spends part of his schedule in Life Skills, says "I like all the teachers. They help a lot with everything. I come here for the first class of the day and it's my favorite because of all the help I can get."
Tracey Lynn, Vice Principal of École Fox Run School says, "We are incredibly thankful for the life skills pilot program, as it provides valuable support, fosters independence, and helps students build essential skills. By meeting students where they are, this program plays a crucial role in addressing diverse needs and driving learning forward."
"We also appreciate the partnership with H.J. Cody school," says Lynn. "We believe there are many benefits to the collaboration, including an even stronger transition from middle school to high school."
