The Locally Developed/Essential pathway provides students who need additional support and flexibility to meet the requirements of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Ontario Secondary School Certificate (OSSC). Courses focus on cross-curricular, community-focused, experiential and project-based learning to meet the varied learning styles of students who:
- Are several grade levels behind in literacy and numeracy skills
- Benefit from structure and organization
- Complete tasks and homework with assistance and prompting
- Enjoy concrete, visual learning
- Benefit from authentic, hands-on learning experiences
Students in the Locally Developed/Essential pathway have the opportunity to:
- Work towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma
- Develop literacy and numeracy skills through subject-based learning
- Focus on hands-on, authentic learning
- Engage in project-based learning
- Work on curriculum expectations that meet their educational needs
- Improve their confidence and engagement in school
- Achieve success and reach their full potential
Credits Earned
Students will work toward locally developed credits in English, Math, Science, Geography, French and History in their grade 9 and 10 years in addition to open level compulsory and elective courses. Students will then transition to workplace level and other courses that fit their pathway plan in their grade 11 and 12 years.
Locations
The Locally Developed/Essential program is offered regionally at the following schools.
For more information, families are encouraged to contact their Elementary Student Success Teacher or the Special Education Resource Teacher (SERT) at the appropriate secondary school.
Students and families interested in exploring the locally developed pathway earlier than grade 9 may choose to apply to the LEAP program for their grade 8 year. More information about the HDSB LEAP program can be found
HERE.
Resources
Locally Developed Parent Information Sheet (including LEAP)