Kaleidoscope is an academic learning group at École Olds High School which supports students to achieve, success in school and to complete their graduation goals in a positive, responsive and highly individualized environment. It is for students in grade 9 - 12 who are struggling with their learning and their overall school experience, and who experience greater academic success in smaller group settings with additional staff support. It is an inclusive program which means students fully participate in every aspect of ÉOHS, but have their core courses with the same teacher in a smaller class environment.
Students are able to complete a full High School Diploma or a High School Certificate within the program. Kaleidoscope responds to the individual needs of each student including their course selection, learning pace, learning style, background skills and social-emotional matters. Kaleidoscope programming is non-restrictive, it does not limit access to courses in high school. When a student is ready, they are able to switch to a larger general class if they choose to.
The key features of the Kaleidoscope classes are that they provide access to
- The connectedness and attentiveness of the same core teacher
- The responsiveness and familiarity of a much smaller classroom setting
- The availability of one to one support with a high staff to student ratio
- The stability and continuity of a safe and predictable learning environment
Students are considered for these classes upon the recommendation of teachers and administrators, and with the approval of their parents. Students in Kaleidoscope will write the Knowledge and Employability Provincial Achievement exams in January and June.
We believe that student success in grade 9 can make all the difference towards experiencing success in all aspects of high school.