Second Chance Measures in Canadian Education.

Overview & Synopsis

Very little attention has been given in Canadian education to "second chance" education to enable people to return to school to complete their educations. Education is a responsibility of the provincial governments in Canada; there is no Federal Government or unit specifically dealing with education. Although policy can vary greatly among the provinces, the overall emphasis has been on retaining students in school, combating the dropout problem, and encouraging dropouts to return to traditional schooling. Current efforts are limited by the following parameters: (1) little evidence about the effectiveness of school completion programs; (2) a simplistic faith in school completion as the road to success; and (3) a belief that sequential schooling is the most efficient route for all students. Effective second chance education systems will make it easier for nontraditional students to leave formal schooling and to resume education as adults. The following approaches are highlighted: (1) using multiple programs; (2) reducing or eliminating academic prerequisites for study; (3) recognizing interests and experiences; and (4) allowing multiple routes to credentials or alternative credentials. To date, little has been done in comparison with what could be done to allow true second chances at education in Canada. A 35-item list of references is included. (SLD)