One of the high-level strategic goals within our 2011-2021 Strategic Plan is

Develop and promote innovative and sustainable programs

Through established programs such as academies, fine arts, career preparation, International Baccalaureate, and on-line, distributed learning, we continue to provide innovative, exciting, and sustainable program offerings to our students. 

We are currently developing and implementing a consolidated alternate program to meet a diverse range of student needs.  Our Career Advisory Committee is examining the potential to increase career programs and career-related courses.  In addition, our Distributed Learning program continues to expand with the introduction of new courses each year.  

At the same time that we have been expanding program opportunities, we also know the importance of delivering the core curriculum exceptionally well, with consistency and quality across the School District.  With this in mind, we foresee a balance between program development and core delivery to ensure that quality is not compromised.

Within our three-year operating plan we will be exploring opportunities to increase access to existing and future specialty programs at both the district and school level.  A great deal of research and work has already been completed in recent years to consider a breadth of potential programs and course offerings.   

At the district level, we will be reviewing current specialty programs and academy offerings to identify opportunities for potential program development and expansion.  Through our Towards the Future Standing Committee we are now inviting ‘Application Briefs’ for the consideration of future district specialty programs.  The Application Brief is due no later than October 28, 2011.

 At the school level, we will continue to encourage the development of local Board Authority Authorized Courses (BAA courses) by teachers to provide for the diverse interests and needs of students, staff and the community.  Teachers interested in developing a BAA course are encouraged to review the recent presentation provided at the Towards the Future Standing Committee meeting.  BAA Course requests are due no later than November 15 each year.