Supervised Alternative Learning For Excuse Pupils

PARENT AND STUDENT GUIDE

What is SALEP?

SALEP is a program for students aged 14 or 15 who for a number of reasons find that the regular school program is no longer of benefit to them. it is important to note that it is the parent's decision to apply or not to apply for the program and that the parents must sign the application.

The SALEP Committee gives careful consideration to such applications.  The SALEP Committee granting approval consists of a Supervisory Officer, trustees of the Metropolitan Separate School Board, and a Community Representative.

When given approval for the SALEP program, the student may continue his/her learning in the following ways:

• full-time employment
• part-time employment
• part-time employment and part-time school
• a Life Skills course
• other activity or continuing studies suited to the student's needs and interests that is acceptable to the Committee.

The SALEP Committee decides on an appropriate combination from the above list for individual students.

When should I consider SALEP?

SALEP should be considered as an alternative when any one or more of the following occurs:

• the student has demonstrated dislike of school over a long period of time
• the student has failing marks in many subjects
• the student has had severe continuous absence and/or behaviour problems at school
• and most important, the student is ready to fully commit himself/herself to this practical learning alternative.

What alternatives should I consider?

Prior to arriving at a decision to apply for SALEP, the student and parents should ask themselves the following questions:

• Would a change of subject(s) program level or school help?
• Could the school social worker, guidance counsellor or other board personnel be of help?
• Should special help be tried before applying to the SALEP program? Are there serious problems outside of school (e.g. home and community)?
• Could special help be solicited to work these problems out?

How do I apply for SALEP?

The parents and student meet with the principal to discuss SALEP.  The school social worker meets with the parents and student to discuss the SALEP program and to consider alternatives.  If the SALEP program it most beneficial, an application form is then obtained from the school.  It is completed and signed by parent and returned to the school.

What happens next?

The application, including a school report, is sent to the Secretary of the SALEP Committee.

A time is arranged for the application to be presented to the Committee.  One or both parents (or guardian) and the student attend this meeting.  The social worker and a representative from the school also attend.

The student is legally required to continue attending school until the meeting is scheduled and the application is heard.

At the meeting, relevant information is presented to the Committee by the social worker and the school representative, after which there are questions and a general discussion.  The parent and student are then presented to the Committee and given the opportunity to discuss the purpose for requesting acceptance to the program.

The Committee then makes a decision and this is explained to the parent and student.  Parent and student signatures are requested on a Document of Agreement and a letter of permission to accept employment is given to the student.

Should the student not be granted permission to be in the SALEP program, he/she is expected to return to regular attendance at school the next day.

What are my rights and responsibilities?

In accordance with the Ministry of Education Regulation and the Toronto District Catholic School Board Education policy, parents and students have the following rights and responsibilities.

The right to:

• be informed as thoroughly as possible concerning the program
• examine a report in respect of the pupil
• refuse to sign the Document of Agreement
• have or not have persons (outside of those previously mentioned) at the meeting
• appeal the decision of the SALEP Committee
• apply for a change in the program.

The responsibility to:

• attend the SALEP meeting
• work co-operatively with the TCDSB personnel
• inform the advisor/social worker if the prescribe program is not being adhered to.

How is the school involved once the SALEP program is approved?

When a student is accepted into the SALEP program the school remains involved and is informed through the student advisor.  The student advisor is responsible contacting students and parents on a regular basis to offer assistance and support.  The student advisor also follows the progress of the student and reports to the Committee.  The student advisor also forwards reports to the school principal and to the parents when achievement reports are issued.

The student on the SALEP program is still consider to be a full-time student until the attainment of his/her sixteenth birthday or until he/she is no longer of compulsory school attendance age.

What kind of support is available?

The following help might be offered:

• pre-employment training
• referral to Canada Employment Centre
• assistance in seeking employment
• assistance in applying for a Social Insurance Number
• assistance in continuing education possibilities (e.g. night school programs, correspondence courses, summer school program, etc.)
• referral to community services for personal/family problems
• referral to employment agencies

The student advisor can offer information on the above.

How long does a student remain on the SALEP program?

A student continues on the SALEP program until age sixteen or until he/she is no longer of compulsory school age.

What happens if a student wants to return to school?

The student has the right to return to school at any t9me while o9n the program since the student remains on the school register until he/she is no longer of compulsory school age.

Before reaching a decision, the student will have the opportunity to discuss with the student advisory the possibility or returning to school.

List of people who can help

• Student Advisor:  222-8282 Ext. 2569
• SALEP Committee:  222-8282 Ext. 2569

List of useful information

• Community Services
• CANADA Employment Information
• Ontario Youth Hotline: 1-800-387-07T7
• Catholic Children's Aid of Metropolitan Toronto:  925-6641
• Catholic Family Services:  362-248 
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EMPLOYERS' GUIDE

Introduction

The support of the business community is needed in order for the SALEP program of the Metropolitan Separate School Board to achieve success.

This support is actively sought out and appreciated.

How the program works

The SALEP program replaces what was previously known as Early School Leaving.  It was established by the Ministry of Education in September 1983.  The purpose of the SALEP program is to offer a practical learning experience for students who find classroom studies no longer beneficial to their individual needs.  Parental permission is necessary before consideration for the program is given to the student.  The parent must make the application on behalf of his/her child.

Once the student is granted permission to take part in the SALEP, program, the student will then go on to seek employment.  Upon approval to the SALEP program the student is legally allowed to accept certain types of employment during school hours.  A part-time academic component will also be required and it will be suited to the student's specific learning needs.  Included in this component will be Life Skills sessions.

In order to prepare students approved by the SALEP Committee for employment, a pre-employment training program is offered in which counselling is given in the area of employment.

The student advisor regularly monitors the student's progress while the student is on the SALEP program.  Progress in both the work area and the academic area is reported back to the principal, the SALEP Committee and the parents.

 What does the employer need to know?

The employer who hires a student approved for the SALEP program has the usual legal obligations listed in the Employment Standards Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act and Workers' Compensation Act.

In addition it is important to note the following:

1. The Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1978, allows a person of 15 years to work in a factory and on a construction project (if approved for a SALEP program), as well as in a store, office, food outlet, etc.  A person of 14 years, however may not be employed on a construction project,
2. Students excused by the SALEP Committee are covered under the Workers' Compensation Act.

The student advisor involved with the student will assist the employer in answering questions related to various legislation and/or problems which might arise in the course of employment.

If you wish more information on the SALEP program call or write:

The Secretary of the SALEP Committee/or SALEP Student Advisor

Toronto Catholic District School Board
80 Sheppard Avenue East
Willowdale, Ontario
M2N 6E8
416-222-8282 extension 2569

The SALEP program can prove to be of benefit to both students and employers.  Your involvement is welcomed and appreciated.