An examination of the grade XII component of the high school program in Lethbridge, Alberta, with primary emphasis on existing curriculum and evaluation practices

Lamswood, Foster Milton (1978) An examination of the grade XII component of the high school program in Lethbridge, Alberta, with primary emphasis on existing curriculum and evaluation practices. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

The major purpose of this research was to examine Grade XII curriculum and evaluation procedures in two Alberta school districts: County of Lethbridge No. 26 and Lethbridge School District No. 51. -- This report includes a rationale for the research, a review of related literature, a description of the internship activities, a list of the interview questions used by the intern, a description of the Lethbridge Regional Office, as well as the County of Lethbridge No. 26 and Lethbridge School District No. 51, an examination of the curriculum and evaluation procedures in the six high schools visited, an analysis of the student and teacher questionnaires administered, perceptions of Newfoundland educators toward Grade XII, and finally, conclusions, implications and recommendations for introducing Grade XII in Newfoundland high schools. -- Four high schools were visited in the county and two large high schools in the city of Lethbridge. Each school was examined independently regarding its curriculum and evaluation procedures. Taped interviews with principals and guidance counsellors were synthesized and reported. Research data were gathered through document analysis, taped interviews, observations, informal discussions and questionnaires. -- Results of the research indicated that the Grade XII program in Lethbridge, Alberta, offered a diversified, flexible curriculum with a carefully monitored and clearly articulated evaluation system for its students. Quality and excellence of senior high school curriculum paralleled the strong financial commitment to education. A semester system, individualized timetabling, and a credit system were central components of Grade XII in Lethbridge. The retention rate for students from Grade X to Grade XII was in excess of 90 percent. Procedures for the evaluation of Grade XII students were set forth by School Board accreditation policies. Student achievement was assessed in an ongoing process throughout each semester with final examinations assigned a weighted percentage of final marks. Guidance services for such a Grade XII program were of paramount importance. Coordination and consultation between senior high schools and post secondary institutions were strongly emphasized. Grade XII was the culminating year of a three-year senior high school program. -- An important component of this research was to communicate to a sample of Newfoundland educators the findings regarding the Grade XII program in Lethbridge, Alberta, and to ascertain their views concerning the form of Grade XII Newfoundland high schools should implement and what implications the adoption of a Grade XII program would have for the Newfoundland system of education. The questions posed by the researcher and the reactions of these educators are included in this research.

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