" It is recommended that students who wish to participate in off-campus education should proceed through a selection process prior to being accepted. This selection process will allow the teacher/coordinator the opportunity to involve those students who have the potential to achieve the maximum benefit from being placed in an off-campus learning situation. In addition, this process helps students determine whether or not a program is going to meet their expectations and educational needs.
The ideal selection process would involve input from other teachers, guidance counsellors and the administrative staff within the school. Whatever the selection process, the school staff should be familiar with it and comfortable with their role in the process.
There are a number of methods that can be used within the selection process. These include:
1. An application form - this could provide data on academic background, work and volunteer experience, extracurricular activities, and educational and career plans. See the Student Application in Appendix E.
2. Reference forms - references could come from teachers or other adults who can comment on the student’s abilities. These forms provide information relating to the student’s personal characteristics, general work habits, reliability, punctuality and any special skills or strengths. See the Teacher Recommendation in Appendix E.
3. Personal interview - this takes place between the school representative and the student. The interview will help the teacher determine if the student’s commitment expectations to the off-campus education program are realistic. The interview will also allow the teacher the opportunity to provide the student with more detailed information regarding his or her responsibilities and to determine whether or not the student has the necessary educational background to match the placement choice. See the Interview Questions in Appendix E.
It should be noted that a formalized selection process may not be necessary, if a student is involved in work study as a component of any core or complementary course. In the case of work study, the course teacher, in consultation with the student, should determine whether or not it is desirable to place the student off-campus as an integral part of the curriculum of that course.
It is also recommended that all students involved in off-campus education obtain their parent(s)/guardian(s) written consent prior to participating in any program. See Appendix F for Sample Consent Forms.
Parental consent is mandatory, if a student is under 16 years of age."