Thornlea Alternative Education serves students from grades 9 through 12 whose present and future are at-risk. Our program is designed to temporarily serve students who chronically violate school rules or display severe behaviour problems.
Our Alternative Education program varies in teacher-to-student ration, classroom setting, emphasis on behaviour modification, linkage of school to community or workplace, the way academic subject matter is explored, the emphasis on counselling for conflict resolution, and the availability of comprehensive support services.
We prepare students for pathways: to return to their regular school; to graduate from high school and enter the workforce; or to enter postsecondary education directly from the alternative program.
Low ratio of students to teachers. This allows for quality instruction, more personal time for each student, and a greater chance of student behavioural gains.
Highly structured classrooms. Within this structure, self-management skills are taught, and extensive use positive reinforcement techniques are used by staff. This allows for more time spent on academic tasks, and teaches students the self-monitoring skills they will need to succeed in less restrictive settings.
Positive rather than punitive emphasis on behaviour management. A positive emphasis rewards acceptable behaviour and compliance.
Adult mentors. An adult mentor who takes a special interest in a student; tracks the student's behaviour, attendance, attitude, and grades; and uses positive reinforcement with the student can make a significant difference in both the academic and the personal life of that student.
Individualized behaviour interventions based on behavioural assessment. A complete behavioural assessment identifies causes of the behaviour, factors maintaining the behaviour, and positive behaviours to replace the problem ones.
Social skills instruction. This instruction can include problem solving, conflict resolution, anger management, and empathy training.
High-quality academic instruction. Instruction that is direct and includes learning strategies; small, interactive groups; and directed responses and questioning of students keeps them engaged and focused on the material at hand.
Involving parents. Involving parents entails frequent communication between the home and the school.
Reintegration Plan. We design interventions to ensure that students can effectively transition back to the mainstream classroom.
Teachers
- Mohamed Saleh (Head of Department) - Extension 120, Voice Mail 120