EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY

Alpha II Alternative School is committed to a philosophy of student directed schooling. At the core of this philosophy is a respect for each student's innate ability to learn without coercion and at his or her own rhythm. At Alpha II no comparisons are made: there are no grades and no competitions held. Each student is encouraged to develop a personal sense of responsibility for his or her own learning.

Alpha II represents a student-centred, democratic, community-driven, anti-racist, arts-infused and social justice learning environment. Independent learning and peer teaching and learning are encouraged. Alpha II is an extension of ALPHA elementary, a student directed school that has been successfully operating according to this philosophy for over 30 years.

CURRICULUM/PROGRAM

If Alpha II is a student-led school, just how do students learn? Students learn the ways they do when they are fully engaged in real-life projects. For example, a group of students might be interested in making a film together. Math could be explored in planning the budget and considering camera angles, English could be covered in penning proposals and script-writing, Science and Technology could be understood in developing physical film and in film editing. Each student has a unique educational path. What about something like Physical Education? For one student part of Phys. Ed. might be an extended canoe trip in Algonquin Park while for another it could be a dance performance. Whatever the subject, students will learn by participating in activities that they consider meaningful in attending to the prescribed Ministry of Education curriculum.

It is very important to the foundation of Alpha II that the values and principles of diversity, social justice, anti-racism, community and social responsibility be emphasized. To actualize this commitment, staff will adopt whatever pedagogical design or approach best suits our students.

EVALUATIONS

Students are evaluated so that they can learn from their evaluations. Evaluations will be informal, individualized, ongoing, integrative, student-led, and performative. In keeping with the non-competitive educational philosophy report cards will be available upon request but won't be central to the evaluation process. Including the creation of portfolios by students, the evaluation process will meet the Ministry of Education requirements.

ADMISSIONS PROCESS

The primary sources of potential students will be ALPHA Alternative Elementary school, students at other alternative primary schools, private schools, separate schools and home schools. As well, students will be drawn from mainstream schools who are interested in self-directed education. Alpha II will be proactive reaching out to students from diverse communities such as First Nations, communities of colour, gay/lesbian communities and low-income communities.

The admissions process includes a mandatory open house (where potential students and their families can tour the school) with a formal presentation of the pedagogical philosophy of Alpha II . When students register at the open house they will receive a registration package. As well, during the open house, students will be asked to complete an information sheet to articulate why they want to come to Alpha II. The registration package includes the Optional Attendance form which must be signed by their current Principal (if the student is part of the TDSB system). After returning the Optional Attendance form to Alpha II the final stage in the application process will be a face-to-face interview. Students will be contacted to set up these interviews.

GOVERNANCE

The tradition of student directed schooling is that schools are run with the participation of the entire community of teachers, parents and students.

STAFFING MODEL

It is vital to the success of Alpha II that we have staff who understand and are committed to the pedagogical vision of the school. By September 21, 2007, the full-time and part-time teachers had both been hired. The full-time teacher is Zio Hersh who is well known to both the ALPHA and Dufferin Grove communities (for more information on Zio, see the sidebar). The .5 teacher, qualified to teach French, is Jasna Maksimovic (see sidebar for more information on Jasna).

SCHOOL INFORMATION

The Toronto District School Board's Board of Trustees voted to accept the proposal for Alpha II Alternative School at its April 18, 2007 meeting. September 2007, Alpha II began with grades 7 and 8 at the Kent Senior Public School in Toronto, 980 Dufferin St., at the southwest corner of Dufferin St. and Bloor St. across from the Dufferin subway station. September 2010 Alpha II will expand to include grades 7-12.

To apply for admission for Grades 7-8 or 9-12 for the 2010/11 school year contact (416) 393-0501or email AlphaIIAlternativeSchool@tdsb.on.ca