James Bay Lowlands
Secondary School Board
COOPERATIVE
EDUCATION
Program
Handbook
Prepared By: Matt
Turner
Cooperative Education
Coordinator
school: 705-336-2900
cellular: 705-336-7261
fax:
705-336-2190
NORTHERN LIGHTS SECONDARY
SCHOOL
P.O. BOX
304
MOOSONEE,
ONTARIO
P0L
1YO
2004/2005
CONTENTS
Page Number
Cooperative Education ............................….............................. 2
What is Coop and what is it not? ....…...............…............…... 3
Goals of Cooperative Education .......................................…..... 3
Benefits to the Employer ...................................................…... 4
Benefits to the Student ......................................................….... 4
What makes a good placement? ......................................…….. 4
Role of the Employer .....................................................…....... 5
Employer/Supervisor Responsibilities ..................................…. 5
Suggestions for the Employer......…....…………….................. 6
Role of the Student ...............................................................…. 6
Workplace Safety & Insurance Board ......…............................. 7
Reporting Injuries and Claims .............…..............................… 7
Miscellaneous Items ..................................................….......….. 8
Survival Hints for the Employer
.................………....…........... 9
Appendix 1: Student Course Outline ……………………………….. 11
Appendix 2: Supervisor Performance Assessment …………………. 15
Appendix 3: Student Log Sheet …………………………………….. 20
Appendix 4: Confidentiality Agreement ……………………………. 21
COOPERATIVE
EDUCATION
On behalf of Northern Lights Secondary School, we welcome your participation in the Cooperative Education Program. It has become increasingly apparent that the time and resources available within the educational system are effectively enhanced by community resources, in the development of skills and attitudes, which help young people in the community to make a successful transition to the world of work. If we are to achieve this task, integration of our young people in the community, through cooperative efforts of the school and the local community, is important. Your involvement in such a worthwhile educational program is very much appreciated by the students, teachers and parents of Northern Lights Secondary School.
Employers should find this handbook a convenient reference when dealing with Cooperative Education students from Northern Lights Secondary School. Cooperative Education is viewed as a three-way partnership among the employer, the student and the school, with each partner sharing responsibility for the student’s growth and learning. We look forward to a mutually beneficial partnership
- An attempt to assist the students in making the transition from school to work and to become familiar with the realities of the labour market.
- A planned career exploration.
- An opportunity for employers to assist in both training and career education.
- A realistic opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge learned in school.
- An opportunity for employers to participate in the vocational education process.
- A quick way to earn money for a part-time job.
- A way to dump the school’s problems into the community and designate employers as social workers.
- A way of cutting jobs for full time workers.
- A method of encouraging behavioral problem students to leave school.
- An answer for the student’s personal and academic shortcomings.
The Goals of the Cooperative Program are:
a)
To explore the student’s
interest and aptitudes.
b)
To develop realistic
personal appraisals and career goals.
c)
To increase maturity and
self-awareness.
d)
To develop appropriate
expectations and attitudes toward work.
e)
To prepare the students
for entry into the workplace.
f)
To assist students in
developing and/or expanding marketable skills.
g)
To increase student
motivation in school.
h)
To provide students with a
way of earning credits.
i)
To assist students in
making decisions regarding post high school plans for employment or post
secondary education.
j)
To develop in students an
understanding of the employer’s expectations in the world of
work.
k)
To interact in a variety
of learning environments.
l)
To assist students in
performing to meet employer expectations in the world of
work.
a) Provides an opportunity to develop resources of potential employees.
b)
Helps provide supervisory
skills in existing employees.
c)
Provides input in terms of
training procedures in school curriculum.
d)
Promotes the awareness of
job opportunities with various businesses.
e)
Creates an environment by
which business can demonstrate community involvement.
f)
Gives assistance to your
employees.
a)
Provides the experience to
make career decisions and to explore tentative career
choices.
b)
Experience situations and
use equipment not available at school.
c)
Increase confidence and
self-reliance.
d)
Develops an awareness of
personal qualities essential for success in the workplace.
e)
Becomes more aware of the
demands and responsibilities of employment.
f)
Makes a transition more
easily from school to work.
g)
Provides an alternative
method of earning credits.
THE
EMPLOYER:
a)
Provides a safe training
environment for the student.
b)
Explains all procedures
carefully to the student.
c)
Assists with the on-going
evaluation of the student.
d)
Helps the student feel
that she/he is an important part of the work team.
e)
Has the proper equipment
and tools related to the particular task.
f)
Provides the student with
a suitable number of placement hours.
g)
Understands the needs and
limitations of each student.
h)
Is willing to train the
student and give the student adequate supervision.
i)
Ensures that student has
their log sheet signed on a weekly basis.
j)
Participates in the
development and revision of the student’s personalized placement learning plan
(PPLP).
THE STUDENT:
a)
Follows all assigned tasks
of supervisor
b)
Abides by the Employer’s
attendance procedures
c)
Is cooperative, friendly
and helpful
d)
Asks questions and
clarifies duties
e)
Participates in the
development and revision of their PPLP.
THE CO-OPERATIVE EDUCATION
TEACHER:
a)
Provides clear directions
for Employers and students
b)
Ensures that students are
being successful at their placement
c)
Provides advice and
mentoring for students and employers
d)
Provides at least 3 formal
student assessments at their placements
e)
Monitors student
punctuality
f)
Participates in the
development and revision of the student’s PPLP.
The employer plays a key role in the Cooperative Education Process.
Students look to employers for instruction, direction and assistance in making wise career decisions. As well, it is a privilege for students to have an opportunity to gain valuable work experience and benefit from the expertise of the employer in the working environment. The employer/supervisor’s influence at this time can contribute substantially to the student’s growth, development and planning of career goals. While recognizing that the student’s level of ability and achievement will vary, it is the intention of the school that students experience as realistic a job situation as possible.
As participants in the Co-operative Education process, employers are requested to:
a) Provide training stations where students can observe and work.
b) Provide programs of rotation that expose students to different learning experiences, where feasible.
c) Develop, with the Coop teacher, appropriate work schedules.
d) Designate the employee(s) whose tasks will include training, supervision and evaluation of students.
e) Consult with the Coop teacher in the development of PPLP’s.
f) Participate with interviews when these are part of the program.
g) Inform the Coop students of the regulations of occupational, health, safety and fire procedures.
h) Discuss the student’s progress with the Coop teacher during regular visits.
i) Attempt, initially, to resolve student problems arising in the workplace, and as required contact and involve the Coop teacher.
j) Involve the Coop teacher, should it be necessary to terminate placements.
k)
Report accidents immediately, no matter how small, to
the Coop teacher, and follow all WSIB regulations in the event of an
accident.
l)
Formally assess cooperative education students at least
two times per semester using the Employer’s Student Assessment Form.
To ensure a beneficial experience, employers are advised to:
a) Take time to get to know the students.
b) Have “back-up” work activities or reading material available for students when the regular work is completed.
c) Discuss business values and ethics, human relations and responsibilities with students.
d)
Point out to students good
examples of leadership, quality of work, judgment and organization within the
workplace.
e)
Treat students in an adult
manner as they would any other employee.
f) Contact the Coop teacher at any time.
The Cooperative Education Program offers a practical “hands-on” learning experience, in a realistic working environment, while the student is still attending high school. This program, which includes an in-school and an out-of-school (Placement) component, provides the students with the opportunities to gain work experience and explore careers of personal interest.
Each student will be responsible for completing the prescribed course of study as required by the school.
Furthermore, a pre-orientation training will be given over three weeks at the commencement of the course.
The IN-SCHOOL COMPONENT WILL COVER:
-
Responsibilities of
Students, Employers and the School.
-
Work Education
Assignments.
-
Evaluation and Log
Sheets.
-
Organization and Time
Management.
-
Ethics and
Confidentiality.
-
Applying for a
Job.
-
Resume Writing and
Interviews.
-
Unions.
- Health and Safety Regulations.
Each student, while at placement, is expected to:
a) Comply with the regulations of the Coop Education Program.
b) Be honest in all relationships and circumstances both at the school and work.
c) Dress neatly according to workplace requirements.
d) Report to the placement on time, as per schedule and Work Education Agreement.
e) Notify the employer and the school when unable to be punctual.
f) Comply with company regulations and safety procedures.
g) Consider seriously the Coop Teacher’s guidance.
h) Be responsible in maintaining accurate and up-to-date log sheets on a weekly basis.
i) Carry out their duties to the best of the their ability.
j) Work and act in a manner that will be a credit to Northern Lights Secondary School, the employer, and themselves.
k) Report any injuries to their Supervisor and the Coop Teacher, no matter how small.
The employer cannot provide WSIB coverage, as only employees on the payroll are eligible. Students are not employees of the training organization and are deemed employees of the Ministry of Education. Therefore, Coop students are covered under the WSIB, in conjunction with the school, during the time they spend under supervision at the workstation. They are not covered when they are working in a classroom or shop in the school, or when traveling to and from the training station located on school property. Prior to beginning their placement, students must have a completed Work Education Agreement Form signed that outlines the hours of work eligible for Insurance Coverage. The student must only work during the times specified on this form.
Report any injuries in full detail, however minor, to the Coop Teacher, including when, where, and how the injury occurred. Proper forms may be picked up at the Coop office. Injuries requiring only first aid do not have to be reported to the WSIB, but a record should be kept on file by the school. If medical treatment is required, the school is required to make a full report to the WSIB.
In case of an accident, contact the Coop Teacher at the High School at 705-336-2900 or 705-336-7261 (cellular).
A.
PAY
POLICY
The students involved in the Coop program should not expect pay for time spent at their placements. However, notwithstanding the above, Employers may wish to pay an honorarium to the Coop program which would benefit all of the Coop students.
B.
DRIVING &
TRANSPORTATION
In general, Coop students should not drive a vehicle as part of their work placement. In those instances, where the students may be driving, it is the responsibility of the employer to insure that the students are properly trained and insured. The school will not provide transportation for students to or from their placement.
C.
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS ACT
Students participating in the Coop program are not included in the Employment Standards Act relating to the work hours, minimum wage, overtime pay, public holidays, and vacation pay.
D.
HOLIDAYS, EXAMS, AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAYS
Students are not required to attend their placements on school or board holidays, exam days, and scheduled professional development days.
E.
INCLEMENT
WEATHER
Students are expected to be at their workstations unless the weather conditions are extremely hazardous, making it impossible to attend.
F.
ATTENDANCE
Students must notify both their supervisor and the school as soon as they are unable to attend their placement on time. If they are away in the morning and attend their workstation in the afternoon, they must still call the school to report their attendance to the attendance counselor, otherwise they will be reported absent for the whole day. Students must abide by the attendance policy of the Coop program. This policy is stated below:
- A verbal warning on the first unexcused attendance related infraction
- A written warning on the second unexcused attendance related infraction
- Removal from the course and loss of credits on the third unexcused attendance related infraction
Students must attend their workstations unless, of course, the workplace has been shut and all employees sent home.
SURVIVAL HINTS FOR THE EMPLOYER…
1.
Never think a
student understands the job without having given the student a practical example
of the steps required to finish the job to your
standards.
2.
If in doubt about
anything, contact the Coop teacher as soon as
possible.
3.
Start by assigning
easy tasks, giving the student a chance to succeed.
4.
Positive
reinforcement for a job well done can do wonders in developing a positive
working relationship.
5.
Prepare a “To Do”
list of easy jobs to be done by the student when you are not handily available
and go over it with him/her to make sure they understand it
completely.
6.
Never put a student
in charge of another student as this creates competition between
them.
7.
Never compare a new
Coop student to a former one, as each student is totally different in strengths
and weaknesses from any other.
8.
If at all possible,
ask the Coop student for input on simple projects. They will often surprise you
with their creativity.
9.
Avoid assigning
repetitive tasks that no one else would do. They can recognize busy work and
will lose respect for his/her placement and
supervisor.
10. Expect
respect, diligence, punctuality, honesty and courtesy only if you are ready to
model these characteristics yourself.
Appendices
NORTHERN
LIGHTS SECONDARY SCHOOL
Teacher: Mr. Turner
Room: Library. Period: 3 & 4
This Co-operative education course will include a classroom component, comprising pre-placement and integration activities, and a placement component. Students earn co-operative education credits by integrating classroom theory with planned learning experiences in the community to achieve learning based on the curriculum expectations of the related course. Placements shall provide students with challenging opportunities to apply and extend the knowledge, and practice and refine the skills, acquired in the related course and to demonstrate achievement of placement expectations that reflect current workplace practices and standards. Co-operative education involves a partnership between education and business, industry, agriculture, labour, or community organizations that includes students, teachers, parents, employers, and placement supervisors. Additional participants may be involved in the case of exceptional students and other students with special needs. Joint planning by these individuals ensures that students are provided with a systematic introduction to career exploration, experiential learning, and career planning.
Students will be introduced
to and will learn the following expectations throughout the 3-4 week classroom
component of the course:
Placement Component:
The primary purpose of the
work placement is to provide students with sufficient time and opportunity for
satisfactory skill development, career exploration, and personal growth. During a student’s placement, the
following assessments shall be used to determine student
achievement.
Integration
Component:
The
integration portion of the classroom component of this course involves sessions
with students that are held at various times throughout the course and following
the placement and is designed to provide students with the opportunity
to:
Evaluation:
To
determine a student’s final grade, it shall be taken into consideration the
expectations included in the student’s personalized placement learning plan, the
levels of achievement described in the appropriate curriculum policy document of
the related course, the student’s performance on classroom assignments, and the
supervisor’s performance appraisals.
Students will also be assessed and evaluated on the compulsory
independent study project they complete. Student’s journals, logs, portfolios,
tests, examinations and assignments may also be used to assess and evaluate
student achievement. Opportunities for self- and peer assessment will be
provided. Student learning at the
placement will be assessed a minimum of three times per 110 hours of a
cooperative education course. The
assessment of students will incorporate at least two performance appraisals
written by the placement supervisor.
Category |
Weighting |
Application |
30% |
Knowledge &
Understanding |
20% |
Communication |
15% |
Thinking
& Inquiry |
5% |
Culminating
Tasks |
30% |
The
majority of the mark will be derived from the placement component of the
course. Material used to assess and
evaluate student achievement will include:
-
The ability to relate the
placement experience both to the curriculum expectations of the related course
and to the expectations related to cooperative education, using a variety of
strategies, activities, and tools
-
Student work
habits
-
Teacher and placement
supervisor assessments.
-
Updating of the personalized
placement learning plans
Knowledge &
Understanding:
20%
The
majority of this mark will be derived from the classroom and integration
components of the course. Material
used to assess and evaluate student achievement will include an understanding
of:
-
Employability
skills
-
Job readiness
skills
-
Job-search
skills
-
Health & Safety and
insurance at the workplace
-
Labour
Unions
-
Worker rights and
responsibilities
- Interpersonal skills
Communication: 15%
The majority of this mark
will be derived through ongoing activities such as:
-
Journal writing and weekly
log entries
This mark will be determined
during the in-school component of the course during the “in-school component
test”.
This mark will be derived
from the completion of:
-
An independent study project
that incorporates the student’s ability to synthesize their placement experience
with their understanding of the curriculum expectations of the related course.
(20%).
-
A report that discusses the
student’s placement experiences in detail (10%).
Attendance &
Punctuality:
Regular
attendance and punctuality at school and at the placement will provide the
student with a “real world” workplace experience. Students must not be tardy to class or
their placements and unexcused absences will not be tolerated. In this regard, students and their
parents/guardians will be given
-
A
verbal warning on the first attendance related infraction
-
A
written warning on the second attendance related
infraction
-
Removal
from the course and loss of credits on the third attendance related
infraction
LOG Sheets &
Journals:
The log
sheets are your record of hours worked.
You need 220 total hours to earn 2 credits. Each week also requires the completion
of a journal entry. You must submit
each week’s signed log sheet and journal entry on the following Tuesday
(ie: for the week of Monday January
10 – Friday January 14, the log sheet and journal would be due on Tuesday
January 18). Give log sheets and
journals directly to Mr. Turner, or put the sheets in the mailbox on his office
door.
Regarding
the LOG sheets, you will receive 1 warning about late submission. Any further late submissions may result
in you being removed from the course, with loss of credits.
I am asking for your assistance with the
assessment of your cooperative education/OYAP student. This assessment assists with
determining the student’s grade, and will be counted as part of 40% of their
out-of-school mark for cooperative education.
This Performance
Assessment consists of two parts:
1) RANK THE STUDENT in each of three
categories, Skills, Attitude, Knowledge, on a scale of 1 - 5 by circling the
number which applies to your student at this time. If you have specific comments about that
section please write them below the section. If the performance area has not
pertained to your student please circle N/A beside that
area.
SCALE:
5
EXCELLENT - Consistently far exceeds job
expectations
4
VERY GOOD - Consistently meets job expectations
3
ACCEPTABLE - Meets average requirements for the
job
2
NEEDS IMPROVEMENT - Not up to standard
1
UNACCEPTABLE
2) OVERALL PERFORMANCE This evaluation indicates the
co-op student’s abilities as a
worker in their specific career field, throughout their placement thus
far with you. Please
indicate a grade out of 30 using the following scale to assist
you:
A
(80 to 100%) a grade of 24 to 30
out of 30 indicates the student is performing in the above average to
excellent range, and has shown consistency throughout the placement
B
(70 to 79%) a grade of 21 to 23
out of 30 indicates the student is performing above standard, but still
has areas for improvement
C
(60 to 69%) a grade of 18 to 20
out of 30 indicates the student is performing at standard or
average
D
(50 to 59%) a grade of 15 to 17
out of 30 indicates the student is performing below standard or below
average, is of concern, and requires a greater effort
E
(under 50%) a grade of 5 to 14
out of 30 indicates the student is not performing appropriately and is
unsatisfactory
Please share this assessment
with your student, and I will be in contact with you about picking it
up.
Thank you for your
assistance and your support of our cooperative education program.
Matt
Turner
Experiential Learning
Coordinator
Northern Lights Secondary
School
Student Name: ___________________________________ Date: __________________
Supervisor Name:
______________________________________
Rank the student in each of
the three categories, Skills, Attitude and Knowledge, on a scale of 1-5 by
circling the number that applies to your student at this time. If you have specific comments about that
section please write them below the section. If the performance area has not
pertained to your student please circle N/A (not applicable) beside that
area.
SCALE:
5
EXCELLENT - Consistently exceeds job
expectations
4
VERY GOOD - Consistently meets job expectations
3
ACCEPTABLE - Meets average requirements for the
job
2
NEEDS IMPROVEMENT - Not up to standard
1
UNACCEPTABLE
Skills
! Demonstrates technological
competence - effectively uses instruments, tools, and
Information systems required
to perform the job
N/A 5 4 3 2
1
! Listens carefully: for
instructions, to gain information, and to ask/answer questions
N/A 5 4 3 2
1
! Communicates effectively
with co-workers, clients and customers
N/A 5 4 3 2
1
! Is an effective member of
the workplace team
N/A 5 4 3 2
1
! Contributes to a safe
working environment
N/A 5 4 3 2
1
! Produces work within
assigned time lines
N/A 5 4 3 2
1
! Produces quality work -
accurate and thorough
N/A 5 4 3 2
1
! Shows initiative and is a
self-starter
N/A 5 4 3 2
1
! Works well with minimal
supervision
N/A 5 4 3 2
1
! Respects the thoughts and
opinions of others
N/A 5 4 3 2
1
! Seeks a team approach and
leads when appropriate
N/A 5 4 3 2
1
! Is resourceful
N/A 5 4 3 2
1
! Is flexible - responds
willingly to change
N/A 5 4 3 2
1
! Demonstrates
time-management by making good use of time
N/A 5 4 3 2
1
! Makes appropriate work
related decisions - uses common sense
N/A 5 4 3 2
1
Comments: __________________________________________________________________
! Attends regularly, is
punctual
N/A 5 4 3 2
1
! Notifies training
supervisor of all variances in schedule
N/A 5 4 3 2
1
! Accepts
suggestions/criticism from training supervisor and takes action
N/A 5 4 3 2
1
! Dresses appropriately and
is well groomed
N/A 5 4 3 2
1
! Is co-operative and
courteous with people
N/A 5 4 3 2
1
! Is reliable
N/A 5 4 3 2
1
! Is alert and focused
N/A 5 4 3 2
1
! Demonstrates honesty,
integrity, personal and workplace ethics
N/A 5 4 3 2
1
! Accepts full responsibility
for own actions
N/A 5 4 3 2
1
Comments:
___________________________________________________________________
Knowledge
! Follows all company
policies and procedures, including security and confidentiality
N/A 5 4 3 2
1
! Understands and speaks the
language of the workplace
N/A 5 4 3 2
1
! Identifies their own skills
and strengths as they relate to their career choices and
employability
N/A 5 4 3 2
1
! Can describe roles of other
employees
N/A 5 4 3 2
1
Comments:
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Overall
Performance
Please indicate an overall
assessment of your coop student by giving a grade out of 30 using the following
scale to assist you:
A
a grade of 24 to 30 out of 30 indicates the student is performing
in the above average to excellent range, and has shown consistency throughout
the placement thus far
B
a grade of 21 to 23 out of 30 indicates the student is performing
above standard, but still has areas for improvement
C
a grade of 18 to 20 out of 30 indicates the student is performing
at standard or average
D
a grade of 15 to 17 out of 30 indicates the student is performing
below standard or below average, is of concern, and requires a greater
effort
E
a grade of 5 to 14
out of 30 indicates the student is not performing appropriately and is
unsatisfactory.
_______/30
|
GENERAL
COMMENTS: |
|
STUDENT FEEDBACK ON
ASSESSMENT: |
Training Supervisor:___________________________ Date:_______________
Co-op Student:_______________________________
Date:_______________
Teacher
Monitor:_____________________________
Date:______________
Northern Lights Secondary
School
Student Name: ______________________________________________________
Placement Location: ______________________________________________________
Supervisor Name: ______________________________________________________
For the Week Of: ______________________________________________________
Date |
Hours
Worked |
Total
Hours |
Task/Activities |
|
Monday |
From
__________ Until
__________ |
|
|
|
Tuesday |
From
__________ Until
__________ |
|
|
|
Wednesday |
From
__________ Until
__________ |
|
|
|
Thursday |
From
__________ Until
__________ |
|
|
|
Friday |
From
__________ Until
__________ |
|
|
|
|
|
Weekly
Total _________
Hours Total Overall
_________ Hours |
|
Supervisor Comments: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________ __________________________________
Student Signature Supervisor Signature
Northern Lights Secondary
School
Confidentiality
Form
THE DECLARATION:
RE: Protection of Confidential Information
I, _______________________________, have been made aware of the confidential nature of information concerning Cooperative Education employers and its clients or other confidential type of referral information. Whether or not such confidential information may be available to me in the normal performance of my duties, or occasionally and inadvertently, the confidentiality will be respected.
I will exercise all reasonable care and caution in protecting printed or written confidential information from casual observation, unauthorized perusal or other abuse.
I also understand that confidential information, which shall be disclosed to me or which may come to my knowledge, may not be divulged within or outside of the employer or client relationship, unless required in the performance of my normal duties or expressly authorized by the Administration.
I also understand that if I break this confidentiality agreement I may be removed from my cooperative education placement and obtain no credits.
_______________________________ _____________________________
Signature Witness
_____________________
Date