Planning Pathways Policy

Education and career/life planning  |  2026–2027

Purpose

USCA Academy supports students in identifying their strengths, setting goals and planning transitions to apprenticeship, college, community living, university or the workplace. Planning follows Ontario’s Creating Pathways to Success framework and is integrated into learning and guidance.

Individual Pathways Plan (IPP)

Students in Grades 9–12 maintain a web-based IPP with teacher support. Students review and revise it at least twice each school year with a parent/guardian or teacher, and when their goals or circumstances change. The plan addresses four questions:

Planning question	What students record
Who am I?	Strengths, interests, values and skills.
What are my opportunities?	Education, training, careers and community options.
Who do I want to become?	Personal, learning and career goals.
What is my plan for achieving my goals?	Course choices, next steps, timelines and supports.

USCA procedure and responsibilities

At enrolment: the principal or designate reviews prior records, identifies the student’s graduation requirements and assigns an adviser. The adviser helps the student establish or transfer the IPP and select suitable courses and prerequisites.

During the year: teachers connect course learning to future pathways. The adviser schedules two IPP reviews, records the dates and agreed next steps, and supports course selection, applications and transition planning. Families are invited to participate where appropriate; adult students direct their own participation and consent.

Before graduation or transfer: the principal or designate reconciles the graduation plan with the Ontario Student Transcript and supporting records. Confirm the applicable credit requirements, literacy, community involvement and online learning requirements, including documented exemptions or opt-outs where permitted.

Career Studies and financial literacy

Plan for the compulsory 0.5-credit Grade 10 Career Studies course (GLC2O), unless the principal has documented an authorized equivalency or substitution. From 2026–2027, students who entered Grade 9 in 2025–2026 or later must also meet the financial literacy graduation requirement, unless exempt under Ministry policy. Track completion separately: a passing Career Studies mark alone does not establish completion of this requirement.

Access, records and review

Provide accessible planning activities and appropriate language or learning supports. The adviser retains the IPP review record and follows up on outstanding actions—the principal monitors implementation and reviews this policy annually and after Ministry changes.

Principal approval __________________________  Effective date __________  Review date __________

Ministry sources checked October 17, 2026: Education and career planning  |  Ontario Schools: graduation requirements  |  Financial literacy