Course Title: Calculus and Vectors, Grade 12, University Preparation
Course Name: Calculus and Vectors
Course Code: MCV4U
Grade: 12
Course Type: University Preparation
Credit Value: 1.0
Prerequisite: Advanced Functions MHF4U ( may be taken concurrently )
Curriculum Policy Document: Mathematics, The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 11 and 12, 2007 (Revised)
Course Developer: Toronto eSchool
Department: Mathematics
Department Head: Sofika Haxhi, M.Sc., B.Ed., OCT
Developed Date: 2014
Most Recent Revised Date: 2024
Course Description :
MCV4U - Calculus and Vectors course builds on students' previous experience with functions and their developing understanding of rates of change. Students will solve problems involving geometric and algebraic representations of vectors and representations of lines and planes in three dimensional space; broaden their understanding of rates of change to include the derivatives of polynomial, sinusoidal, exponential, rational, and radical functions; and apply these concepts and skills to the modelling of realworld relationships. Students will also refine their use of the mathematical processes necessary for success in senior mathematics. This course is intended for students who choose to pursue careers in fields such as science, engineering, economics, and some areas of business, including those students who will be required to take a university-level calculus, linear algebra, or physics course.
| Unit | Unit Titles and Descriptions | Time and Sequence |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to Calculus A variety of mathematical operations with functions are needed in order to do the 12 hours calculus of this course. This unit begins with students developing a better understanding of these essential concepts. Students will then deal with rates of change problems and the limit concept. While the concept of a limit involves getting close to a value but never getting to the value, often the limit of a function can be determined by substituting the value of interest for the variable in the function. Students will work with several examples of this concept. These basic ideas will be extended and expanded to be able to distinguish between average and instantaneous rates of change to help students solve problems arising in real-world applications. |
12 hours |
| 2 | Derivatives The concept of a derivative is, in essence, a way of creating a short cut to determine the tangent line slope function that would normally require the concept of a limit. Once patterns are seen from the evaluation of limits, rules can be established to simplify what must be done to determine this slope function. This unit begins by examining those rules including: the power rule, the product rule, the quotient rule and the chain rule followed by a study of the derivatives of composite functions. |
14 hours |
| 3 | Derivatives of Exponential, Logarithmic and Trigonometric Functions In this unit, students will learn about the rates of change of exponents and Logarithms. Students will cover derivatives of exponential functions and its applications. Students will study derivatives of Logarithmic and Trigonometric Functions as well. |
13 hours |
| 4 | Curve Sketching Determine maximum and minimum values of the graphs of polynomial functions using first derivative test; use the second derivative test to determine the intervals of concavity; sketch the graph of a polynomial function, given its equation, by using 5 steps. This unit will help you understand the fundamentals of using calculus to help us sketch curves, and solve some basic optimization problems. |
13 hours |
| 5 | Derivative Applications and Related Rates Students will learn about how to calculate Implicit and Logarithmic differentiation; apply the concepts of derivative to sketch the velocity-time and acceleration-time graph; solve problems arising from real world applications, such as population and rates of population change, volume and rates of flow, height and growth rates. |
9 hours |
| 6 | Introduction to Vectors In this unit, students will learn to define a vector as a quantity with both magnitude and direction; distinguish between a scalar quantity and vector quantity; add, subtract vectors both graphically and algebraically; represent a vector in two-space using angle system, directional system, and bearing system and solve real world problems involving operations with vectors in two dimensions. |
9 hours |
| 7 | Vector Applications Applications involving work and torque are used to introduce and lend context to the dot and cross products of Cartesian vectors. The vector and scalar projections of Cartesian vectors are written in terms of the dot product. The properties of vector products are investigated and proven. These vector products will be revisited to predict characteristics of the solutions of systems of lines and planes in the intersections of lines and planes. |
12 hours |
| 8 | Lines in Three-Space A variety of types of problems exist in this unit and are generally grouped into the following categories: Pythagorean Theorem Problems (these include ladder and intersection problems), Volume Problems (these usually involve a 3-D shape being filled or emptied), Trough Problems, Shadow problems and General Rate Problems. During this unit students will look at each of these types of problems individually. |
9 hours |
| 9 | Planes In this unit, students will recognize a normal to a plane geometrically and algebraically; identify the cases when two planes coincide or they are two distinct parallel planes and determine the equation of a plane that intersect with two other planes of planes in one point, or in more than one point. |
9 hours |
| 10 | Matrices and Linear Systems This unit teach students to convert linear systems to matrix; add, subtract and multiply matrices and determine the points of intersections of three planes using operations with matrices. The unit ends, as in all other units, with an quiz and a unit test. |
8 hours |
| Final Assessment | ||
| Final Exam This is a proctored exam worth 30% of your final grade. |
2 hours | |
| Total | 110 hours | |
| A. RATE OF CHANGE | |
|---|---|
| 1 | demonstrate an understanding of rate of change by making connections between average rate of change over an interval and instantaneous rate of change at a point, using the slopes of secants and tangents and the concept of the limit; |
| 2 | . graph the derivatives of polynomial, sinusoidal, and exponential functions, and make connections between the numeric, graphical, and algebraic representations of a function and its derivative; |
| 3 | verify graphically and algebraically the rules for determining derivatives; apply these rules to determine the derivatives of polynomial, sinusoidal, exponential, rational, and radical functions, and simple combinations of functions; and solve related problems. |
| B. DERIVATIVES AND THEIR APPLICATIONS | |
| 1 | make connections, graphically and algebraically, between the key features of a function and its first and second derivatives, and use the connections in curve sketching; |
| 2 | solve problems, including optimization problems, that require the use of the concepts and procedures associated with the derivative, including problems arising from real-world applications and involving the development of mathematical models. |
| C. GEOMETRY AND ALGEBRA OF VECTORS | |
| 1 | demonstrate an understanding of vectors in two-space and three-space by representing them algebraically and geometrically and by recognizing their applications; |
| 2 | perform operations on vectors in two-space and three-space, and use the properties of these operations to solve problems, including those arising from real-world applications; |
| 3 | distinguish between the geometric representations of a single linear equation or a system of two linear equations in two-space and three-space, and determine different geometric configurations of lines and planes in three-space; |
| 4 | represent lines and planes using scalar, vector, and parametric equations, and solve problems involving distances and intersections. |
As in a conventional classroom, instructors employ a range of strategies for teaching a course:
- Clear writing that connects mathematics to relevant situational problems
- Examples of full solutions in various contexts and opportunities to practice
- Direct instruction and coaching on student work by the teacher
In addition, teachers and students have at their disposal a number of tools that are unique to electronic learning environments:
- Electronic simulation activities
- Video presentations
- Discussion boards and email
- Assessments with real-time feedback
- Interactive activities that engage both the student and teacher in the subject
- Peer review and assessment
- Internet Instructional Videos
All course material is online, no textbook is required. Assignments are submitted electronically. Tests are completed online at a time convenient for the student, and the course ends in a final exam which the student writes under the supervision of a proctor approved by Toronto eSchool at a predetermined time and place. The final mark and report card are then forwarded to the student's home school.
Students must achieve the Ministry of Education learning expectations of a course and complete 110 hours of planned learning activities, both online and offline, in order to earn a course credit. Students must keep a learning log throughout their course which outlines the activities they have completed and their total learning hours. This log must be submitted before the final exam can be written.
The chart below indicates some general examples of online and offline activities.
| Online Learning Activities | Offline Learning Activities |
|---|---|
| Watching instructional videos | Reading materials for course |
| Watching additional resources videos | Studying instructional material |
| Completing online timed assignments | Practicing skills |
| Contributing to Forums | Completing assignments |
| Uploading video presentations | Completing essays |
| Communicating with instructor | Preparing presentations |
| Participating in live conferences | Reviewing for tests and exams |
| Practicing through online quizzes | Researching topics on internet |
| Reviewing peer submissions | |
| Assessing peer presentations | |
| Completing online timed exam |
Students are expected to access and participate actively in course work and course forums on a regular and frequent basis. This interaction with other students is a major component of this course and there are minimum requirements for student communication and contribution.
Seven mathematical processes will form the heart of the teaching and learning strategies used.
- Communicating: To improve student success there will be several opportunities for students to share their understanding both in oral as well as written form.
- Problem solving: Scaffolding of knowledge, detecting patterns, making and justifying conjectures, guiding students as they apply their chosen strategy, directing students to use multiple strategies to solve the same problem, when appropriate, recognizing, encouraging, and applauding perseverance, discussing the relative merits of different strategies for specific types of problems.
- Reasoning and proving: Asking questions that get students to hypothesize, providing students with one or more numerical examples that parallel these with the generalization and describing their thinking in more detail.
- Reflecting: Modeling the reflective process, asking students how they know.
- Selecting Tools and Computational Strategies: Modeling the use of tools and having students use technology to help solve problems.
- Connecting: Activating prior knowledge when introducing a new concept in order to make a smooth connection between previous learning and new concepts, and introducing skills in context to make connections between particular manipulations and problems that require them.
- Representing: Modeling various ways to demonstrate understanding, posing questions that require students to use different representations as they are working at each level of conceptual development - concrete, visual or symbolic, allowing individual students the time they need to solidify their understanding at each conceptual stage.
TorontoeSchool's approach to assessment and evaluation is based on the Ontario Ministry of Education's Growing Success 2010 document. Assessment is the process of gathering information that accurately reflects how well a student is achieving the curriculum expectations in a subject or course.
The primary purpose of assessment is to improve student learning. Assessment for this purpose is seen as both "assessment for learning" and "assessment as learning". As part of assessment for learning, teachers provide students with descriptive feedback and coaching for improvement. Teachers engage in assessment as learning by helping all students develop their capacity to be independent, autonomous learners who are able to set individual goals, monitor their own progress, determine next steps, and reflect on their thinking and learning. Toronto eSchool teachers use evidence from a variety of sources in their assessment. These include formal and informal observations, discussions, conversations, questioning, assignments, projects, portfolios, self-assessments, self-reflections, essays, and tests.
Assessment occurs concurrently and seamlessly with instruction. Our courses contain multiple opportunities for students to obtain information about their progress and achievement, and to receive feedback that will help them improve their learning. Students can monitor their own success through the tracking of learning goals and success criteria throughout all courses.
Summative "assessment of learning" activities occur at or near the end of periods of learning. Evidence of student achievement for evaluation is also collected over time from different sources, such as discussions, conversations and observation of the development of the student's learning. Using multiple sources of evidence increases the reliability and validity of this evaluation. The evaluations are expressed as a percentage based upon the levels of achievement.
| Assessment as Learning | Assessment for Learning | Assessment of Learning |
|---|---|---|
| In all Units students can complete an online practice quiz on each lesson that tests their knowledge of fundamental facts and definitions. The quiz can be retaken as many times as needed and only the highest score is recorded. Students discover their areas of weakness and can take steps to improve on them. The student and instructor can then have a conversation on how best to assist the student's learning. | In all Units, students are expected to submit a mid-unit assignment directly to the instructor. The assignment provides a number of questions, problems, and activities balanced around the four categories of the Achievement Chart: Knowledge and Understanding, Thinking, Application, and Communication. The instructor grades each assignment and provides descriptive feedback and the student is asked to provide feedback on the feedback. | Each Unit ends with an assignment that is submitted directly to the instructor. A grade is recorded based on the Learning Goals and Success Criteria for that Unit. Students may be asked to resubmit parts of the assignment, or a modified assignment. |
| A Mid-Unit Assignment asks students to videotape themselves presenting solutions to various problems, or results of research, and post them to the forum for review by the instructor and selected peers. These comments and observations can be used to help the student assess their own listening and communicating skills, as well as their progress through the course. Feedback from both the instructor and the student can help the student advocate for their own learning. | Mid-Unit Video Presentation Assignments are used by the instructor as a form of diagnostic and formative assessment to help adjust instruction based on the needs of the student. It is another way the instructor gathers evidence for evaluating student performance. | At the end of each Unit, students complete an online test of the material. A grade is recorded and the instructor can initiate a conversation with the student if there are concerns. |
| Instructors communicate with their students through email or live chat sessions. Students can raise concerns and reflect on their own personal goals and learning during these one to one conversations with their instructors. | Occasionally instructors ask a student to post a solution to a unique problem designed for that student to the discussion forum, or to comment on the posting of another student. These activities become part of the student's grade under the category "Online Collaboration" and provide an opportunity for the instructor to provide feedback to the student. | At the end of the course, students complete a final exam that covers all the material studied in the course. |
MCVU Unit 2 Exploring Derivatives Assignment Rubric:
| Criteria | Level 1 (50-59.9%) |
Level 2 (60-69.9%) |
Level 3 (70-79.9%) |
Level 4 (80-100%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knowledge and Understanding Identify increasing and decreasing rates of change using graphical and numerical representations of polynomial functions |
Identifies increasing and decreasing rates of change using graphical and numerical representations of polynomial functions with limited understanding | Identifies increasing and decreasing rates of change using graphical and numerical representations of polynomial functions with some understanding | Identifies increasing and decreasing rates of change using graphical and numerical representations of polynomial functions with considerable understanding | Identifies increasing and decreasing rates of change using graphical and numerical representations of polynomial functions with a high degree of understanding |
| Application Demonstration of understanding of relationship between original graph and graph of derivative |
Student is able to draw the derivative graph given the original graph with limited success | Student is able to draw the derivative graph given the original with some success | Student is able to draw the derivative graph given the original with considerable success | Student clearly is able to draw the derivative graph given the original with a high degree of success |
| Determines the derivative of f(x) = ex |
Determines the derivative of f(x) = ex with limited understanding | Determines the derivative of f(x) = ex with some understanding | Determines the derivative of f(x) = ex with considerable understanding | Determines the derivative of f(x) = ex with a high degree of understanding |
| Makes connections between f(x) = ln(x) and f(x) = ex |
Tool selected is only partially appropriate to the context of the question and used with some inaccuracies | Tool selected is generally appropriate to the question, but contains minor errors | Tool selected is appropriate and relates to the context of the question and is used correctly | Tool selected is appropriate, used correctly and efficient and relates to the broadest context of the question. |
| Thinking Creation of a model for Canadian Population |
A model was used that addresses few aspects of the problem Reasoning is evident but lacks consistency |
A model was used that addresses some aspects of the problem Reasoning is evident and logical in parts of the problem |
An appropriate model was created Reasoning is logical and consistent within context |
An appropriate model was created that integrates all aspects of the problem/context Reasoning is logical and consistent and relates to broader context |
| Making Conclusions and Inferences |
Conclusions are somewhat connected with work but are not supported | Conclusions are consistent with work but are not fully supported | Conclusions are supported by evidence and integrate aspects of the problem | Conclusions are supported, integrate all aspects of the problem, and are convincing |
| Solve a variety of problems with f(x) = ax, using the techniques of differential calculus |
The student selects a few appropriate tools and uses them to make a limited attempt to solve the problem | The student selects some appropriate tools and uses them to solve some of the problem | The student selects appropriate tools and uses them to solve most of the problem | The student selects appropriate tools and incorporates them in the execution of a plan to solve the problem and verify solution |
| Communication Describes key features of the graph using appropriate terminology |
Correctly identifies few of the key features of the graphs | Correctly identifies some of the key features of the graphs | Correctly identifies most significant key features of the graphs | Correctly identifies all key features of the graphs and interprets them fully |
| Degree of clarity in explanations and justifications |
Explanations and justifications lack clarity | Explanations and justifications are understandable but lack clarity | Explanations and justifications are clear | Explanations and justifications are clear and thorough |
Growing Success articulates the vision the Ministry has for the purpose and structure of assessment and evaluation techniques. There are seven fundamental principles that ensure best practices and procedures of assessment and evaluation by Torontoeschool teachers. Assessment and evaluations:
- are fair, transparent, and equitable for all students;
- support all students, including those with special education needs, those who are learning the language of instruction (English or French), and those who are First Nation, Metis, or Inuit;
- are carefully planned to relate to the curriculum expectations and learning goals and, as much as possible, to the interests, learning styles and preferences, needs, and experiences of all students;
- are communicated clearly to students and parents at the beginning of the school year or course and at other appropriate points throughout the school year or course;
- are ongoing, varied in nature, and administered over a period of time to provide multiple opportunities for students to demonstrate the full range of their learning;
- provide ongoing descriptive feedback that is clear, specific, meaningful, and timely to support improved learning and achievement
- develop students' self-assessment skills to enable them to assess their own learning, set specific goals, and plan next steps for their learning.
The evaluation for this course is based on the student's achievement of curriculum expectations and the demonstrated skills required for effective learning. The percentage grade represents the quality of the student's overall achievement of the expectations for the course and reflects the corresponding level of achievement as described in the achievement chart for the discipline. A credit is granted and recorded for this course if the student's grade is 50% or higher. The final grade for this course will be determined as follows:
- 70% of the grade will be based upon evaluations conducted throughout the course. This portion of the grade will reflect the student's most consistent level of achievement throughout the course, although special consideration will be given to more recent evidence of achievement.
- 30% of the grade will be based on a final exam administered at the end of the course.
The general balance of weighting of the categories of the achievement chart throughout the course is
| Knowledge and Understanding | 25% |
| Thinking | 25% |
| Communication | 25% |
| Application | 25% |
Two official report cards are issued - midterm and final. Each report card will focus on two distinct but related aspects of student achievement. First, the achievement of curriculum expectations is reported as a percentage grade. Additionally, the course median is reported as a percentage. The teacher will also provide written comments concerning the student's strengths, areas for improvement and next steps. Second, the learning skills are reported as a letter grade, representing one of four levels of accomplishment. The report cards contain separate sections for the reporting of these two aspects. The report card also indicates whether an OSSD credit has been earned.
The purpose of the achievement chart is to:
- provide a common framework that encompasses all curriculum expectations for all courses;
- guide the development of high-quality assessment tasks and tools;
- help teachers plan instruction for learning;
- assist teachers in providing meaningful feedback to students;
- provide various categories/criteria with which to assess and evaluate students' learning.
The achievement chart provides a reference point for all assessment practice and a framework within which achievement will be assessed and evaluated.
- The chart is organized into four broad criteria; Knowledge / Understanding, Thinking / Investigation, Communication, and Application.
- The achievement chart describes the levels of achievement of the curriculum expectations within each subset of criteria.
- The "descriptor" indicates the characteristic of performance, with respect to a particular criterion, on which assessment or evaluation is focused.
- A specific "qualifier" is used to define each of the four levels of achievement. It is used along with a descriptor to produce a description of performance at a particular level.
- The following table provides a summary description of achievement in each percentage grade range and corresponding level of achievement:
| A Summary Description of Achievement in Each Percentage Grade Range and Corresponding Level of Achievement |
||
| Percentage Grade Range |
Achievement Level |
Summary Description |
|---|---|---|
| 80-100% | Level 4 | A very high to outstanding level of achievement. Achievement is above the provincial standard. |
| 70-79% | Level 3 | A high level of achievement. Achievement is at the provincial standard. |
| 60-69% | Level 2 | A moderate level of achievement. Achievement is below, but approaching, the provincial standard. |
| 50-59% | Level 1 | A passable level of achievement. Achievement is below the provincial standard. |
| below 50% | Level R | Insufficient achievement of curriculum expectations. A credit will not be granted. |
| Knowledge and Understanding - Subject-specific content acquired in each course (knowledge), and the comprehension of its meaning and significance (understanding) | ||||
| The student: | ||||
| Knowledge of content (e.g., facts, terms, definitions) |
demonstrates limited knowledge of content | demonstrates some knowledge of content | demonstrates considerable knowledge of content | demonstrates thorough knowledge of content |
| Understanding of mathematical content (e.g., concepts, ideas, theories, procedures, processes, methodologies, and/or technologies) |
demonstrates limited understanding of content | demonstrates some understanding of content | demonstrates considerable understanding of content | demonstrates thorough and insightful understanding of content |
| Thinking - The use of critical and creative thinking skills and/or processes | ||||
| The student: | ||||
| Use of planning skills (e.g., formulating and interpreting the problem, organizing an inquiry, asking questions, setting goals) |
uses planning skills with limited effectiveness | uses planning skills with moderate effectiveness | uses planning skills with considerable effectiveness | uses planning skills with a high degree of effectiveness |
| Use of processing skills ((e.g., inquiry process, problem-solving process, decision-making process, research process) |
uses processing skills with limited effectiveness | uses processing skills with some effectiveness | uses processing skills with considerable effectiveness | uses processing skills with a high degree of effectiveness |
| Use of critical/creative thinking processes ((e.g., problem solving, inquiry) |
uses critical / creative thinking processes with limited effectiveness | uses critical / creative thinking processes with some effectiveness | uses critical / creative thinking processes with considerable effectiveness | uses critical / creative thinking processes with a high degree of effectiveness |
| Communication - The conveying of meaning through various forms | ||||
| The student: | ||||
| Expression and organization of mathematical ideas and thinking (e.g., clear expression, logical organization) in oral, graphic, and written forms, including media forms | expresses and organizes ideas and information with limited effectiveness | expresses and organizes ideas and information with some effectiveness | expresses and organizes ideas and information with considerable effectiveness | expresses and organizes ideas and information with a high degree of effectiveness |
| Communication for different audiences (e.g., peers, adults)and purposes ((e.g., to present and justify a solution or mathematical argument) in oral, written, and visual forms | communicates for different audiences and purposes with limited effectiveness | communicates for different audiences and purposes with some effectiveness | communicates for different audiences and purposes with considerable effectiveness | communicates for different audiences and purposes with a high degree of effectiveness |
| Use of conventions (e.g., terms, symbols), vocabulary, and terminology of the discipline in oral, written, and visual forms | uses conventions, vocabulary, and terminology of the discipline with limited effectiveness | uses conventions, vocabulary, and terminology of the discipline with some effectiveness | uses conventions, vocabulary, and terminology of the discipline with considerable effectiveness | uses conventions, vocabulary, and terminology of the discipline with a high degree of effectiveness |
| Application - The use of knowledge and skills to make connections within and between various contexts | ||||
| The student: | ||||
| Application of knowledge and skills (e.g., concepts, procedures, processes, and/or technologies) in familiar contexts | applies knowledge and skills in familiar contexts with limited effectiveness | applies knowledge and skills in familiar contexts with some effectiveness | applies knowledge and skills in familiar contexts with considerable effectiveness | applies knowledge and skills in familiar contexts with a high degree of effectiveness |
| Transfer of knowledge and skills ((e.g., concepts, procedures, methodologies, technologies) to new contexts | transfers knowledge and skills to new contexts with limited effectiveness | transfers knowledge and skills to new contexts with some effectiveness | transfers knowledge and skills to new contexts with considerable effectiveness | transfers knowledge and skills to new contexts with a high degree of effectiveness |
| Making connections within and between various contexts (e.g., connections between concepts, representations, and forms within mathematics; past, present, and future; environmental; social; cultural; spatial; personal; multidisciplinary) | makes connections within and between various contexts with limited effectiveness | makes connections within and between various contexts with some effectiveness | makes connections within and between various contexts with considerable effectiveness | makes connections within and between various contexts with a high degree of effectiveness |
- Access to MCV4U online course of study
- Access to a scanner or digital camera
- Access to a spreadsheet and word-processing software
- Access to an online graphing calculator
- Access to Youtube
Reference Texts
Note: This course is entirely online and does not require or rely on any textbook. Should students wish to seek additional information we would recommend these texts:
- Calculus and Vectors, Nelson Education Ltd., 2009.
Teachers who are planning a program in this subject will make an effort to take into account considerations for program planning that align with the Ontario Ministry of Education policy and initiatives in a number of important areas
- Education for students with special education needs
- Environmental education
- Equity and inclusive education
- Financial literacy education
- Ontario First Nations, Metis, and Inuit education
- Role of information and communications technology
- English language learners
- Career education
- Cooperative education and other workplace experiences
- Health and safety
1. Education for Students with Special Education Needs:
Torontoeschool is committed to ensuring that all students are provided with the learning opportunities and supports they require to gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to succeed in a rapidly changing society. The context of special education and the provision of special education programs and services for exceptional students in Ontario are constantly evolving. Provisions included in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Ontario Human Rights Code have driven some of these changes. Others have resulted from the evolution and sharing of best practices related to the teaching and assessment of students with special educational needs.
The provision of special education programs and services for students at Torontoeschool rests within a legal framework The Education Act and the regulations related to it set out the legal responsibilities pertaining to special education. They provide comprehensive procedures for the identification of exceptional pupils, for the placement of those pupils in educational settings where the special education programs and services appropriate to their needs can be delivered, and for the review of the identification of exceptional pupils and their placement.
Teachers will take into account the needs of exceptional students as set out in the students' Individual Education Plan. The online courses offer a vast array of opportunities for students with special educations needs to acquire the knowledge and skills required for our evolving society. Students who use alternative techniques for communication may find a venue to use these special skills in these courses. There are a number of technical and learning aids that can assist in meeting the needs of exceptional students as set out in their Individual Education Plan. In the process of taking their online course, students may use a personal amplification system, tela-typewriter (via Bell relay service), an oral or a sign-language interpreter, a scribe, specialized computer programs, time extensions, ability to change font size, oral readers, etc.
2. Environmental Education:
Environmental education teaches students about how the planet's physical and biological systems work, and how we can create a more sustainable future. Good curriculum design allows environmental issues and topics to be woven in and out of the online course content. This ensures that the student will have opportunities to acquire the knowledge, skills, perspectives and practices needed to become an environmentally literate citizen. The online course should provide opportunities for each student to address environmental issues in their home, in their local community, or even at the global level.
3. Equity and Inclusive Education:
Torontoeschool is taking important steps to reduce discrimination and embrace diversity in our online school in order to improve overall student achievement and reduce achievement gaps due to discrimination. The Ontario Equity and Inclusive Education Strategy was launched in April 2009 and states that all members of the Torontoeschool community are to be treated with respect and dignity. This strategy is helping Torontoeschool educators better identify and remove discriminatory biases and systemic barriers to student achievement. These barriers related to racism, sexism, homophobia and other forms of discrimination may prevent some students from reaching their full potential. The strategy supports the Ministry's key education priorities of high student achievement, reduced gaps in student achievement and increased accountability and public confidence in Ontario's schools. Students, regardless of their background or personal circumstances, must be given every opportunity to reach their full potential. Research shows that when students feel welcomed and accepted in their school, they are more likely to succeed academically. Torontoeschool desires to create a culture of high expectations where factors such as race, age, gender, sexual orientation and socio-economic status do not prevent students from achieving ambitious outcomes.
4. Financial Literacy Education:
Financial literacy may be defined as having the knowledge and skills needed to make responsible economic and financial decisions with competence and confidence. Since making financial decisions has become an increasingly complex task in the modern world, students need to have knowledge in various areas and a wide range of skills in order to make informed decisions about financial matters. Students need to be aware of risks that accompany various financial choices. They need to develop an understanding of world economic forces as well as ways in which they themselves can respond to those influences and make informed choices. Torontoeschool considers it essential that financial literacy be considered an important attribute of a well-educated population. In addition to acquiring knowledge in such specific areas as saving, spending, borrowing, and investing, students need to develop skills in problem solving, inquiry, decision making, critical thinking, and critical literacy related to financial and other issues. The goal is to help students acquire the knowledge and skills that will enable them to understand and respond to complex issues regarding their own personal finances and the finances of their families, as well as to develop an understanding of local and global effects of world economic forces and the social, environmental, and ethical implications of their own choices as consumers. The Ministry of Education and Torontoeschool are working to embed financial literacy expectations and opportunities in all courses as appropriate, as part of the ongoing curriculum review process.
5. Ontario First Nations, Metis, and Inuit Education:
First Nation, Metis, and Inuit students in Ontario will need to have the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to successfully complete their elementary and secondary education in order to pursue postsecondary education or training and/or to enter the workforce. They will need to have the traditional and contemporary knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to be socially contributive, politically active, and economically prosperous citizens of the world. All students in Ontario will need to have knowledge and appreciation of contemporary and traditional First Nation, Metis, and Inuit traditions, cultures, and perspectives. Torontoeschool and the Ministry of Education are committed to First Nation, Metis, and Inuit student success. Torontoeschool teachers are committed to (1) developing strategies that will increase the capacity of the education system to respond to the learning and cultural needs of First Nation, Metis, and Inuit students; (2) providing quality programs, services, and resources to help create learning opportunities for First Nation, Metis, and Inuit students that support improved academic achievement and identity building; (3) providing a curriculum that facilitates learning about contemporary and traditional First Nation, Metis, and Inuit cultures, histories, and perspectives among all students where possible; and (4) developing and implementing strategies that facilitate increased participation by First Nation, Metis, and Inuit parents, students, communities, and organizations in working to support the academic success of the student.
6. The Role of Information and Communications Technology in the Curriculum.
Information literacy is the ability to access, select, gather, critically evaluate, and create information. Communication literacy refers to the ability to communicate information and to use the information obtained to solve problems and make decisions. Information and communications technologies are utilized by all Torontoeschool students when the situation is appropriate within their online course. As a result, students will develop transferable skills through their experience with word processing, internet research, presentation software, and telecommunication tools, as would be expected in any other course or any business environment.
7. English Language Learners:
This Torontoeschool online course can provide a wide range of options to address the needs of ESL/ELD students. This online course must be flexible in order to accommodate the needs of students who require instruction in English as a second language or English literacy development. The Torontoeschool teacher considers it to be their responsibility to help students develop their ability to use the English language properly. Appropriate modifications to teaching, learning, and evaluation strategies in this course may be made in order to help students gain proficiency in English, since students taking English as a second language at the secondary level have limited time in which to develop this proficiency. This online course can provide a wide range of options to address the needs of ESL/ELD students. Well written content will aid ESL students in mastering not only the content of this course, but as well, the English language and all of its idiosyncrasies. Torontoeschool has created course content to enrich the student's learning experience. In addition, since many occupations in Canada require employees with capabilities in the English language, many students will learn English language skills which can contribute to their success in the larger world.
8. Career Education:
As the online student progresses through their online course, their teacher is available to help the student prepare for employment in a huge number of diverse areas. With the help of their teacher, students will learn to set and achieve goals and will gain experience in making meaningful decisions concerning their career choices. The skills, knowledge and creativity that students acquire through this online course are essential for a wide range of careers. Throughout their secondary school education, students will learn about the educational and career opportunities that are available to them; explore and evaluate a variety of those opportunities; relate what they learn in their courses to potential careers in a variety of fields; and learn to make appropriate educational and career choices.
9. Cooperative Education and Other Workplace Experiences:
By applying the skills they have developed, students will readily connect their classroom learning to real-life activities in the world in which they live. Cooperative education and other workplace experiences will broaden their knowledge of employment opportunities in a wide range of fields. In addition, students will increase their understanding of workplace practices and the nature of the employer-employee relationship. Torontoeschool teachers will try to help students link to Ministry programs to ensure that students have information concerning programs and opportunities.
10. Health and Safety:
The Mathematics program provides the reading and analytical skills for the student to be able to explore the variety of concepts relating to health and safety in the workplace. Teachers who provide support for students in workplace learning placements need to assess placements for safety and ensure that students can read and understand the importance of issues relating to health and safety in the workplace.