Never Too Late Guide

• The United Way has released the Never Too Late guide as a tool to help youth navigate the process of returning to school. Based on findings from the Stalled Transitions Report, unemployed youth have difficulty returning to school because of lack of funds or program space, and even once they made the decision to do so, they were finding it very hard to navigate the systems. Click here to view the Never Too Late guide aimed at eliminating these challenges.

CBE Trustee-Zine

• The new issue of the CBE Trustee-Zine contains some amazing stories from students in the CBE's 2010 graduating class. Six grade 12 students reflect on their experiences, their triumphs, and the hard work they put into preparing for what their futures will bring. Click here to view the Trustee-Zine and read these stories.

More Alberta Students finishing high school

• This article from the Calgary Herald notes that while there has been an increase in the numbers of Alberta students completing high school, there are still challenges preventing many from doing so. Click here to read the full article.

Small NYC schools found to boost achievement

• An interesting article out of New York City describes a new strategy of closing large high schools in favour of re-opening them as smaller learning environments with more specialized programming. The success in terms of completion rates speaks for itself. Click here to read the full article.

Program lets dropouts test-drive the classroom

• This article from the Globe and Mail talks about a unique program at the Toronto District School Board's City Adult Learning Centre (CALC) that attempts to lure back students who didn't complete high school for one reason or another. The article brings up interesting points about the cost of continuing to educate these students versus supporting them through social assistance. Click here to read the full article.

Bring on the learning revolution

• At “A Taste of TED2010” Sir Ken Robinson gave a humorous, yet insightful speech challenging the ways children are educated. Robinson is an expert in creativity and a champion of the revolution of schools to foster personalized learning. Click here to view his speech.

More students completing high school

• An interesting article appeared in the Edmonton Examiner on Wednesday, May 19, 2010 discussing how Edmonton Catholic School graduate rates have increased above the provincial average for the 2008-09 school year. The article also outlines school board targets and initiatives that are contributing to this success. Click here to read the full article.

Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) Social Sustainability Framework

• The FCSS has released a number of research briefs outlining best practice summaries that were commissioned to support its Social Sustainability Framework. These briefs will allow the FCSS to assist the organizations it supports by funding projects with outcomes that align with the Social Sustainability Framework's priorities, which are stregthening neighbourhoods and increasing social inclusion. To read about Positive Child and Youth Development, click here, and to read about Positive Social Ties and Vulnerable Populations, click here.

Literacy and Youth Justice Project

• The Calgary Learning Centre and the Calgary Youth Justice Society partnered to complete this project that seeks to develop a strategy to address the needs of youth in conflict with the law who also have low literacy skills. The final report includes a literature review, research from focus groups and surveys and a list of relevant resources. Click here to read the full report.

Turning around the dropout rate