The Canadian Coalition for Self-Directed Learning (CCSDL) is an organization of secondary schools throughout Canada that are dedicated to the personalization of learning which takes into account individual student characteristics, talents, interests and academic backgrounds.  CCSDL schools believe that learning flourishes in an environment where the learner is able to control and direct their learning.  Although each school is unique, there are some common fundamental practices that describe a self-directed school.  These fundamental practices are found in all member schools of the coalition and include: Thomas Haney (Maple Ridge, BC), Frances Kelsey (Mill Bay, BC), St. Joseph (Edmonton, AB), Bishop Carroll (Calgary, AB), Westmount (Hamilton, ON) and Mary Ward (Toronto, ON).

 Banbury Crossroads (Calgary, Alta) recently joined the coalition. Mother Margaret Mary will be the first flex school to join the coalition. 

CCSDL FUNDAMENTAL PRACTICES

Personalized Programming

Students have a voice in determining when, where and how they approach learning activities, which allows them to organize their learning in a way which personalizes their learning experience.

Flexible Scheduling

CCSDL schools utilize various scheduling approaches.  However, flexibility in the use of time is integral to each school and permits students to control and direct their learning.

Teacher Advisement

The single most important relationship between student and teacher is embodied in the Teacher Advisor Program. Teachers serve as coaches, mentors, facilitators and guides and stress collaboration and high expectations.

Collaborative Learning Environment

In a learning centred environment, there is a focus on active learning, reflection and collaboration amongst staff and students.

Authentic Assessment

Educators support assessment strategies which encourage students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in a variety of forms in order to support the improvement of learning and as a means to assess the learning.

Continuous Progress

Students learn in different ways and at different rates, and each student is at a different place in the learning continuum. The process of continuous progress is one of accountability involving the student, parent and teacher advisor. Continuous progress involves developing a plan to meet the needs of the learner that leads to successful completion of secondary school.

Mastery Learning

CCSDL schools believe that it is important that students learn well and to this end, learning activities are developed in manageable units which require the student to demonstrate mastery of skills before progressing in their course work.

OBJECTIVES OF THE CCSDL

The purpose of the organization is to promote within, and externally, an understanding of each member school’s program and culture, and foster a knowledge of self-directed learning. Using the strength of our varied geographic locations, our educational experiences, and the uniqueness of our member schools’ programs we will disseminate information and promote self-directed learning.

Through a collaborative approach to professional development, member schools are encouraged to undertake joint projects, which will allow us to learn from each other. This supportive approach will assist members to address common concerns and seek solutions which will be of benefit.

Members of the organization will enhance self-directed learning through periodic review of the founding principles, research, current and best practices and utilize the skills of the membership to enhance the model.

Member schools will serve as a resource to those groups who are interested in learning about self-directed instruction and will, where applicable, assist schools wishing to undertake self-paced, self-directed learning.

MEMBERSHIP IN THE CCSDL

Partner schools are those which support and have implemented the practices and values of the CCSDL.  Representatives from the partner schools will form the directorate of the CCSDL.  Responsibilities include:

• a willingness to feature the school and share best practice with others through school visits, CCSDL Conference participation, etc.
• attendance at the CCSDL Annual General Meeting in April (to be held at the site of the host conference school for that year)
• annual fee of $200 per year to be paid at time of CCSDL Conference registration in October
• annual website maintenance fee of $100 to be paid to St. Joseph High School each spring at the CCSDL Annual General Meeting

The Directorate will determine the location of meetings and conference sites, determine membership status of interested schools, and determine the direction of the organization.  Other benefits include:

• opportunities to collaborate and join a family of like-minded schools
• reduced CCSDL Conference registration fees
• opportunity to feature school on CCSDL website