Grade 9 and 10 Equivalency Assessment Process
1. Student Applies for PLAR for Mature Students Process
There is no formal application for assessment for Grade 9 and 10 credits through the equivalency process in PPM132, although boards may develop their own application forms.
Two sample forms used in the application process created by individual boards are included:
Students are required to present evidence indicating successful completion of the first two years of secondary school in Ontario or in an education system outside the province or country that is comparable to the Ontario system in order to be granted equivalent credits.
Students who do not have transcript evidence or who have evidence of partial completion of the first two years of secondary school will be required to successfully complete individual assessments to determine equivalency.
Principals will ensure that mature students who do not have appropriate documentation of prior learning owing to extraordinary circumstances (e.g., students who are refugees) will receive advice concerning the gathering and giving of evidence.
The total number of credits (maximum 16) earned through transcript equivalency and/or equivalency assessments is recorded on the student’s “PLAR for Mature Students: Individual Assessment for Grade 9 and 10 Credits Interim Tracking Record” and/or “Cumulative Tracking Record”.
2. Student Applies With Attached Prior Learning Records
- The principal will determine whether the student can be granted up to 16 Grade 9 and 10 equivalent credits, on the basis of transcripts indicating successful completion of two years of secondary school that are comparable to Ontario Grade 9 and 10. Of these, up to 14 may be counted as compulsory credits.
- Principals will ensure that mature students who do not have appropriate documentation of prior learning owing to extraordinary circumstances (e.g., students who are refugees) will receive advice concerning the gathering and giving of evidence.
- Students with evidence of partial completion of the first two years of secondary school in Ontario or in an equivalent secondary system will be required to complete an individual assessment in English, mathematics, science, and/or Canadian history/geography in order to earn the credits required to bring the total up to 16 Grade 9 and 10 credits.
- A mature student who has earned Grade 9 and/or 10 credits while enrolled as a student of regular school age will have those credits recorded with specific course codes on the OST. The student may be granted equivalency credits for Grade 9 and 10 such that the total of the credits earned previously and those granted through the equivalency process shall not exceed 16.
3. Student Applies Without Attached Prior Learning Records
- In the absence of transcripts, up to 16 equivalent Grade 9 and 10 credits may be granted following an individual assessment.
- An individual assessment consists of assessments in English, mathematics, science, and Canadian history/geography that cover all individual stands of the curriculum document
- The principal may grant up to 4 Grade 9 and 10 credits for achievement in each of these subject areas.
- If the principal grants fewer than 4 credits for any of these subject areas, he or she will determine how the student will obtain the remaining credits.
4. Students Requiring Additional Support
- If it appears that the student is not sufficiently prepared to meet the expectations of the equivalency assessments, the following supports should be considered:
- referring the student to LBS;
- providing preparation materials;
- providing sample tests;
- enrolling the student in a course such as Learning Skills (GLS) to build skills before attempting the assessments.
- If the student is unsuccessful in one or more of the assessments, the following supports should be considered:
- referring the student to LBS
- providing remediation materials;
- helping the student prepare to write a second version of the assessment
- enrolling the student in a credit course in the subject area
5. Tracking and Recording Credits
