EDUCATION CREDITS FOR CADETS

1.1 Formalized specific acceptance of cadet training for credit, and related application/reporting procedures are presently in effect in BC/Yukon, AB, MB and NL.

1.2 Procedures to apply within a general process for the recognition of learning outside of the school setting exist in SK; ON(PLAR Challenge process); QC and NS. The extent of the acceptance of these types of requests varies greatly from one province to another.

SUMMARY OF PRESENT STATUS IN EACH PROVINCE

British Columbia/Yukon
Formalized specific acceptance of designated cadet training and the related application/ reporting procedures have been in place since 1997. With a major revision of the Graduation Program in 2004, Cadets may now obtain up to twelve (12) credits towards secondary school graduation, four (4) credits at each of Grades 10, 11, and 12. Successful completion of Levels 3, 4, and 5 squadron training applies, as do successful completion of approved summer introductory specialty courses (Grade 10), or an approved six-week summer advanced specially course (Grades 11 and 12). Employment as a staff cadet may be used as an alternative to a summer training course. Additionally, the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Program also qualifies for two (2) credits at Grades 10, 11, and 12 by successful completion of Bronze, Silver and Gold levels, respectively. Holding a Private Pilot License also qualifies for four (4) credits. As qualifying courses have been pre-approved by the Ministry, cadets need only to present proof of satisfactory completion of Level/Course to the secondary school guidance counsellor for credits to be applied – external credits be they for Cadets, Duke of Edinburgh, or other approved activities; each has an approved course code. These conditions also apply to students/cadets in the Yukon.

Alberta
Formalized procedures presently enable Staff Cadets, from the two Alberta summer training centres of Cold Lake and Penhold, to obtain a maximum of five (5) credits (based primarily on the number of hours of instruction) towards their graduation certificates. A meeting with officials of the Department of Learning is scheduled, in the very near future, to discuss both extending this programme to include Staff Cadets attending any summer training centre in Canada, and to consider other cadet training/courses as also being eligible for credits.

Saskatchewan
Formal process exists for individual student (Grades 10,11,12) to apply once during their high school career for one (1) “Special Educational credit (SEC).” This marked credit is put towards the student’s high school diploma in terms of the number of credits and grade point average. In September, students must apply to the school or school board to receive permission to take a SEC course.

Manitoba
Two credits will be recognized only as additional credits beyond the minimum credits for school graduation. One credit can be recognized on the basis of successful completion of the cadet basic training program. Basic training program is defined as successful completion of the Level Two program; An additional credit can be recognized on the basis of successful completion of the cadet advanced training program. Advanced training program is defined as successful completion of the Level Four program; The granting of credits is controlled by each individual school.

Ontario
Formal process is in place for individual student to request credit (maximum of four (4) credits – no more than two (2) in any one disciple) for prior learning. Known as the PLAR Challenge Process, students can challenge any course offered in Grades 10, 11, 12 (some limitations apply), by the local school board. The student must initiate the challenge, submit the Application to Challenge a Course form and other required documents to the school principal, and complete the formal tests and other assessments involved. Many cadet activities can also count towards the mandatory community involvement component (40 hours) required to graduate.

Québec
The present certification system provides for recognition of local programmes of study developed by an educational institution (maximum four (4) credits). The individual cadet would have to approach the school principal to have his/her specific cadet training recognized as a local program.

New Brunswick
No formal process exists presently. Meetings involving the three Leagues have taken place, a plan of action has been developed, and a presentation to the Minister of Education to pursue recognition for cadet training in the form of credits is planned.

Nova Scotia
Any student in Nova Scotia having completed a Cadet Summer Training Course that has been approved by the NS Department of Education can apply to earn an elective credit counting towards graduation. Furthermore, even though only one elective credit can be earned, the cadet/student can have any/all of the approved cadet courses listed on their high school transcript. Students must submit their application including their summer Cadet Participation Evaluation Report to their school guidance counselor, or whoever has been designated by the school to receive the applications. The list of approved courses, the application form, and other information can be found by visiting the website: https://pdc.ednet.ns.ca/

Prince Edward Island
The Canadian Cadet Organization has been approved by the External Credentialing Advisory Committee as authorized external program providers. The requirements for each external credential in this document: http://www.gov.pe.ca/photos/original/eecd_ExtCred14.pdf

Newfoundland and Labrador
Cadets may be awarded a maximum of four (4) credits towards high school graduation requirements. Each of these External Credits must be based on 55 instructional hours and must contribute to the “Essential Graduation Learnings.” Since 1999, the Department of Education has approved Level 4 and 5 local training and various courses, including Staff Cadet, for credit. A formal policy on “Awarding Credits for External Courses” and application forms are in place, and cadets must provide their school principal with the CF558 or the performance evaluation report. The Department of Education will track the number of cadets who have applied for and received credits for their cadet training.

Northwest Territories/Nunavut
Credits are dispensed on summer training only.