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Section Three: Recommendations-New Curriculum Directions

3.3 How can we provide a broad range of students with excellent programs that are not linked to postsecondary destinations?

a) Issues

All students need science literacy as defined in subsection 2.2, regardless of the direction they take after secondary school. Although some students need specialized courses or electives to prepare them for postsecondary studies, others need science courses or electives that relate to their transition to the work force. Students who drop out of science after Grade 10 often fail to achieve science literacy as defined in subsection 2.2.

b) Solutions and rationale

Future science courses should have an STSE focus, heavy emphasis on skills as well as content, and real-life applications. They should be more relevant to students. It is important to encourage students to take enough science courses to develop science literacy regardless of their education and career plans.