or directly into the workforce,” Dr.Tymensen explains. “The provincial government has been very clear in their expectations, especially when it comes to skilled trades.” With shortages in sectors like agriculture, mechanics, and wind turbine technology, the division is stepping up to fill the gap, offering students realworld experience beyond traditional academics. Horizon is innovating through programs like dual credits, where students simultaneously earn high school and post-secondary credits. “We know that when kids are passionate and have a clear pathway, they become more engaged in their learning,” says Dr.Tymensen. Horizon’s partnership with Lethbridge Polytechnic and neighboring school divisions is a prime example. High school students can now explore trade programs ranging from heavy-duty mechanics to renewable energy technologies like wind turbines. In this shift, Horizon is also challenging longheld assumptions about the paths available to students. The old idea that university is only for the academically elite while college is a fallback for others no longer holds. “We’re seeing students with high grades and strong social skills choose college programs because they’re realizing that these careers can lead to well-paid, fulfilling jobs,” Dr. Tymensen shares. “In many cases, after just two years in post-secondary, these students are earning excellent salaries, supporting their families, and contributing to society in meaningful ways.” LITERACY AND EARLY INTERVENTION In the Horizon School Division, ensuring student success begins in the early grades. Recognizing that early literacy is foundational to lifelong learning, the division has doubled down on a comprehensive approach that blends strong instruction, targeted intervention, and a growing emphasis on mental health. “Literacy, for us, is all about early intervention,” Dr. Tymensen explains. “We’ve identified three core priorities: strong instruction, intervention for students who are struggling, and mental health support.” This triad has been especially important post-Covid, as the division works to help students recover academically, emotionally, and socially. 344 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 11
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