As of September, 1999, the Minister of Education and Training mandated that all schools implement a TAP program. TAP programs are now a required part of every secondary students educational experience from Grades 9 to 12.
•What is TAP?
TAP stands for Teacher Advisor Program, which is designed to provide for all students, an adult contact in the school who will monitor academic progress and school involvement.
•Who will be the adult contact person?
Each student has been assigned a teacher advisor who meets with a group of the same grade level students on a regular basis.
•What is the role of the teacher advisor?
Teacher-advisors are teachers who also act as advisors for students. Throughout the year, students will meet with their teacher advisors and take part in various activities that will help them develop the skills and habits they need to succeed in school, including good study habits, time-management skills, and goal-setting skills.
The teacher advisor also will help students work on their Annual Education Plan. Both in-class sessions and assemblies are used.
Fort Frances High School students participated in eight TAP sessions in Semester One. Students are now in Semester two and they have just completed a TAP session where they reviewed goals set in their Annual Education Plan at the beginning of the year.
The next scheduled TAP session is Feb. 8. Students will review their report cards issued on that day and participate in a lesson on stress management.
•What is the role of the students?
In order for this program to be successful, students must have regular contact with their TAP advisor. It is an expectation that all students from Grades 9-12 attend these sessions. Young people need to be encouraged to think about what they want for their lives, what they can achieve, and how they can reach their goals.
Spending time with their TAP advisors will encourage them to be responsible for their own learning.
•What role do parents have in this program?
This program provides parents with an opportunity to participate more closely in their children’s education. Parents can help their children work towards the goals set in their Annual Education Plan by being supportive of their goals, pointing out their strengths and accomplishments, and encouraging them to ask for help when they need it.
If you have any questions regarding the TAP program, feel free to call FFHS principal Ian Simpson, or TAP Co-ordinator Nancy Gillon.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
