The province announced significant changes to the school system on Wednesday, aimed at enhancing educational flexibility and empowering students. 

Set to take effect in the 2024-25 school year, a shift in high school graduation requirements will provide those entering Grade 10 with more choices and options in their education. 

A Financial Literacy course will be a required credit for graduation, something that Director of Education for Chinook School Division, Mark Benesh, has heard many voices advocating for.  

“It has some obvious benefits for students,” he said. “Understanding a variety of factors that they will have to once they go to university or get into the work world. But part of that course is career education...helping them understand the various pathways of having a [graduation plan] so that they can be successful.” 

The provincial government has also modified the number of required credits for English language arts (ELA) and social sciences. Under the new system, students will need three ELA credits, with one credit required at each of the grades 10, 11, and 12 levels.  

This change brings Saskatchewan in line with other provinces such as British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, and Ontario, all of which require three ELA credits for graduation.  

Additionally, the required credits for social sciences have been reduced from three to two, and the number of electives will be increased. The total credits required for a student to graduate remains at 24. 

“The hope here is to try and [give] high school kids a little more say, a little more choice,” Benesh added. "Help enjoy and be engaged in that process so that they can be even more successful and set up for a better pathway for moving on.” 

The alterations come in response to feedback from the Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation, League of Educational Administrators, Directors and Superintendents, First Nation Education Authorities, post-secondary institutions, Chambers of Commerce, and parents. 

Students will now have the freedom to choose from a wider array of courses, allowing them to tailor their education to their unique interests and career goals. 

 

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