is a formal evaluation and accreditation process.
Students can 鈥渃hallenge鈥� a specific course in Grades 10-12 offered in a secondary school at HCDSB through the PLAR process!
Secondary students can obtain credits towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and receive a credit if they can provide evidence of already meeting the provincial course expectations and if they have acquired the relevant knowledge and skills outside of secondary school.
The PLAR Process
- Parents and guardians can ask their School Principal or Guidance Counsellor if their child can complete the PLAR process.
- Secondary students and their parents and guardians can make an appointment with their School Principal or Guidance Counsellor to discuss a Pathways Plan, and review the PLAR process and PLAR package.
- Students and their parents/guardians are invited to complete the PLAR package below, and submit it to their School Principal before October 31st or March 31st.
- School staff will meet with parents/guardians and students to review their completed PLAR package and outline next steps (if the student meets the criteria for a successful PLAR).
What documents are required to share?
The following required documents will be communicated to students by their School Principal during an intake meeting:
- Letter(s) of reference from teachers familiar with the course expectations or from an instructor.
- A portfolio of relevant work.
- Proof of relevant experience in a supervised setting.
- Proof of relevant prior learning from another educational jurisdiction (e.g. certificates).
- Proof of successful completion of courses identified as pre-requisites (e.g. a transcript).
How many courses can a student 鈥渃hallenge鈥� for credit?
Secondary students can earn no more than four (4) credits through the PLAR process, which includes a maximum of two (2) credits in any one (1) subject area. For more information on the courses that cannot be challenged through the PLAR process, please read the PLAR Fact Sheet.
Am I eligible for an equivalency credit?
Secondary students may be eligible for equivalency credits if they have transferred to an HCDSB secondary school from a private school (that does not offer OSSD credits) or a school outside of Ontario.
The School Principal ultimately decides the total credit equivalency of a student鈥檚 previous learning, and the number of compulsory and optional credits that are still to be earned.