Exploring Alberta Students’ Perceptions of Success Related to Grade 12 Transition

Introduction

CASS is undertaking a study to better understand Alberta students’ perceptions of the essential conditions that support their success in making informed career decisions, with a particular focus on trades and vocational education. Guided by the Trades, Apprenticeship, and Vocational Education (TAVE) Framework, the study will gather input from Grade 12 students through three key dimensions of career thinking:

  • exploring career options,
  • engaging in career planning, and
  • experiencing career pathways.

The findings will be shared broadly with education stakeholders to help strengthen access to, and the effectiveness of, career pathway exploration for students.

Survey Administration Period

This Grade 12 student survey is open from November 18 – December 18, 2025. The length of time to complete this survey is approximately 15 – 20 minutes.

Participation in the Study

All Alberta school authorities are encouraged to administer this optional survey to Grade 12 students. To support the effective administration of the provincial student survey and ensure the collection of high-quality data, the following suggestions are provided as best practices for school authorities to consider.

School Authority Lead

1. Designate a School Authority Lead
Appoint a regulated CASS member or central office personnel to serve as the point of contact for communicating the survey to high schools, coordinating the survey process, troubleshooting issues, and liaising with CASS.

2. Schedule Dedicated Time
Designate a survey window for schools to administer the survey in the school authority between October 21 and November 21, 2025.

3. Communication
Share communication about the survey to school administrators. Share with school administrators and the school lead the CASS Zone of the school authority. (Students will need this information to complete the survey.)

4. School Engagement

    • Email or meet (virtually or in-person) with high school principals to outline:
      • purpose of survey,
      • survey window,
      • expectations for administration.
    • Identify a school-level lead at each site (assistant principal or counsellor).
    • Determine how Grade 12 parents/guardians will be provided notice (school newsletter, direct email/letter).
    • Provide principals with this survey information page.
    • Communicate timeline and expectations.
  • 5. Reminders

Send reminder to principals one week prior to survey window closing.

School Lead

1. Designate a School Lead
Appoint a staff member (e.g., school counsellor, administrator, or teacher) to serve as the point of contact for coordinating the survey process, troubleshooting issues, and liaising with the survey organizers.

2. Sample Parent Message for School Newsletters

Grade 12 Career Pathways Student Survey

High schools across Alberta will be administering the Exploring Alberta Students’ Perceptions of Success Related to Grade 12 Transition survey between November 18 and December 18, 2025. This provincial study, led by the College of Alberta School Superintendents (CASS), aims to better understand the supports that help Grade 12 students make informed decisions about their futures. The study considers students’ experiences in exploring career options, engaging in planning, and participating in different post-secondary or workforce pathways—including trades and technological opportunities.

The survey takes 15–20 minutes to complete during class time. Participation is voluntary, and individual responses are confidential. No marks are associated with the survey.

Results will be reported in summary form only and will not identify individual students or schools. The information collected will highlight overall trends, strengths, and areas where students may need additional support during their transition beyond high school. These insights will be used provincially to inform career education, enhance access to pathway opportunities—including trades and technologies—and ensure that student voices guide future planning.

If you have any questions or if you do not wish your child to participate, please contact [School Contact Name, Role, Email/Phone].

3. Schedule Dedicated Time
Incorporate the survey into a scheduled class or advisory period to ensure all students have an equal opportunity to participate. Avoid assigning it as homework or an unsupervised activity.

4. Ensure Informed Participation
Clearly communicate the purpose and importance of the survey to students and staff. Provide the students with the suggested assent form, found below. It provides an overview of the study and ensures that students are aware the survey is voluntary. No marks should be assigned for the completion of the survey.

5. Create a Supportive Environment
Facilitate the survey in a quiet, supervised setting with access to school devices or a computer lab, ensuring stable internet connectivity. If students are using personal devices, verify they have access to the required survey platform.

6. Protect Student Privacy
Ensure student responses remain confidential. Encourage honest, thoughtful responses by reminding students that their individual answers will not be identifiable and that results will be used only for research and planning purposes.

7. Monitor Participation
Track participation to ensure a high response rate. Follow up with students who were absent during the initial administration and provide opportunities to complete the survey at a later date.

8. Prepare Staff
Inform teachers and support staff of the survey purpose, timeline, and student support needs.

9. Address Accessibility
Ensure the survey is accessible to all students, including those requiring accommodations or language supports. Contact survey administrators in advance to address any accessibility concerns.

Key Documents

Overview of Survey for Teachers: Your Voice Matters Grade 12 Career Pathways Student Survey

Student Assent Form for Participation in a Research Study

Research Proposal

Link to Survey

Click here to access the survey to administer to Grade 12 students.

Contact

For more information or questions, contact:

Dr. Gloria Antifaiff, Principal Leadership Consultant, CASS – gloria.antifaiff@cass.ab.ca