Fusion Collegiate

Presenters: Chris Meaden, Founder & Superintendent; Lisa Betterton, Founder & Director of Pathways and Partnerships; Mike Boyes, Developmental Psychologist, University of Calgary

This Story of Practice explores how Fusion Collegiate is defining student success by integrating career development, post-secondary pathways, and authentic work-based learning into the high school experience. Grounded in developmental psychology research and student voice, the presentation examines how readiness for life after high school extends beyond academic preparedness to include identity development, self-awareness, and informed decision-making.  System education leaders will learn about Fusion’s flexible  pathway model, including strategic partnerships with industry and post-secondary institutions; intentional structures for mentorship, reflection, and experiential learning; and student supports that help learners develop both the readiness and preparedness needed to pursue their preferred futures. Through student stories and research-informed practice, participants will gain insights into responsive learning environments that foster engagement, belonging, career confidence, and successful transitions beyond secondary school.

Story of Practice  Slideshow

High Prairie School Division

Presenters: Brennan McDonald, District Principal of Collegiate Planning and Special Projects and Monica Edwards, Career Coach Lead

High Prairie School Division’s Future Pathways model provides a comprehensive approach to high school career education that responds to the opportunities and challenges of a rural context. The model connects students with meaningful career exploration, industry-recognized learning, experiential opportunities, and postsecondary pathways while they are still in high school. Through career coaching, micro-credentials, dual credit programming, experiential career learning, and partnerships with local industry and postsecondary institutions, High Prairie School Division creates personalized pathways that support transitions to employment, apprenticeship, entrepreneurship, and postsecondary education. Programming includes opportunities in agriculture, health care, skilled trades, business, recreation leadership, and early learning. Career and Technology Studies, work experience, Green Certificate programming, and collegiate opportunities are integrated within the division’s broader pathway model. This story of practice highlights practical examples, program data, and lessons learned from the division’s work. It offers adaptable strategies for developing career-connected learning opportunities that strengthen student engagement, support high school completion, and respond to local workforce needs. The story may assist school authorities that are beginning to develop a high school career education approach or seeking to expand existing programming.

Story of Practice  Slideshow

Palliser School Division

Presenter: Jason Kupery, Associate Superintendent, Learning Services: Alternative Programs

Palliser School Division’s approach to high school career education reflects the three elements of the TAVE Strategic Framework: Explore, Engage, and Experience. The division has developed a vision and mission focused on igniting students’ interest and passion for future pathways through experiential learning. Palliser offers a range of programs and opportunities that connect classroom learning with authentic workplace and community experiences. This story of practice highlights these programs, the data used to assess their success, and feedback gathered directly from participating students.

Story of Practice  Slideshow

Prairie Rose Public Schools

Presenter: Boyd Craven, Assistant Superintendent, Prairie Rose Public Schools

Prairie Rose Public Schools aims to transform traditional education by creating direct, workforce-ready career pathways that empower students to discover their interests and transition into high-demand industries following high school. The division connects classroom learning with immersive, hands-on experiences through specialized collegiate and academy programming.

The South Alberta Flight Academy provides students with aviation and engineering experience through aircraft assembly, along with opportunities to pursue certifications related to piloting, drone operation, and air traffic control. Similarly, the South Alberta Fire Rescue Academy partners with local emergency services to provide rigorous field training and National Fire Protection Association credentials that can prepare graduates for employment once they meet the applicable age requirements.

In response to the diverse needs of rural communities, Prairie Rose also offers the School of Trades, through which students learn in industry-standard shops alongside certified journeypersons and accumulate apprenticeship hours. By integrating professional credentials, mentorship, and technical skill development into high school programming, the division provides accessible, purposefully designed experiential learning opportunities that prepare students for employment, further education, apprenticeship, and future career endeavours.

Story of Practice  Slideshow

Rocky View Schools

Presenters: Sandy McDuffe, Director of Schools and Earl Castiglione, Assistant Director of Schools

This story of practice describes Rocky View Schools’ system leadership approaches to advancing career learning and supporting students as they prepare for future pathways, with particular emphasis on high school initiatives. Seven approaches are highlighted:

• developing a Career Learning Practice Guide;
• aligning career learning with the division’s education plan;
• using data to inform continuous improvement;
• allocating human and financial resources;
• collaborating with community partners;
• providing teachers with tools and resources;
• sustaining a system-wide focus on career learning.

These approaches reflect key components of the definition of career education identified in the Professional Learning Needs Assessment (Alberta Professional Learning Consortium & CASS, 2025), including supporting students to understand themselves, explore diverse career options, and develop the skills, experiences, and plans needed for future success.

Story of Practice  Slideshow