Province Postpones Advanced Studies Pilot Program

The Department of Education is postponing the Advanced Studies Pilot Program following the recent announcement by Knowledge House Inc. to discontinue its operations.

"I understand these students will be disappointed, and so are we," said Education Minister Jane Purves. "We had high expectations for this program, but right now, our first and foremost concern is to minimize the disruption to these students."

Ms. Purves said her priority now is to ensure students make a seamless transition back into other school programs. Students in the pilot program attend semestered schools and are at a point now where they can still make choices and quickly enroll in other courses.

In early September, 83 Grade 11 students in five schools began the pilot program. Ms. Purves commended the students involved citing their dedication, enthusiasm and support for the program.

"There has never been an integrated program in this province focused solely on challenging Nova Scotia's bright and talented students. We are looking at affordable options to offer an advanced program in the future," said Ms. Purves.

The department invested $1.2 million in the web-based Advanced Studies Program, but the contract with Knowledge House required the company to raise an additional $6 million from federal or private partners to deliver the program over five years. While the complete program has not been delivered, the province has secured software licensing and hosting, professional development for teachers, the design and delivery of the first unit, design of the second unit, and the foundation for the remaining six.

"We simply do not have the financial ability to continue this program on our own," said Ms. Purves, adding that she has received written support from students, parents, teachers and the Nova Scotia Teachers Union, all very positive about the program. "The fact is that this is still an exciting approach to learning and certainly worth our while to look at future funding from other sources."

In March, Knowledge House and the department signed a letter of agreement to develop and deliver the Advanced Studies Program over five years. A more detailed contract was signed on Aug. 16. The department had written assurances from Knowledge House as recent as Aug. 31 that the company was financially sound.

The Advanced Studies Program is unique. It uses web-based learning programs to help students develop problem-solving, critical thinking and technological abilities with core disciplines such as math, English and biology.