Adult learners say program’s end ‘destroying lives’
After hearing several pleas from mature students desperate to have their education continue at Chinook Learning Services, public school trustees still chose to end their programming.
As part of its three-year capital plan approved unanimously Tuesday, the Calgary Board of Education will shutter its existing continuing education and upgrading programs at the former Viscount Bennett High School site, ending all courses for those aged 20 or older.
Students aged 23-43 sat in a packed house at CBE headquarters, pleading with trustees to save their potential to finish their high school diplomas and move on to employment or post-secondary pursuits.
“I deserve an education. Why do I have to keep fighting for it?” asked Sean McIntosh, who will be forced to try to continue courses through SAIT, although he’s worried he may not be accepted.
“You guys are destroying lives. How can you be OK with that?
“We are a growing population, and there will be even more of us next year,” McIntosh added, estimating there are at least 500 students at Chinook Learning Services, including many unable to finish high school by age 20 because of a variety of personal challenges.
CBE confirmed last December it would no longer offer continuing education courses for mature students as part of a cost-saving measure to shut down the aging Viscount Bennett Centre.
The CBE will still continue Chinook Learning Services for a remaining 1,500 students aged 16-20 this fall, offering upgrading and high school completion at existing inner-city high schools that are seeing reduced populations, including Lord Beaverbrook, James Fowler and Forest Lawn high schools.
“Unfortunately, at this time, we aren’t seeing any other options that allow us to keep adult education within the Calgary Board of Education,” said chair Trina Hurdman, adding that the Viscount Bennett Centre should have been closed years ago.
“Our mandate under the School Act is very clear — we are required to educate students up to the age of 19. It’s the job of post-secondary institutions to educate mature students over that age.”
But mature students argued they have no other options, explaining that high school courses at postsecondaries only count toward entry into programs at those specific institutes, which are costly and have difficult entrance requirements.
“What if you just want a high school diploma, and you can’t find a job without it?” asked Angelina Patoka, who is 23 and attending Chinook now but will have to try to get into a University of Calgary program by fall.
High school courses through Chinook Learning require no fees, while similar courses at post-secondaries cost at least $550.
“The CBE says they support diverse learners. But diversity has countless faces,” Patoka said.
Lindsay Fortin said she couldn’t finish high school in the traditional setting because of severe anxiety issues.
“I couldn’t go to school without suffering panic attacks,” Fortin said. “But Chinook is such a supportive environment. It’s a safe space for me to learn.”
Tiffany Yagi- Stevens, 26, who is now studying medicine at the University of Calgary, said she would have never been able to complete her high school diploma as an adult student without Chinook Learning.
“They helped me make a plan that accommodated my busy life as a single mom ... and now I can pursue my dream of becoming a doctor.”
CBE officials estimate at least $1 million in annual operating costs will be saved once the Viscount Bennett Centre is closed this August, money they hope will be diverted to K-12 classrooms.
As part of the three-year capital plan, CBE trustees also approved a slightly altered list of priorities for future schools in the suburbs.
The CBE’s top five priorities for new school construction in 2019 include Mahogany Elementary, Auburn Bay Middle School, the North Calgary High School, Auburn Bay Elementary and the Skyview Ranch Elementary-Middle School.
CBE’s priority list will now go to the province for budgetary consideration.