A "Survey" course is one that is developed by selecting curriculum modules from three or more PAA "Pure" courses. It can meet the PAA requirements for Core Curriculum at the Middle and Secondary Levels.

Each of the pure PAA curriculum guidelines states a specific aim, a set of goals, and Foundational Objectives (subject and Common Essential Learnings). These provide direction for the content, process, and context of the PAA modules. It is believed that by achieving the Foundational and Learning Objectives of the chosen modules, students will be achieving the intent of the PAA curriculum guidelines.

A Survey course would achieve a variety of PAA goals, depending on which course modules are selected in order to create the course.

The PAA Handbook states the overall Aim and a set of Goals for all aspects of the PAA area of study. Each of the PAA curriculum guidelines states a specific philosophy and rationale. Please consult these sources when making decisions about the modules to be configured to create a PAA Survey course(s).

Most high schools will offer one or several pure PAA curricula. Many smaller schools may prefer to offer PAA survey courses only.

The Practical and Applied Arts survey approach will provide schools with the option of fulfilling two credits required in PAA or Arts Education for high school graduation. Survey is a general, non-specialized introduction for students to a variety of PAA perspectives intended to include a balanced approach to aspects of business education, career/work education, computer applications, home economics education, and industrial arts/tech-voc education. See the guidelines under "Course Components and Considerations" below for specifics.

The objectives of a Survey course would be determined by the Foundational Objectives of the modules that are selected from various PAA Pure curricula.

Saskatchewan Education in collaboration with its partners, especially field test teachers, has developed a set of policy and procedural guidelines that give direction to the configuration of any PAA survey course(s) at the Middle and/or Secondary Levels.

See the glossary in the Handbook for definitions such as: curriculum; module(s); course; cluster; level vs. Level; core (compulsory); prerequisite; optional; templates.

Determining the configuration of a survey course will depend upon several factors. Before selecting modules for a survey course, schools are advised to consider student needs, teacher expertise, staffing requirements, facilities, equipment within the school, and community resources. See Appendix B for a suggested school division strategy for renewing the PAA program.

For more information, refer to the Practical and Applied Arts Handbook.