18. Key Results or Outcomes

Outcomes are not yet known, but the implementation of the project was highly successful. FTD is the first and the largest project with an experimental design in the field of education to be launched in Canada. There is widespread support for the project from those in government as well as in the field. Two provinces have been able to work together to ensure there is consistent delivery of the program.

19. Difficulties or Barriers

FTD workshops are extra-curricular, and gaining the attendance of all participating students has been challenging.

Parental attendance in the second year has also been a challenge for delivery of Lasting Gifts.

At the start of the research project, an introductory letter and pamphlet were mailed to potential participants. Statistics Canada interviewers followed up with home visits to conduct baseline interviews and gain informed consent from students and parents. Potential participants were informed that FTD was a pilot project in which participants would be randomly selected into a program group trying out Explore Your Horizons, or Learning Accounts or both (NB only) or to a control group.

Prior to recruitment, presentations were done at all participating schools to ensure that staff were aware of the project.

Communication with schools, and all participating students and parents has been maintained throughout the operation of FTD.