The extent to which students make decisions about their learning changes as they move through the K to 12 Education Program. In the primary and intermediate years, teachers provide opportunities for students to develop their planning skills.

By Grade 9, students, with the support of teachers and parents, develop formal learning plans to guide their course selections. By the graduation years, students choose courses to complete their career and education plans and satisfy graduation requirements. Students select courses that either help them meet the entrance requirements of a post-secondary institution, or prepare them for the transition to work or an apprenticeship.

Students can include programs of study from sources outside schools. Programs may include courses such as those from community colleges, universities, or private post-secondary institutions, ministry-approved credentials (external courses), distance education or the Open Learning Agency.

Along with the ability to make choices, students are expected to take increased responsibility for developing and acting on learning plans that focus their scholastic efforts and prepare them for working life. Students set goals, develop plans toward meeting those goals, and study topics that promote their career and personal development.