Bachelor of Education (Elementary) PROGRAM HANDBOOK 2014 - 2016 School of Education 900 McGill Road Kamloops, BC V2C 0C8 August 2014 Dear B.Ed. Teacher Candidates: It is our pleasure to welcome all Teacher Candidates entering the Bachelor of Education (Elementary) degree program on behalf of the faculty. We are delighted to have you as part of the elementary teacher education program. As TRU B.Ed. Teacher Candidates you bring to the program academic achievement, recent experience with elementary school-age children, excellent letters of reference and well-written statements about your commitment to teaching in all its aspects. Foundational courses prepare beginning teachers for the context of Canadian schools (e.g. history of education and theoretical frameworks of education). Numerous methodology courses cover subject area pedagogy and best practices to be explored, examined, and used in practica settings throughout the two-year program. The B.Ed. program has four practica experiences, offering Teacher Candidates the opportunity to teach in every semester. The focus of the certification practicum (ten weeks in Year 2, Term 2) is on integrated units with a fine arts approach to instruction. This is one of the features of our B.Ed. program that makes TRU’s program unique. You will be challenged in this program—academically, socially, and perhaps in the very beliefs and values you hold. You may be persuaded to discard some of your prior assumptions about teaching and learning. You may have to take on new attitudes of reflectiveness and inquisitiveness, and be more cautious about the conclusions you draw. This is part of creating the dispositions of effective teachers. This Handbook provides a guide to each step of the two-year, four-semester program, its sequence of courses and school experiences (practica). Teacher Candidates should read through these pages with the total program in mind. For example, all of the recommendations and requirements for professional behaviour and deportment are expected of you now, throughout the courses of study and in school settings. These standards of conduct are relevant throughout your entire teaching career. As of this moment, you are entering the exciting and demanding life of the professional teacher. We expect that you will reflect a professional attitude in everything you say and do. We are all seriously and enthusiastically committed to carrying out the tasks associated with preparing a new generation of teachers. Our goal is to help you become the best possible elementary school teachers—individuals who can thoughtfully, courageously and effectively meet the diverse challenges of today’s world and prepare learners for the future. Please accept our best wishes as you take steps toward becoming a professional teacher. Sincerely, Patricia J. Neufeld, PhD, LCPC, NCC Professor and Interim Dean Faculty of Human, Social & Educational Development email: pneufeld@tru.ca Phone: (250) 852-7006 Table of Contents Major Features of the B.Ed. Program --------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 Compressed Courses for Intensive Delivery Format for 2014-15 Year ------------------------- 2 Scholarships and Awards ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3 B.Ed. Program at a Glance ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4 Year 1 Courses -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5 Year 2 Courses -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9 Frequently Asked Questions ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14 General Guidelines and Protocol for TRU B.Ed. Teacher Candidates ----------------------- 18 Attendance / Absenteeism ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18 Rights, Responsibilities and Complaint Procedure ----------------------------------------------------- 20 Standards for the Education, Competence and Professional Conduct of Educators in BC------- 22 BCTF Teachers’ Code of Ethics --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 24 TRU B.Ed. Program Performance Standards and Competencies ------------------------------------ 25 Confidentiality of Student Information ------------------------------------------------------------------- 26 Protocol for TRU Teacher Candidates ------------------------------------------------------------------- 26 Teacher Candidate Performance Review ---------------------------------------------------------------- 26 Bachelor of Education Cohort Contacts: Responsibilities -------------------------------------------- 28 Writing and Speaking Well --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 28 Academic Integrity ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 28 Citations and Plagiarism Policy --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 29 Unit Planning Amongst Teacher Candidates – Practica Preparation ------------------------------- 29 General Information for TRU B.Ed. Teacher Candidates ---------------------------------------- 30 Liability and Insurance ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 30 Liability – Volunteers --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 30 Work Safe BC (formerly Worker’s Compensation Board) http://www.worksafebc.com -------- 30 Student Accident Insurance -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 30 TRU Students’ Union (TRUSU) --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 30 Field Trip Information -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 32 Practica Experiences ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 33 Unit Planning Amongst Teacher Candidates – Practica Preparation ------------------------------- 34 Connection of Practica to Program Goals --------------------------------------------------------------- 34 Practica Placement Policy --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 35 French Immersion Placements----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 36 Directed Study /International Practicum Experience -------------------------------------------------- 36 Educational Resources -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 36 Practica Course Outlines----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 39 Practicum I (EDPR 3100) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 39 Supplemental Practicum EDPR 3100--------------------------------------------------------------------- 41 Practicum II (EDPR 3200) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 41 Supplemental Practicum EDPR 3200--------------------------------------------------------------------- 44 Incomplete Practicum EDPR 3200 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 44 Practicum III (EDPR 4100) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 45 The Observation Feedback Cycle (for Practicum III and IV) ----------------------------------------- 48 Supplemental Practicum EDPR 4100--------------------------------------------------------------------- 49 Incomplete Practicum EDPR 4100 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 49 Practicum IV (EDPR 4200) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 50 Teaching Load Schedule ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 53 Practica Policy: Concerns with Performance --------------------------------------------------------- 63 Interim Report ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 63 Termination of Practicum ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 64 Failure of the Certification Practicum ------------------------------------------------------------------- 64 Supplemental Practicum EDPR 4200--------------------------------------------------------------------- 65 Withdrawal --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 66 Practicum Deferral ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 66 Appeal Procedures ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 68 Appendix: Bachelor of Education Forms ------------------------------------------------------------- 70 Major Features of the B.Ed. Program A. Pedagogical Studies The teacher education program includes a combination of foundations and methods courses. Teaching methods courses encompass both general and subject-specific studies. The TRU B.Ed. program pays special attention to pre-service teachers’ interpersonal and communication skills: oral and written, verbal and nonverbal. B. School Experiences Four school experiences (practica) are integrated into the two-year B.Ed. program. Each semester, Teacher Candidates are placed in schools where theory and pedagogy learned in course work, and from the Teacher Mentors, is put into practice. In order to give Teacher Candidates adequate opportunities to develop their classroom abilities and to enhance their professional competence, the final practicum extends over ten weeks. For the third and fourth practica, Teacher Candidates are placed in one of five school districts in the Kamloops region. Teacher Candidates experience a range of school settings including rural, inner-city, independent, First Nations, or multi-grade classrooms. C. Integration of Theory and Practice The courses and practica are linked by consistent thematic threads that run across courses. All courses attend to common themes that all teachers must address in the classroom; for example: diversity and culture, varying teaching to meet special needs students, and using technology as an adjunct to teaching. In addition, the faculty model collaborative teaching approaches as they prepare and teach courses together. Also, theory and practice are integrated by including current teacher education literature and research findings in course work and practica assignments. D. “The Arts Semester” Fine and Performing Arts Focus for Year 2, Term 1 Courses and Practicum IV Methods courses in Year 2, Term 1 of the B.Ed. program focus on the Arts. Strategies for teaching and learning will include discrete elements and principles within each art area, as well as integration across arts disciplines. Faculty in this Arts Semester will collaborate in various ways in the planning and teaching of these courses, modeling collegiality for the Teacher Candidates. E. The Education Assistant and Community Support Program (EACS) The EACS is a certificate program that is located in the School of Education. A main focus of this program is to prepare students to work with individuals with exceptionalities in the school system. As Education Assistants or First Nations Education Workers, this group works alongside, and under the direction of, teachers. The relationship between these paraprofessionals and teachers can be critical to the success of a student. As a Teacher Candidate, an understanding of the role and the contributions of an Education Assistant will enhance your skills as a teacher. Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 1 Compressed Courses for Intensive Delivery Format for 2014-15 Year FALL 2014 TIMETABLE 08:30 M O N T U E S W E D S T H U R S 09:30 10:30 (SUBJECT TO CHANGE) 11:30 EDPE 3100, Baker 8:30-9:30, AE 366 9 :30-11 :20, Gym 12:30 13:30 1:30 pm 14:30 2:30 pm EDTL 3100, AE 366, Rees EDEF 3100, AE 366, Handford* EDIE 3100, AE366, Walton** EDMA 3100, AE 366, Fraser* EDLL 3100, AE366, Ramirez ** EDCO 3100: September 3, 8, 9, 10 McQueen Lake: September 4, 5 EDPR 3100, (Wednesdays, 7 full days) Oct.15 to Nov 26 Regular Classes: Sept 11 to Dec 3 (12 weeks) EDEF 3100, AE366, Handford * EDIE 3100, AE366, Walton** EDMA 3100, AE 366, Fraser * EDLL 3100, AE366, Ramirez** NO CLASSES: Monday, October 13 (Thanksgiving) Tuesday, November 11 (Remembrance Day) Exams: Thursday, Friday & Saturday, December 4, 5, 6 WINTER 2015 TIMETABLE 08:30 09:30 10:30 11:30 EDTL 3200, AE366, Ruberg T U E S 12:30 (SUBJECT TO CHANGE) 13:30 1:30 pm 14:30 2:30 pm 15:30 3:30 pm 17:30 5:30 pm ** Jan 5 to Feb 13 *** Feb 23 to Apr 3 On Campus: January 5 to April 2, 2015 EDSO 3200, AE366, Powrie EDSC 3200, AE 366, Rees TRU Reading Break: February 16-20, 2015 Observation Days EDPR 3200 TBA Practicum Dates: EDPR 3200, April 7 to 21, 2015 inclusive (April 03: Good Friday; April 06: Easter Monday; April 20: SD #73 In-service Day) EDEF 3200, AE 366, Handford** NO CLASSES: Monday, February 9, 2015 Friday, April 03, 2015 Monday, April 06, 2015 F R I Bachelor of Education (Elementary) 16:30 4:30 pm EDLL 3200, AE 366, Ramirez** EDMA 3200, AE366, Fraser*** EDEF 3200, AE 366, Handford** EDLL 3200, AE 366, W Ramirez ** E EDMA 3200, AE366, D Fraser *** T H U R B.Ed. Orientation: September 2, 10:00 -11:30am, AE 366 Practicum Dates: EDPR 3100 October / November F R I M O N * Sept 11 to Oct 21 **Oct 23 to Dec 4 Call-Back Days: April 22 and April 23, 2015 Program Handbook 2014-2016 2 Scholarships and Awards Information about Scholarships and Awards available specifically to Bachelor of Education Students: Anne & Henry Wyse Memorial Scholarship Ken Lepin Prize of Excellence in Education Bruce Roberts Bachelor of Education Award Margaret H. King Memorial Scholarship Dallaire Family Bursary Neil MacRae Memorial Award Ed & Gladys Eberlein Bursary PEO Chapter AC Memorial Bursary Elizabeth A. Owen Bursary R. R. Smith Bursary in Education Ferguson Family Bursary Retired Teachers' Bursary Jim Totten Scholarship TRU Bachelor of Education Faculty Bursary Kathryn McNaughton Scholarship Recipients of the Jim Totten Scholarship, Kathryn McNaughton Scholarship, Ken Lepin Prize of Excellence in Education and Bruce Roberts Award are chosen by Bachelor of Education Faculty. Thus, applicants who meet the criteria for the Scholarship/Award are required to submit a letter to the Bachelor of Education Program Coordinator, explaining why they should be considered for the award/scholarship. The letters are to be submitted by September 15 of each school year. For more information, please go to: http://www.tru.ca/finaid/awards.html Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 3 B.Ed. Program at a Glance Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Year 1 Fall Courses Feb. Mar. Apr. Year 1 Winter Courses EDCO 3100 Communications I (2)* EDMA 3100 Mathematics I (3) EDLL 3200 Language & Literacy II (3) EDS0 3200 Social Studies Methods (3) EDIE 3100 Child Development & Teaching (3) EDPE 3100 Physical Education Methods (3) EDMA 3200 Mathematics II (3) EDTL 3200 Teaching & Learning II (3) EDEF 3100 History of Education (3) EDTL 3100 Teaching and Learning I (3) EDSC 3200 Science Methods (3) EDEF 3200 Theoretical Frameworks of Education (3) EDLL 3100 Language and Literacy I (3) *( ) the number of credits per course. Practicum I EDPR 3100 (1) 7 Wednesdays (Full Days) * Field trip to Henry Grube * Teacher Candidates in pairs in local schools * Language Arts focus Sept. Oct. Nov. Practicum II EDPR 3200 (2) Last 2 weeks of semester * Teacher Candidates in pairs in local schools * Math/Science/Social Studies focus Dec. Jan. Year 2 Fall Courses EDVP 4110 Music (2) EDIE 4100 Special Education (3) EDVP 4120 Visual Arts (2) EDTL 4100 Teaching & Learning III (3) EDSL 4200 Second Language with Focus on French (2) EDEF 4200 School Organization (1) Apr. EDCO 4200 Communications II (1) *Elective (3) EDFN 4200 Aboriginal Teaching and Learning (3) Practicum III EDPR 4100 (3) First 3 weeks of school Practicum IV EDPR 4200 (5) First 10 weeks of school beginning in January * 5 districts participating * Focus on classroom management – setting the tone Sept. Mar. Year 2 Winter Courses EDHC 4100 Health & Career Education (2) EDVP 4100 Drama (2) Feb. Oct. Nov. * 5 districts participating * Teacher Candidate has same Teacher Mentor as Practicum III * Focus on New B.C. Curriculum Dec. Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. Electives: (These courses will vary from year to year.) EDLL 4150 EDIT 4150 EDPE 4150 EDSC 4150 Children's Literature Information Technology Advanced Physical Education: Instruction Environmental Education EDSC 4160 EDEF 4150 EDEF 4160 EDIE 4150 Problem Solving in Science & Mathematic Social Foundation of Education: Gender and Education Education in Rural or Small Schools in British Columbia Special Education - Specific Learning Disabilities * Students may apply to the Bachelor of Education Coordinator to request consideration of taking an elective (3 credits) from any 300 or 400 level Early Childhood Education Courses, or an upper level course associated with Education. Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 4 Year 1 Courses September – December: Year 1, Term 1 (Fall Semester) McQueen Lake Orientation (2 days at start of Year 1, Term 1) McQueen Lake is the environmental education centre operated by the Kamloops/Thompson School District (SD#73). A two-day retreat for Teacher Candidates serves as an orientation to the McQueen Lake facility, provides opportunities for Teacher Candidates to get to know one another and the B.Ed. faculty, and to ask questions about the two years ahead. Teacher Candidates work individually and in teams while participating in science projects, physical activities/games, art, and outdoor education experiences. Since the inception of the TRU B.Ed. program, the McQueen Lake retreat has been a tradition. Teacher Candidates have found it to be a fun and informative introduction to the program. Prerequisite: Admission to the TRU Bachelor of Education program. EDCO 3100 – Communications I (2 credits) This course is designed to provide teacher candidates with an opportunity to develop skills for effective communication with students, parents, colleagues, and other school-related persons. This course includes a “retreat” at McQueen Lake, the environmental education centre operated by the Kamloops/Thompson School district. Teacher candidates learn effective communication skills, including an introduction to conflict resolution and teaching social skills, through role-playing and discussion. Science exploration (e.g., Project Wild group activities) and physical activity (e.g., nature walks) are integral parts of learning about effective communication. Prerequisite: Admission to the TRU Bachelor of Education program. EDIE 3100 – Child Development and Teaching (3 credits) This course presents an overview of child development as it relates to teaching. The course begins with a survey of the main models and theories of child development and considers relevant implications for teaching. Teacher candidates review research that examines child development and teaching, especially research that reviews effective teaching practice with children who are at different developmental levels, and children from diverse cultural backgrounds. Prerequisite: Admission to the TRU Bachelor of Education program. EDEF 3100 – History of Education (3 credits) This foundations course focusses on the complex dynamics between school and society. Teacher candidates examine the relationship between schools and society over time, gaining insight into individuals and groups that determine what kinds of schools should exist and what should happen to them. Issues of gender, race, sexuality, ethnicity, religion, social class, and location inform and enlighten investigations. Readings, lectures, presentations, discussion, group work, review of television, film and video materials and guest speakers will inform the learning. Prerequisite: Admission to TRU Bachelor of Education program. EDLL 3100 – Language and Literacy I (3 credits) This course introduces key concepts related to language and literacy learning and teaching in the elementary language arts classroom and across the curriculum. Its main objective is to give students an overview of the knowledge required to make sound curriculum decisions to implement an effective language and literacy program. It is the first component of two interdependent courses that focus on methods to teach language and literacy in elementary school. The emphasis is on the reading process, the skills central to reading acquisition and reading achievement, individual differences in reading development, and effective reading instruction methods. The course is linked with the initial school practicum. Prerequisite: Admission to the TRU Bachelor of Education program. Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 5 EDMA 3100 – Mathematics I (3 credits) This course provides Teacher Candidates with the basic understanding of teaching mathematics in the elementary schools. Topics in the course provide methods in teaching problem solving, numeracy, the use of manipulatives, early number sense, patterns, assessment and operations with numbers. The use of literature and games in a math program are also examined. This course also includes a comprehensive study of the British Columbia mathematics curriculum. A variety of resources are provided to the Teacher Candidates to experience the methods used to provide a rich elementary mathematics program. Prerequisite: Admission to the TRU Bachelor of Education program. EDPE 3100 – Physical Education Methods (3 credits) This course provides a foundation of principles, learning opportunities and teaching, and critical thinking strategies in Physical Education that can be applied to whole classrooms of elementary students. Emphasis is on applying the various concepts of the five movement categories (games, dance, gymnastics, alternateenvironment activities, and individual and dual activities) when planning to teach Physical Education. Teacher candidates participate in classroom, gymnasium, and outdoor activities that provide tangible links with scheduled practica and encourage putting theory into practice. Prerequisite: Admission to the TRU Bachelor of Education program. EDTL 3100 – Teaching and Learning I (3 credits) Teacher Candidates are introduced to preparing lesson plans and learning about curriculum, assessment, teaching models and strategies, and classroom and organizational management. The role of teacher as a professional is explored. Other courses are inter-connected to prepare teacher candidates for the first practica and to deepen learning. Teacher candidates prepare lesson plans for teaching and implement teaching practices learned within the course during the practica. Prerequisite: Admission to the TRU Bachelor of Education program. EDPR 3100 – Practicum I (44 hours) (1 credit) This is the first of four organized school practica experiences, consisting of seven full days in schools within the Kamloops area. The purpose of this course is to provide teacher candidates with an orientation to elementary schools and the opportunity to link their on-campus courses with teaching experiences in the classroom. Teacher candidates are placed in pairs in classrooms where they have the opportunity to observe classroom procedures and teach four language arts lessons. Teacher candidates also complete journal reflections and have the opportunity to observe in a variety of school settings. Faculty Mentors from the university support each teacher candidate throughout the practicum. Prerequisites: Admission to the TRU Bachelor of Education program and successful completion of a criminal record check. Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 6 January – April: Year 1, Term 2 (Winter Semester) EDLL 3200 – Language and Literacy II (3 credits) This course continues the study of the elementary language arts curriculum and teaches both theory and practical knowledge required to implement a language arts program. The emphasis in the winter term is on writing in relationship to the other language modes and across the curriculum. It examines the skills children in elementary school need to be successful writers, effective ways of promoting the development of these skills, and effective writing assessment techniques. Class members are expected to engage in all aspects of the writing process. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Year 1, Term 1. EDMA 3200 – Mathematics II (3 credits) This course builds on EDMA 3100, the Mathematics I course from Year 1, Fall Semester. The course introduces topics which include place value, geometric thinking, spatial sense, measurement, statistics and probability and assessment. The course is linked to the 2-week practicum (EDPR 3200) that Teacher Candidates take in the same semester, so teacher candidates have the opportunity to apply the methods that they have studied. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Year 1, Term 1. EDSC 3200 – Curriculum and Instruction: Elementary Science (3 credits) Teacher candidates are introduced to current principles and strategies applied to teaching science in elementary schools from Kindergarten to Grade 7. The three content strands of the B.C. Science curriculum, Life, Physical Earth, and Space Science, provide the base for exploring scientific content together with the processes of science (the fourth strand) and in terms of how children learn science effectively. Weekly classes include hands-on labs, presentations, website explorations, article reviews, current events, and field trips. This course and its assignments are designed to give teacher candidates the opportunity to explore the nature of science and create effective science learning opportunities for children. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Year 1, Term 1. EDSO 3200 – Curriculum and Instruction: Social Studies (3 credits) The overarching purpose of this course is to introduce various rationales, goals, and strands needed to develop a coherent social studies program. Social Studies is presented as a dynamic, multi-disciplinary curriculum for creating informed, adaptable, responsive, and responsible educated citizens. Approaches and strategies are explored that focus on developing an understanding of the various Social Studies disciplines and the characteristics and evolution of the interrelated global systems, as well as promoting critical thinking, social responsibility, and a global perspective. The course is linked to the 2-week practicum that teacher candidates take in the same semester (EDPR 3200), so teacher candidates have the opportunity to teach social studies lessons they have developed. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Year 1, Term 1. EDTL 3200 – Teaching and Learning II (3 credits) Teacher Candidates are introduced to unit planning and assessment. Other courses are inter-connected to prepare teacher candidates for the second practica and to deepen understanding of effective unit planning and assessment. Teacher candidates explore how to address diversity in the classroom. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Year 1, Term 1. Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 7 EDEF 3200 – Theoretical Frameworks of Education (3 credits) This foundations course further develops the concepts explored in the History of Education, encouraging teacher candidates to examine their educational beliefs and practices while deepening their insights and understanding of the social context of schooling. Teacher candidates learn the language and concepts of education, while developing the ability to reflect critically on its central ideas and alternate frameworks, and refining their communication as professionals. Teacher candidates engage in discussions of contemporary and educational issues, including topics such as what it means to be a professional and schooling in the 21 st century. Readings, lectures, presentations, discussion, group work, review of television, film, and video materials and guest speakers will inform the learning. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Year 1, Term 1. EDPR 3200 – Practicum II (2 credits) This two-week (10 school days) practicum occurs in the final two weeks of Year 1, Term 2. Teacher candidates are placed in pairs in a school within the Kamloops area. The teaching and learning foci for this practicum is on mathematics, science, and social studies, although not exclusively. Teacher candidates complete journal reflections and have the opportunity to observe in a variety of classroom settings. Following the practicum, teacher candidates attend two call-back days on campus which include an opportunity to debrief the practicum, hear from guest presenters, and receive important information for the next practicum. Faculty Mentors from the university support each teacher candidate throughout the practicum. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Year 1, Term 1. Teacher Candidates in Action Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 8 Year 2 Courses September – December: Year 2, Term 1 (Fall – “The Arts Semester") EDPR 4100 – Practicum III (90 hours) (3 credits) At the beginning of Year 2, Term 3, teacher candidates undertake the three-week practicum (90 hour) EDPR 4100, which serves as an orientation for the teacher candidates and the teacher mentor. Normally, the teacher candidates and teacher mentors in this practicum are paired for the 10-week extended EDPR 4200 (Practicum IV) in Year 2, Term 4. Teacher candidates are involved in observational and instructional activities related to the “September Start-up” of classrooms in elementary schools throughout interior school districts including: Cariboo-Chilcotin S.D. #27, Okanagan-Similkameen S.D. #53, Nicola-Similkameen S.D. #58, Kamloops/Thompson S.D. #73, and North Okanagan-Shuswap S.D. #83. It is common for schools to undergo classroom reorganization in the first three weeks of school and teacher candidates need to learn how to deal with this reality, recognizing that each teacher candidate’s experience varies. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Year 1. EDHC 4100 – Health & Career Education (2 credits) This course enables the participants to help elementary students acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that help them to make good personal decisions and manage their lives more effectively. The course focuses on the emotional and social development of students from Kindergarten to Grade 7. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Year 1. EDIE 4100 – Special Education (3 credits) This course is designed to introduce teacher candidates to the area of teaching children with special needs within the regular classroom. The course begins with a consideration of the historical perspective on teaching children with special needs and includes information on relevant provincial legislation. Course topics include designing individual education plans and effective methods for teaching children with special needs in school settings. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Year 1. EDTL 4100 – Teaching and Learning III (3 credits) Teacher candidates explore how to incorporate effective teaching skills and practices across curricular areas. They design an integrated unit to be implemented in the final practicum EDPR 4200 in Year 2, Winter Semester. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Year 1. EDSL 4200 – Second Language with Focus on French (2 credits) This course promotes the communicative approach to teaching a second language to elementary students. The major emphasis of this course is the development of a proficiency-based language program focusing on listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Topics include: culture, theory, technology, resource evaluation, planning and teaching lessons, differentiation, and assessment. Teacher candidates interested in teaching other languages are encouraged to adapt strategies and assignments to their target language. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Year 1 or permission of the instructor and program coordinator. Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 9 EDFN 4200 – Aboriginal Teaching and Learning (3 credits) The course begins with an overview of the historical background of First Nations education in Canada and British Columbia. Teacher candidates examine various aspects of First Nations content in current curriculum and appropriate roles for non-First Nations teachers in curriculum development projects. The majority of the course emphasizes effective teaching and counseling practices for First Nations children, including developing relationships with parents and extended family members. The class format is presentation and discussion based on articles and videos provided by faculty, presentations from other First Nations educators, and from student research and experience. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all Year 1 courses, Year 2, Term 1 courses and EDPR 4200 Practicum EDVP 4100 – Drama (2 credits) Teacher Candidates are introduced to the theory and practice of drama in the elementary classroom. Focus is on experiencing various drama forms and conventions, analyzing them as ways of learning, and applying them to specific curricular and classroom needs. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Year 1. EDVP 4110 – Music (2 credits) This is an introductory course in music education designed to give teacher candidates a basis for teaching music in elementary classroom settings. The understanding of musical concepts and the demonstration of skills is fostered through singing, listening and appreciating, playing instruments, creative expression, and critical reading of the music education literature. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Year 1. EDVP 4120 – Visual Arts (2 credits) This course is designed to facilitate the fundamental experience and understanding of the role, value, and issues in art education. Lessons are concerned with basic concepts related to children's artistic production, perceiving and responding to art, and the teacher's planning for art instruction. Studio activities are interactive and meant to develop strategies and confidence for Teacher Candidates to deliver and introduce selected art materials and techniques appropriate to facilitate positive art learning for elementary aged students. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Year 1. Overview of Teaching the Arts In Year 2, Term 2, during the ten-week practicum (EDPR 4200-Practicum IV), Teacher Candidates are expected to design and implement units in all curricula areas. In earlier practica, foci have been Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies (the methods courses for semesters 1 and 2, Year 1). For Practicum III (EDPR 4100), the focus is on classroom management and relationship building for “September Start Up”. In Practicum IV (the certification practicum), the foci includes the integration of appropriate aspects of all course work over the program. As well, the arts will be infused into as much of the curriculum as possible. Thought should be given to the strengths an arts-based perspective brings to teaching and learning. 1. The holistic engagement of students through multiple perspectives and modalities that address their diverse learning styles – print (prose, poetry, scripts, narrative, etc.); image (painting, sculpture, video, drawing, etc.); dance; music; and/or drama. As well, assessment and evaluation should be flexible and specific to the subject, assignment and student group and might include portfolio, performance, projects, and exhibitions in addition to oral presentation, paper/pencil quizzes and tests. Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 10 2. The use of imagination and creative thinking as fundamental to learning and teaching. 3. The arts as a basic tool for aesthetic development, socio-cultural sensitivity and personal awareness. 4. Integral to an arts perspective is ongoing reflection, which is a continuous, essential strand of the Bachelor of Education Program. 5. Recent educational and scientific research has indicated a positive correlation between learning in the arts and increased achievement in other core subjects. January – April: Year 2, Term 2 (Winter Semester) EDPR 4200 – Practicum IV (300 hours) (5 credits) During Term 2 of Year 2, teacher candidates undertake a 10-week (300 hour) practicum that serves as the major school experience. Normally, teacher candidates return to the same placement as they had in EDPR 4100, the three-week practicum in Year 2, Term 1. Teacher candidates gradually increase their teaching load and sustain a minimum 80% load for five consecutive weeks. Upon successful completion of EDPR 4200, teacher candidates are able to apply for Teacher Certification in British Columbia. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Year 1 and Year 2, Term 1. EDEF 4200 – School Organization (1 credit) Teacher candidates examine the construct of a number of organizations that affect their working lives as teachers. They develop a perspective about issues in education in British Columbia that results in the expression of their own personal philosophy of teaching. Class sessions consist of presentations/lectures followed by a discussion/question and response period. Presentations are made by representatives from a number of stakeholder groups, including the Kamloops Thompson Teachers’ Association, School District #73 (Kamloops/Thompson) senior administration, and the Teacher Regulation Branch for the British Columbia Ministry of Education. Teacher candidates are guided in the preparation of resumes and interview techniques. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all Year 1 courses, Year 2, Term 1 courses and the EDPR 4200 Practicum EDCO 4200 – Communications II (1 credit) This course acts as a capstone to the B.Ed. program by providing an opportunity for teacher candidates to reflect on their knowledge, skills, and understandings in theory and practice developed over the two-year B.Ed. program. Teacher candidates are guided in the completion of professional portfolios that are presented to a panel of faculty members. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all Year 1 courses, Year 2, Term 1 courses and EDPR 4200 Practicum Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 11 One (1) elective will be selected from the following courses. This will vary from year to year. EDLL 4150 – Children’s Literature (3 credits) This course introduces students to the sources of children’s literature and its major genres, including traditional literature, fantasy, realistic and historical fiction, poetry, and information books. This course is geared towards teaching children. Children’s reading needs and interests, and current issues and trends will be examined. Teacher candidates explore strategies for involving children with literature across the elementary curriculum. Prerequisites: 3rd or 4th year university students who have experience teaching children, or the permission of the instructor and Program Coordinator EDIT 4150 – Information Technology (3 credits) This course provides teachers with information about how to use 21st century technology across the curriculum. Teacher candidates are introduced to how the skillful integration of 21st century technologies can enable more equitable learning opportunities for all and how digital technologies, access to information, globalization, and equity are changing the world. Participants learn how to critically evaluate the pedagogical benefits of various educational technology tools in the classroom setting. Prerequisites: 3rd or 4th year university students who have experience teaching children, or the permission of the instructor and Program Coordinator EDPE 4150 – Advanced Physical Education: Instruction (3 credits) The course provides opportunities for teacher candidates who have completed EDPE 3100 to extend the skills and knowledge gained through previous course work and during practica, and to further develop the ability to teach Physical Education. Opportunities are also provided for teacher candidates to reinforce previous learning and to develop greater skill in teaching activities from the five movement categories. Prerequisites: EDPE 3100 or the permission of the instructor. EDSC 4150 – Environmental Education (3 credits) The purpose of this course is to examine aspects of environmental education appropriate for K – 7 students. Through the concept of Active Living and use of the outdoors as the principal “classroom”, the elements of living/lifestyles in various subject areas are addressed. The course also emphasizes teaching students how to make informed decisions and take constructive actions regarding the earth and its inhabitants. Field trips involving activities suitable for elementary-aged students are an integral part of this course. Prerequisites: Introductory environmental science courses and basic knowledge of outdoor education (physical education or environmental science). 3rd or 4th year university students who have experience teaching children or the permission of the instructor and Program Coordinator. EDSC 4160 – Problem Solving in Science and Mathematics (3 credits) Science and mathematics learning is recognized as more than a collection of isolated skills and concepts to be mastered. Rather, science and mathematics promote experiences where teacher candidates actively participate in the learning and doing of these subjects. Hence, problem solving is central to and permeates all aspects of science and mathematics. To become effective problem solvers and problem posers, children require experiences with various types of problems arising from a variety of real situations. A problemposing framework is used to explore ways in which teacher candidates can provide opportunities to assist children to reason systematically and carefully, and to develop their understanding of science and mathematics. Prerequisites: 3rd and 4th year university students who have experience teaching children or the permission of the instructor and Program Coordinator Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 12 EDEF 4150 – Social Foundation of Education: Gender and Education (3 credits) This course explores the ways in which feminist theories have prompted a rethinking of educational practice and research, with a focus on schooling. It examines the gendered experiences of people in educational organizations as students, teachers, and administrators. Differences by age, race/ethnicity, social class, religion, and sexual orientation are discussed. Prerequisites: 3rd or 4th year university students who have experience teaching children or the permission of the instructor and Program Coordinator. EDIE 4150 – Special Education: Specific Learning Disabilities (3 credits) The purpose of this course is to introduce teacher candidates to the controversial field of specific learning disabilities (LD). The course begins with a historical perspective on learning disabilities and an overview of relevant theoretical frameworks and models of learning disabilities. Participants examine current legislation in British Columbia and its relationship to the school district, school, and classroom levels. Two key topics include (a) screening, assessment, and identification practices, and (b) intervention strategies and how they affect classroom practice. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Year 1, or permission of the instructor and the Program Coordinator. EDEF 4160 –Education in Rural or Small Schools in British Columbia (3 credits) Rural and small schools are a dominant feature in our province's educational history, but have generally been lost sight of in today's educational vision. However, 15% of the province's school children attend rural/small schools. Many of these schools are so remote and isolated that there is no road access. Some of these schools have less than 10 students spread across many grades. This course examines the rural/small school in terms of the communities they serve, with particular attention to the teacher's role in the school and community. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Year 1 in the B.Ed. program * Students may count as an elective one (1) course (3 credits) from any 300 or 400 level Early Childhood Education Courses, or any other upper level course approved by the Bachelor of Education Coordinator. Teacher Candidates in Action Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 13 Frequently Asked Questions How do I know whether I have been registered in the required courses for the program in which I am enrolled? The Bachelor of Education program enrolls Teacher Candidates in courses and practica for the fall and winter semesters of Year 1. After notification of successful completion of all academic prerequisites and Year 1 courses and practica, Teacher Candidates will be informed by program staff on how registration will occur for Year 2. In the late Fall/early Winter of Year 1, Teacher Candidates will be asked to rank, in order of preference, three or four possible electives for the following year. The Timetable Committee will look at results and name the elective that will be offered in the Winter Session of Year 2. May I register for additional courses while I am in the Bachelor of Education Program? The Bachelor of Education program is an intensive, full-time program. Therefore, Teacher Candidates are advised not to add courses to their prescribed B.Ed. courses in any term of the program. Do I need to complete course work in one term before proceeding to the next? Teacher Candidates are required to pass all courses and practica prescribed for a term or terms before proceeding to the next term. Similarly, Teacher Candidates must successfully complete Year 1 program requirements before advancing to Year 2 of the program. What happens if I do not demonstrate oral and or written English language competency after I am admitted to the program? All Teacher Candidates in the TRU B.Ed. program are expected to demonstrate high standards in all aspects of written and spoken English. Teacher Candidates who do not demonstrate an acceptable standard of English during the program may be required to take a written or oral English language test. On the basis of the results of the test, Teacher Candidates may be required either to improve their standard of written or oral English before proceeding to the certification practicum, or, before being recommended for the B.Ed. degree and a teaching certificate, to withdraw from the B.Ed. Program. How long do I have to complete the program? The Teacher Education program must be completed in its entirety within a four-year period. Teacher Candidates who do not complete the program within this time limit may submit a new application. If they are readmitted, they may not receive advance credit for courses completed previously. Where will I be placed for the certification practicum? As mentioned in the TRU Calendar, 50% of placements are in the Kamloops/Thompson School District (#73) for the EDPR 4100 and 4200 practica, and 50% are in the following neighbouring districts: Cariboo-Chilcotin (SD#27), Okanagan-Similkameen (SD#53), Nicola Similkameen (SD#58), and North Okanagan-Shuswap (SD#83).* Although we attempt to place Teacher Candidates in their preferred areas, please note that Teacher Candidates must be prepared to accept a school placement wherever one is available within these regions, and they are responsible for the costs of transportation and accommodation during the practica. Placements are determined by a lottery system. *These are the only school districts where we have certification practicum placements. Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 14 What constitutes a conflict of interest for practica placements in schools or communities where people know me? Teacher Candidates will not be placed in schools or communities where relationships exist with school district personnel, school administrators, teachers, students or their parents/guardians. It is the intent of the TRU School of Education to prevent personal biases from entering into professional relationships, particularly where assessment and evaluation of a Teacher Candidate’s performance is involved. What if I have special circumstances that need to be considered in my practicum placement? Special circumstances include a disability, a serious medical condition, single parenthood or pre-school children. If special circumstances apply, complete the "Special Circumstances" form available from the Practica Coordinator. A committee reviews all requests and Teacher Candidates will be informed of the committee’s decision shortly thereafter. The Special Circumstances Committee does not consider applications for financial hardship. What if I wish to be placed in a French Immersion classroom for the certification practicum? Qualified Teacher Candidates have the option of second year practica placements in French Immersion classrooms. To qualify, Teacher Candidates must be bilingual and complete a French competency test in the fall semester of Year 1. The French language assessment includes both an oral and written component and is free of charge. What if a labour dispute occurs during the practicum? When a labour dispute affects the staff of the school where you are placed, no instruction or extracurricular activities or other duties should be undertaken that are not performed by your Teacher Mentor. Nor should you become involved in any labour dispute(s) between the school districts, teachers’ associations, or support staff. Where questions arise, you should contact your Faculty Mentor. Teacher Candidates are reminded that they are guests in practicum schools and need to observe the procedures agreed to by the staff in their schools. In the event of a labour dispute, please make sure you: Observe days and hours of work established by the Teacher Mentor. Teacher Candidates are not members of the BCTF and should not participate in or cross picket lines, if established. Do not engage in discussion of the issues arising from the conflict, with students or members of the public, in or around the school. Should I work part-time during the practica? Due to the demands of practica, Teacher Candidates are advised not to work at a part-time job during any practicum. Can I be a teacher-on-call during the certification practicum? Teacher Candidates may not be a teacher-on-call, nor can they accept payment for work in the school. In the event that a Teacher Mentor is absent, it is expected that a teacher-on-call or an appropriate replacement appointed by the principal will assume responsibility for the children in the classroom. Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 15 Am I expected to teach ESL during the certification practicum? Teacher Candidates will teach ESL during the certification practicum if this constitutes part of the Teacher Mentor’s assignment. Am I expected to be responsible for students with special needs? Teacher Candidates will teach students with special needs during the certification practicum if this constitutes part of the Teacher Mentor’s assignment. Teacher Candidates should be aware that all classrooms contain children with a wide range of abilities. Should I arrange job interviews during the practicum or during class time? Teacher Candidates will not be granted permission to be absent during the practicum or during class time in order to attend a job interview. Such interviews should be scheduled for weekends or during after school hours, with the possible exception of scheduled on campus interviews. What essentials do I need to complete prior to graduation? 1) 2) Solicit positive references (3 phone references; 3 reference letters) Apply to TRB – Administrative fee approximately $250 3) 4) Collect Professional Portfolio Artifacts (pictures, copies of student work, assessments you created, units and lesson plans, practicum reports, certificates, keep track of professional development, videos, documentation related to any other unique experiences) Cover Letter 5) Resume 6) Portfolio or E-portfolio (using password protected program such as Wiki) 7) One page Teaching Philosophy 8) Annotated Bibliography (ten of the best teaching resources) 9) Apply to ‘Make a Future’ website for school district positions, including SD73 10) Join Linked-In 11) Get a professional head shot for portfolio (your friend can take it) 12) Apply for TRU graduation How is the Bachelor of Education degree awarded? Once final grades are available, the B.Ed. Coordinator forwards a list of those who are eligible to graduate to the Registrar’s Office. Invitations to convocate are sent to those students (if their fees have been paid in full). Teacher Candidates must still complete the on-line Graduation and Convocation Application form before the deadline at https://kamino.tru.ca/convocation/graduation_application.html. For further information, go to http://www.tru.ca/convocation.html. Teacher Candidates will receive their degree at the Convocation ceremonies or credentials will be sent by mail if the Teacher Candidate is unable to attend Convocation. Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 16 How do I obtain my professional certificate? The B.Ed. Coordinator arranges for official TRU transcripts of those Teacher Candidates who have successfully completed all B.Ed. degree requirements to be sent to the BC Ministry of Education Teacher Regulation Branch with a recommendation for professional certification. It is the Teacher Candidate’s responsibility to then complete and forward the application for Teacher’s Certificate of Qualification, $245.00 application fee, declaration of Professional Commitment, Criminal Record Check consent form and payment, two (2) character reference forms, and verified copies of identification documents to the BC Ministry of Education Teacher Regulation Branch. For more detailed information please see: http://www.bcteacherregulation.ca/Teacher/AppPackageFromBC.aspx You will need to complete an application for assignment of your salary category by contacting the Teacher Qualification Service (TQS) (www.tqs.bc.ca) The B.Ed. Coordinator arranges for official TRU transcripts to be sent to the Teacher Qualification Service (TQS) on your behalf (at no charge). Who has access to my records? All information in Teacher Candidate files is considered confidential. Records are copied only when a Teacher Candidate appeals a decision concerning her or his practicum experiences, and the documents on file are germane to a committee's consideration of the appeal. Copied documents are provided to those directly involved in the appeal (e.g., the Teacher Candidate, appeal committee members, witnesses, affected faculty). Once the appeal procedures have concluded, the copies are collected and destroyed. Teacher Candidates may request copies of any information in their file. TRU student records are not forwarded to potential employers. Teacher Candidates are expected to retain their own copies of practicum reports for the purpose of preparing applications for teaching positions. How long are my records kept on file? Upon completion of the B.Ed. program, student records are retained for a period of one year. Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 17 General Guidelines and Protocol for TRU B.Ed. Teacher Candidates Attendance / Absenteeism What happens if I am absent for a class or seminar? TRU recognizes the importance of Teacher Candidates’ attendance and participation to succeed in courses and programs of study. Please see ED-3-1 Student Attendance at http://www.tru.ca/policy/education for the latest policy and regulations. All instructors in the B.Ed. program keep attendance. Absences exceeding 10% of classes, seminars, or practica, will be documented. A Teacher Candidate may, on recommendation of the instructor, and with the approval of the B.Ed. Coordinator and the Dean or Chair, be withdrawn from a course or the B.Ed. program. Teacher Candidates who must be absent are required to notify their instructor before class, except in the event of sudden illness or unforeseen events. In addition, the Teacher Candidate will initiate a discussion with the instructor, as soon as possible, regarding ways to minimize the effect of the absence, and to keep the instructor informed – thus modeling a respectful, professional approach. Teacher Candidates who experience serious illness or personal circumstances that will result in prolonged absences from several classes must inform their instructor(s) and the B.Ed. Coordinator, as soon as possible. A medical certificate may be required and students will need to make up classes or content. Can I be absent to attend teacher conferences and workshops? There are numerous opportunities every year for continued professional development for pre-service teachers and other educators. Given the intensity of B. Ed program, it would be impossible to either require Teacher Candidates to attend these events or to cancel classes to enable participation. Rather, the B. Ed faculty will consider applications from Teacher Candidates (TCs) to attend regional or local events. The process to apply is as follows: The B. Ed. Coordinator will inform students and faculty of upcoming professional development events that would be appropriate for Year 2 Teacher Candidates. Alternatively, Teacher Candidates could approach the B.Ed. Coordinator with their requests. 1. Interested TCs will submit a one paragraph application indicating a) the reason(s) for attending the conference, and b) how they will share their new learning with their peers. 2. The B.Ed. Coordinator, in consultation with faculty, will select a maximum of 4 teacher candidates to attend the event. 3. The selected TCs must discuss with their instructor(s) how they can reduce the impact of the absence from the given class(es). In that way, Teacher Candidates could benefit from these opportunities without disrupting the ongoing work of the B.Ed. program. (Consistent with the B.Ed. Attendance Policy.) 4. The selected TCs will arrange with the instructor(s) or B.Ed. Coordinator for a time /format to share their learning with their peers. Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 18 What happens if I am absent during practica? Teacher Candidates who must miss a day of practicum are required to notify their Teacher Mentor and Faculty Mentor as soon as possible. If a Teacher Candidate is absent for more than 10% of a practicum, a Teacher Candidate may, on recommendation of the Faculty Mentor and the Practica Coordinator, and with the approval of the B.Ed. Coordinator and the Dean or Chair, be withdrawn from the practicum. Please review the TRU Student Attendance Policy (ED 3-1), part II – General Attendance during a Course or Program shown in bolded print below: II. GENERAL ATTENDANCE DURING A COURSE OR PROGRAM 1. A student is expected to regularly attend lectures, laboratories, tutorial and seminar sessions for which they are enrolled. Admission to a lecture, laboratory, tutorial or seminar may be refused by the instructor for lateness, class misconduct or failure to complete required work. 2. Unless otherwise stated, a student will be expected to attend a minimum of 90% of class or lab time allocated to each course. However, due to the wide variety and diverse nature of courses and programs at TRU, individual departments or programs may set their own attendance requirements which will supersede the 90% requirement. 3. A student is expected to attend the first day of class of his or her course or program to receive a course outline which will include attendance requirements if different from the 90% requirement. In the case of deficient attendance without cause, a student may, on recommendation of the instructor and with the sanction of the instructor’s Dean or Chairperson, be withdrawn from a course. TRU’s withdrawal policy (ED 3-0) will apply. Teacher Candidates who experience serious illness or personal circumstances that will result in prolonged absence from a practicum should contact their Faculty Mentor and the Practica Coordinator as soon as possible. In Practicum IV (EDPR 4200 - the 10-week certification practicum): Absences due to illness of four consecutive days or more require a medical certificate. Teacher Candidates whose absences exceed six and one-half (6.5) days normally receive a failing grade for the practicum. Teacher Candidates may submit a written request to the Practica Coordinator for absences due to personal reasons. An objection to a Teacher Candidate’s absence from the Teacher Mentor, Faculty Mentor, or school principal, will likely result in the request being denied. Teacher Candidates may be required to extend the practicum, making up the number of days missed due to absences. Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 19 Rights, Responsibilities and Complaint Procedure Preamble Teacher Candidates in the TRU Bachelor of Education program have the right to have their performance in the program, including academic work, judged only on the merits of what they have produced. Faculty members are professionals and have the responsibility to assess Teacher Candidates’ performance and assignments fairly and consistently, and without consideration given to whether or not an individual Teacher Candidate has expressed a concern about some aspect of the program or of a particular course. If a Teacher Candidate is experiencing difficulty in this regard, the Teacher Candidate has the right to register a complaint without fear of jeopardizing his or her program or academic evaluation. The relationship between Teacher Candidates and faculty members is one of trust, in which faculty members act as mentors, but also have an evaluative role. This evaluative component may result in an unequal power relationship between Teacher Candidates and faculty members. Faculty members always need to be cognizant of this in their conduct toward Teacher Candidates. The preferred method of resolving complaints is for the complainant to first approach the other individual or individuals directly in an attempt to address the concern. This would normally be the first step for practicing teachers. (BCTF Code of Ethics – www.bctf.ca/ProfessionalResponsibility.aspx) Teacher Candidate Rights Bachelor of Education Teacher Candidates have the right to: Be treated with respect and dignity by faculty members and fellow Teacher Candidates. Receive high quality instruction in all aspects of the program. Teacher Candidate Responsibilities Bachelor of Education Teacher Candidates have the responsibility to: Maintain standards of professional behaviour at all times. Read, understand, and comply with the rules of student conduct which apply to all TRU students (www.tru.ca/policy/education.html and current TRU Calendar). Read, understand, and be guided by the professional and ethical standards guidelines for B.Ed. Teacher Candidates (current B.Ed. Handbook). Departmental Policy and Procedure for the Resolution of Teacher Candidate Complaints Anonymous complaints will not be considered, however, all parties involved in complaints made by B.Ed. Teacher Candidates will maintain confidentiality. If a B.Ed. Teacher Candidate has a complaint concerning a fellow Teacher Candidate or faculty member that is not covered by TRU policy on academic or harassment issues, the following procedures will be followed. Step 1: The initial and preferable course of action will be for the Teacher Candidate to approach a fellow Teacher Candidate or faculty member to voice his or her concern. Once the Teacher Candidate or faculty member is apprised of the Teacher Candidate complaint, an attempt will be made to resolve the issue through discussion with the person or persons involved. Should the matter not be resolved, the Teacher Candidate, or faculty member, may solicit help from a fellow Teacher Candidate or colleague to resolve the issue. Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 20 Step 2: The Teacher Candidate may approach the B.Ed. Coordinator. In this case: a. The Coordinator asks if the Teacher Candidate has approached the fellow Teacher Candidate or faculty member to determine whether there has been an attempt to solve the matter. b. If the Teacher Candidate prefers not to deal directly with the fellow Teacher Candidate, or faculty member, for a specific and valid reason, the Coordinator will attempt to resolve the matter with the Teacher Candidate directly. c. Should the Coordinator resolve the issue, the faculty member or fellow Teacher Candidate is to be informed that the issue has been resolved. d. If the Coordinator is unable to resolve the issue with the Teacher Candidate directly, the Coordinator will attempt to mediate the situation with both parties either separately or together. e. If the Coordinator is not successful, the Coordinator will suggest that the Teacher Candidate take the complaint to the Chair. If this occurs, the Coordinator will inform the faculty member or fellow Teacher Candidate that the Teacher Candidate is taking this action. Step 3: The Teacher Candidate may approach the Chair. The Chair will: a. Check with the Teacher Candidate to determine whether the first and second steps have occurred. b. Determine why the Teacher Candidate has by-passed either of the first or second steps, and based on the nature of the issue, whether the complaint can be dealt with as an academic or harassment issue. c. Attempt to solve the problem directly with the Teacher Candidate. d. Attempt to mediate the situation with both parties, either separately or together. Step 4: The Teacher Candidate may approach the Dean. The Dean will: a. Check with the Teacher Candidate to determine whether the first and second steps have occurred. b. Determine why the Teacher Candidate has by-passed either of the first, second or third steps, and based on the nature of the issue, whether the complaint can be dealt with as an academic or harassment issue. c. Attempt to solve the problem directly with the Teacher Candidate. d. Attempt to mediate the situation with both parties, either separately or together. Formal Procedure Should the complaint be unresolved following the above procedures, and should the Teacher Candidate wish to pursue the matter further, he or she is advised by the Dean that the complaint must be put in writing, thus beginning the formal complaint process. Should a Teacher Candidate launch a formal written complaint against a fellow Teacher Candidate or faculty member, the complaint will be dealt with through the appeals committee and will proceed under the guidelines laid out in the TRU Policy Manual under Appeals ED-4-0 http://www.tru.ca/policy/education.html At the point that a complaint against a faculty member becomes formal, the Faculty Association must be informed. At any subsequent meetings, the faculty member should consider having representation. Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 21 Standards for the Education, Competence and Professional Conduct of Educators in BC The Teacher Regulation Branch of the Ministry of Education is the regulator for the majority of educators in British Columbia, and is directed through legislation to enforce standards for educators. Section 10 of the Teachers Act (https://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/legislation/schoollaw/teachers_act_contents.pdf) articulates the development of the standards by the British Columbia Teachers' Council. The objects of the council are to establish standards for the education of applicants for certificates of qualification, and to establish standards for the conduct and competence of applicants for certificates of qualification and certificate holders. Section 30 of the Teachers Act requires that a person meet "the certification standards" in respect of a certificate and be of "good moral character" and "otherwise fit and proper to be issued a certificate." The Purpose and Meaning of the Standards in Practice The Standards communicate to certified teachers and the public the description of the work of educators – what they know, what they are able to do, and how they comport themselves as they serve the public. The Standards provide the foundation and stability on which educators can grow, articulating both the values and characteristics that distinguish their work. The material reproduced below is from the Standards for the Education, Competence and Professional Conduct of Educators in BC (Fourth Edition January 2012). As persons entering the profession, Teacher Candidates should become familiar with this material and use it to guide their behaviour. Ministry of Education-BC Teacher Regulation website: https://www.bcteacherregulation.ca/ http://www.bcteacherregulation.ca/documents/AboutUs/Standards/edu_stds.pdf Standards for the Education, Competence and Professional Conduct of Educators in British Columbia FOURTH EDITION JANUARY 2012 1. Educators value and care for all students and act in their best interests. Educators are responsible for fostering the emotional, esthetic, intellectual, physical, social and vocational development of students. They are responsible for the emotional and physical safety of students. Educators treat students with respect and dignity. Educators respect the diversity in their classrooms, schools and communities. Educators have a privileged position of power and trust. They respect confidentiality unless disclosure is required by law. Educators do not abuse or exploit students or minors for personal, sexual, ideological, material or other advantage. 2. Educators are role models who act ethically and honestly. Educators act with integrity, maintaining the dignity and credibility of the profession. They understand that their individual conduct contributes to the perception of the profession as a whole. Educators are accountable for their conduct while on duty, as well as off duty, where that conduct has an effect on the education system. Educators have an understanding of the education system in BC and the law as it relates to their duties. Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 22 3. Educators understand and apply knowledge of student growth and development. Educators are knowledgeable about how children develop as learners and as social beings, and demonstrate an understanding of individual learning differences and special needs. This knowledge is used to assist educators in making decisions about curriculum, instruction, assessment and classroom management. 4. Educators value the involvement and support of parents, guardians, families and communities in schools. Educators understand, respect and support the role of parents and the community in the education of students. Educators communicate effectively and in a timely manner with parents and consider their advice on matters pertaining to their children. 5. Educators implement effective practices in areas of classroom management, planning, instruction, assessment, evaluation and reporting. Educators have the knowledge and skills to facilitate learning for all students and know when to seek additional support for their practice. Educators thoughtfully consider all aspects of teaching, from planning through reporting, and understand the relationships among them. Educators employ a variety of instructional and assessment strategies. 6. Educators have a broad knowledge base and understand the subject areas they teach. Educators understand the curricular, conceptual and methodological foundations of education and of the subject areas they teach. Educators must be able to communicate effectively in English or French. Educators teach students to understand relevant curricula in a Canadian, Aboriginal, and global context. Educators convey the values, beliefs and knowledge of our democratic society. 7. Educators engage in career-long learning. Educators engage in professional development and reflective practice, understanding that a hallmark of professionalism is the concept of professional growth over time. Educators develop and refine personal philosophies of education, teaching and learning that are informed by theory and practice. Educators identify their professional needs and work to meet those needs individually and collaboratively. 8. Educators contribute to the profession. Educators support, mentor or encourage other educators and those preparing to enter the profession. Educators contribute their expertise to activities offered by their schools, districts, professional organizations, post-secondary institutions or contribute in other ways. Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 23 BCTF Teachers’ Code of Ethics The British Columbia Teachers’ Federation (BCTF) is the union of professionals representing 41,000 public school teachers in the province of BC. It is expected that TRU Teacher Candidates respect and adhere to the following code of ethics: Code of Ethics The Code of Ethics states general rules for all members of the BCTF for maintaining high standards of professional service and conduct toward students, colleagues, and the professional union. 1. The teacher speaks and acts toward students with respect and dignity, and deals judiciously with them, always mindful of their individual rights and sensibilities. 2. The teacher respects the confidential nature of information concerning students and may give it only to authorized persons or agencies directly concerned with their welfare. The teacher follows legal requirements in reporting child protection issues. 3. The teacher recognizes that a privileged relationship with students exists and refrains from exploiting that relationship for material, ideological, or other advantage. 4. The teacher is willing to review with colleagues, students, and their parents/guardians the quality of service rendered by the teacher and the practices employed in discharging professional duties. 5. The teacher directs any criticism of the teaching performance and related work of a colleague to that colleague in private, and only then, after informing the colleague in writing of the intent to do so, may direct the criticism, in confidence, to appropriate individuals who are able to offer advice and assistance.* It shall not be considered a breach of the Code of Ethics for a member to follow legal requirements or official protocols in reporting child protection issues. 6. The teacher acknowledges the authority and responsibilities of the BCTF and its locals and fulfills obligations arising from membership in her or his professional union. 7. The teacher adheres to the provisions of the collective agreement. 8. The teacher acts in a manner not prejudicial to job actions or other collective strategies of her or his professional union. 9. The teacher neither applies for nor accepts a position which is included in a Federation in-dispute declaration. 10. The teacher, as an individual or as a member of a group of teachers, does not make unauthorized representations to outside bodies in the name of the Federation or its locals. *See 31.B.12 of the Members’ Guide to the BCTF (below) Advice on how to proceed with a concern respecting a colleague's teaching and related work may be sought from Federation staff and/or local officers in good faith. Such discussion will not constitute a breach of Clause 5. 'Appropriate individuals' in Clause 5 of the Code of Ethics shall mean those persons who are able to offer advice and assistance on questions of teaching performance and related work. The first emphasis should at all times be on exploring means of assisting, educating, and maintaining professional relationships. Reproduced from http://bctf.ca/uploadedFiles/public/AboutUs/MembersGuide/guide.pdf (p.132 & 133) Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 24 TRU B.Ed. Program Performance Standards and Competencies Rationale: To establish unity between course work and practica by introducing competencies that apply to both areas. To establish expectations for behaviour similar to those of the other Professional Schools at TRU. Community Building It is expected that Teacher Candidates will: Contribute positively to the climate of teaching and learning. Clearly demonstrate awareness of the needs of others in the learning and teaching environment. Display understanding and respect for others. Provide support to peers. Actively participate in teaching and learning. Use appropriate oral and written communication. Demonstrate a co-operative attitude. Personal and Professional Conduct It is expected that Teacher Candidates will: Establish a commitment to teaching and learning. Demonstrate a willingness to learn and openness to challenging personal assumptions. Adapt to changes in the learning and teaching environment. Critically examine the quality of his or her learning and teaching. Seek, accept and act on constructive feedback. Take a leadership role in teaching and learning activities. Ensure the physical and psychological safety of others. Practice according to the BCTF Code of Ethics and within the legal requirements of teaching. Show poise in challenging situations. Dress appropriately and demonstrate professional deportment. Demonstrate punctuality and responsible attendance. Throughout the term and at the end of each semester, faculty will assess individuals regarding demonstration of these competencies. Consultations will be held with those experiencing difficulties. Those experiencing difficulties will consult with the Practica Coordinator and/or B.Ed. Coordinator and/or Chair and/or Dean. Produced and adopted by TRU B.Ed. program faculty February 2004. Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 Rev. June 25, 2004 25 Confidentiality of Student Information As faculty in the B.Ed. program we respect the confidential nature of personal information concerning teacher candidates and understand that we may share it only with authorized persons. Authorized persons include other employees of Thompson Rivers University whose duties and responsibilities authorize them to have access to that information in order to carry out their duties. Personal information includes an individual's education or health history, an individual's grades and instructor’s evaluative comments. If instructors wish to share a student's information beyond those with authorized access they must obtain the student's consent and the permission of the B.Ed. Program Coordinator and School of Education Chair to do so. If you are unsure regarding your freedom to share information please consult the B.Ed. Program Coordinator or School of Education Chair. The university policy on confidentiality of student information (ADM 2-2) may be accessed through the following link: http://www.tru.ca/policy/allpolicy Protocol for TRU Teacher Candidates Teacher Candidates must: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Familiarize themselves with the B.C. Ministry of Education (Teacher Regulation Branch) Standards for the Education, Competence & Professional Conduct of Educators in British Columbia, the BCTF Code of Ethics, and the TRU B.Ed. Program Performance Standards and Competencies and use these to guide their actions in school settings and in classes. Observe all legal aspects as set out in the School Act regarding treatment of students and school property, school arrival and leaving time. Access the School Act at http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/legislation/schoollaw or http://www.qp.gov.bc.ca/statreg Be guided by the B.C. Ministry of Education (Teacher Regulation Branch) Standards for the Education, Competence & Professional Conduct of Educators in British Columbia, the BCTF Code of Ethics, and the TRU B.Ed. Program Performance Standards and Competencies in their relations with faculty, program administrators, principals, teacher mentors, faculty mentors, fellow pre-service teachers, school children and their parents/guardians. Be good role models for pupils and peers regarding the use of language, attitudes toward study and learning, tolerance and respect for others. Respect the dignity of children and their right to confidentiality. See B.C. Ministry of Education (Teacher Regulation Branch) Standards for the Education, Competence & Professional Conduct of Educators in British Columbia Be guided by the policies and procedures of TRU, the host school and district. Respect the requirement that a Teacher Teaching On-Call (TTOC) must be called if a Teacher Mentor is absent; a Teacher Candidate cannot accept a position as a TTOC. Teacher Candidate Performance Review The purpose of the Teacher Candidate Performance Review form (see the following page) is to alert Teacher Candidates to concerns that may be affecting their performance in the Bachelor of Education Program. This form may be completed by a course instructor, and/or Practica Coordinator and/or B.Ed. Coordinator and/or Chair. The Teacher Candidate will be included in the process. Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 26 BACHELOR OF EDUCATION PROGRAM (ELEMENTARY) TEACHER CANDIDATE PERFORMANCE REVIEW FORM Teacher Candidate: Date: Page 1 of 1 AREAS OF CONCERN Attitude towards teaching and learning Mastery of written communication Ability to accept and act on constructive feedback Adherence to the B.C.T.F. Code of Ethics Appropriate dress and professional deportment Punctuality and responsible attendance Assignments (e.g. punctuality, completeness) Other COMMENTS: Reviewed with Teacher Candidate: Yes No Date: B.Ed Coordinator’s Signature Teacher Candidate’s Signature *Teacher Candidate signature indicates only that content has been read, discussed and is understood. Teacher Candidate signature does not indicate agreement/disagreement with the content of the Performance Review Form. Copy to Practica Coordinator, Faculty Mentor, Teacher Candidate File Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 27 Bachelor of Education Cohort Contacts: Responsibilities attend Bachelor of Education department/faculty meetings (at least one from each cohort) communicate with members of their cohort to collect feedback/questions regarding the BEd program give updates at faculty meetings about program information or feedback/questions from Teacher Candidates’ offering an unbiased update of the positive and negative situations/experiences in their cohort represent their fellow Teacher Candidates in a professional manner when feedback is sensitive in nature, seek guidance from the Bachelor of Education Program Coordinator or designate before presenting it at a Bachelor of Education Faculty meeting pass on information from Bachelor of Education Faculty meetings to cohort via emails/verbal announcements forward emails from faculty and administrative assistants to cohort (only those that are NOT sent to every Teacher Candidate directly) give guidance to Teacher Candidates’ in cohort if any questions arise point them to necessary resources (handbook) or who to contact Writing and Speaking Well Recognizing that teachers must model excellent writing and speaking, the teacher education program at TRU is committed to ensuring that all Teacher Candidates display well-developed writing and communication skills in courses and in practica. Faculty and practica mentors are encouraged to develop criteria for grading Teacher Candidates' work in courses and practice teaching that reflect the commitment to excellent English skills and abilities, and to high standards of performance in all communications. All faculty in the two-year B.Ed. program will help Teacher Candidates identify both their strengths and weaknesses in their written and spoken English. If a Teacher Candidate’s skills are deemed to be below an acceptable standard, the Teacher Candidate will receive a letter from the B.Ed. Coordinator indicating the areas needing remediation. Remediation steps are the Teacher Candidate’s responsibility and may include hiring a private tutor or successfully completing a designated course. If the remediation efforts do not result in sufficient improvement in the Teacher Candidate’s written and spoken English (as defined by the faculty), the faculty may recommend a withdrawal from the B.Ed. program. NOTE: Course instructors vary the reference (bibliographical) style used for papers and assignments to maintain consistency within subject areas or disciplines. It is incumbent upon the Teacher Candidate to consult with each course instructor regarding the publication style required. THE TRU WRITING CENTRE Location: Old Main Building, Second floor, Room 2674 (half-way down the hall) Telephone: 371-5689 www.tru.ca/WritingCentre email: writing_ctr@tru.ca & twitter.com/@truwriting Hours of operation: The Writing Centre is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during the Fall and Winter semesters and is open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. during the summer. Assistance is available from faculty members and student peer tutors and is open to all TRU students. Appointments are booked on-line at http://www.tru.ca/writingcentre.html by clicking on the “Book an Appointment” (blue) box, reading conditions and clicking on small check box at bottom of page. You will be redirected to the scheduling link. Academic Integrity Teacher Candidates in the TRU School of Education are expected to show originality in their work. They are also expected to show a professional attitude towards research and the use of existing material. Therefore, Teacher Candidates cannot use others' ideas without acknowledging the sources. All Teacher Candidates should be aware of the policy ED-5-0 Academic Integrity, found on the website at http://www.tru.ca/policy/allpolicy or in the TRU 2014-2015 Calendar under Student Academic Policies, Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 28 Regulations and Procedures. fabrication, and plagiarism. Forms of academic dishonesty include cheating, academic misconduct, Citations and Plagiarism Policy Teacher Candidates should be familiar with both of these aspects of writing and research. References or proper citation styles (websites): 1. http://www.tru.ca/library/guides/citation_styles.html (various styles are listed and explained, with examples) 2. http://libguides.tru.ca/writingsupport A TRU based site with information regarding writing styles, structures and citations. 3. http://apastyle.apa.org (can be sourced if someone wants to purchase a manual) 4. www.library.ubc.ca/pubs/apastyle.pdf (another version of the 'rules' of APA) Plagiarism is the presentation of another person’s work, words, ideas, images, or data as one’s own without acknowledging the source. The TRU Bachelor of Education Program expects that Teacher Candidates will adhere to TRU institutional policy regarding plagiarism (Academic Integrity ED-5-0). The following site provides more detailed explanation of plagiarism and how it can be avoided: http://libguides.tru.ca/content.php?pid=83248 Unit Planning Amongst Teacher Candidates – Practica Preparation The Bachelor of Education program’s philosophy includes collaboration between Teacher Candidates regarding sharing of resources and planning, however, one of the expectations of our graduates is that they are able to independently create lesson and unit plans. Accessing Ministry IRPs, selecting grade appropriate PLOs, gathering resources, developing learning activities, using formative and summative assessment, and differentiating instruction are essential components taught in the methods courses that Teacher Candidates put into practice in all Bachelor of Education practica. Excellent teaching practice includes collaboration with peers and colleagues to share resources, to create meaningful learning activities, and to develop the profession. However, it is imperative that your unit plans be original work and not a replication of someone else’s. Should replication of another person’s lessons or units occur, academic integrity must be respected (see TRU academic policy 5-0). In practicum, fellow Teacher Candidates must be acknowledged in the title of the shared unit plan(s). Lessons should be original work created by each Teacher Candidate, as lessons are tailored towards meeting the unique needs of students within the assigned class. Thus, if a unit is part of a group assignment in a methods course, please ensure that the name of each Teacher Candidate is included. This way, Teacher Candidates will not have to rewrite unit plans. Generally, proper referencing and acknowledgement of intellectual property will prevent a situation of plagiarism. Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 29 General Information for TRU B.Ed. Teacher Candidates Liability and Insurance Thompson Rivers University participates in a self-insuring program entitled Universities, Colleges and Institutes Protection Program (UCIPP). Coverage is provided under the Ministry of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development and includes universities, colleges and institutes in British Columbia. Registered students are covered (with some exceptions), to the extent liability arises from activities in connection with the institution, "while they are engaged in activities related to the applicable syllabus of education, or pursuant to their engagement in any occupational, vocational or similar training program operated by or on behalf of the institution or arising out of their participation in any sponsored activity". The program also extends to "persons, firms, societies, partnerships or corporate bodies who permit students to observe and participate in workstudy or work experience programs under arrangement with the institution". Liability – Volunteers Thompson Rivers University requires that, on occasions where students or others are volunteering for the university, that a Volunteer Information Form be completed. The form can be found at http://www.tru.ca/__shared/assets/volunteer_form30838.pdf. Our liability insurance protects the university and the volunteer should some incident occur during the course of their work. The insurance serves to indemnify the volunteer from being sued as an individual. The liability insurance does have limitations if the volunteer acts outside of the roles prescribed for them. In an effort to protect both the volunteer and the university, activities that will be undertaken by the student or other volunteer should be described clearly and reviewed with the volunteer prior to the event. Work Safe BC (formerly Worker’s Compensation Board) http://www.worksafebc.com WorkSafeBC coverage is extended to all Teacher Candidates while on practicum placement. The definition of a practicum is "an assigned work experience component of a program which is sanctioned by the institution; and unpaid and supervised work experience which takes place at the host employer's premises or place of business." WorkSafeBC does not extend coverage to sites established specifically for the purpose of experimental training in a program, nor does it extend to out-of-province practica. Only students in apprenticeship programs have WorkSafeBC coverage for classroom, lab, and shop instruction. Student Accident Insurance TRU has arranged an Accident Insurance Plan to cover all registered students who are actively attending classes or participating in a TRU approved course or activity. Coverage is in effect for all eligible students while on TRU property or premises, participating in an approved TRU activity, or travelling directly to or from a TRU approved course or organized activity. TRU's policy provides $25,000 for Accidental Death or Dismemberment. Premium funding for this insurance plan is paid 100% by TRU. Additional benefits are available under this policy, which are outlined in the brochure available through the Occupational Health Office, located at HR 139 in the Human Resources Building. For further information contact Gordon Maurits at gmaurits@tru.ca or phone (250) 828-5139. TRU Students’ Union (TRUSU) When you became a student at TRU in Kamloops, you became a member of the Thompson Rivers University Students' Union (TRUSU). TRUSU is the membership organization that brings all students together to provide advocacy, services, and entertainment. Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 30 Students’ Union Building - Monday to Friday - 8:00AM – 10:00PM Phone: (250) 828-5289 Website: trusu.ca Email: info@trusu.ca Facebook: /TRUStudentsUnion Twitter: @TRUSU15 Members Advocate The Member’s Advocate provides support to any student facing a conflict or challenge in their classes, with a landlord, with an employer, with financial, legal or health issues, or with personal conflicts and harassment. Access information or book a one-on-one appointment through the online Member’s Advocate Resource Centre at trusu.ca. Student Research Program The TRUSU Student Research Program supports and publishes student research projects investigating postsecondary education, with a focus on the TRU experience. Students, with a faculty supervisor, submit an application to propose a research project for approval, which is then used to develop a Service Learning or Directed Studies Course. Completed research projects provide the student with 3 academic credits and a $2000 stipend, and contribute valuable knowledge and data to the work the Students’ Union does to advocate for students. Find out more on trusu.ca or contact research@trusu.ca. Health and Dental Plan The TRUSU Extended Health and Dental Plan supplements healthcare coverage provided through the Medical Services Plan (MSP) of British Columbia. It does not replace the MSP, but rather provides additional coverage for dental care, pharmaceuticals, optical care, and additional healthcare practitioners. All full-time students enrolled at the Kamloops campus are automatically enrolled in the Plan. Part-time students may opt-in to the Plan and students enrolled in the Plan may enroll spouses and dependents by bringing their Course Registration Data Form to the Members’ Services Desk in the Students’ Union Building and paying the appropriate fee(s). Students may opt-out of the Plan on their myTRU account (full instructions are available at trusu.ca) by providing proof of comparable coverage including the insurance provider and policy number. You must submit your opt-out within 30 days of your program start date. Upon confirming your eligibility, you will be notified and a credit will be applied to your TRU account. For complete information about the Plan, coverage details, claims forms, and ID card, visit trusu.ca. UPASS The TRUSU UPASS is a universal pass for the Kamloops public transit system. Operating as an agreement between the Students’ Union, the City of Kamloops, and BC Transit, the UPASS is available to all members. In addition to providing free access to transit, the UPASS provides free access to the Aquatic Centre and a 50% discount on monthly gym memberships at the Tournament Capital Centre. To obtain a UPASS, bring your student identification card (obtained at the Campus Cashier) to the Members’ Services Desk in the Students’ Union Building. You may opt-out of the UPASS under some circumstances, such as living outside the area of transit service. You must submit an opt-out form, available at the Members’ Services Desk, along with your Course Registration Data Form and government-issued identification within 30 days of your program start date. Upon confirming your eligibility, you will be notified and issue you a refund cheque. Events Calendar The Students’ Union and its Clubs organize many events throughout the year. These include the Kickstart Barbeque, Movie Nights, Clubs Days, Tunes Against Tuition Fees Concerts, Common Voices Lectures, and more. To find out about all of these activities, access the online Events Calendar at trusu.ca. Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 31 Clubs There are currently over 80 student Clubs organized and ratified through the Students’ Union. Find a directory of current Clubs, as well as information for starting or leading a Club at trusu.ca. Discount Tickets and Passes To ensure that activities and entertainment in the Kamloops community are affordable for students, the Students’ Union negotiates partnerships with local businesses and organizations to provide discount tickets. Get Kamloops Blazers ticket vouchers at the Members’ Services Desk for $5 with valid student card ($15 savings). Voucher is exchanged at Interior Savings Centre box office for regular season home game ticket. Get Kamloops Film Society tickets at the box office for $5 with valid student card/TRUSU UPASS ($3 savings). Discounted Kamloops Film Festival tickets are also available at the Members’ Services Desk. Field Trip Information It is suggested that students meet and depart for field trips from TRU. In the event a claim is made, it would be to the claimant's advantage to have left TRU, or a designated meeting site, when departing for a field trip. There is a significant difference as to whether the participant was "travelling to and from work" or was "travelling from the work (TRU) site to the field trip site". Teacher Candidates are required by TRU to sign an "Informed Consent" form for a mandatory field trip, or a "Waiver" if the field trip is an optional component. B.Ed. field trips and waiver forms will be discussed at the start of the program. Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 32 Practica Experiences TRU’s teacher education program is based upon the principle of gradual immersion into the responsibilities of teaching over the course of four (4) practica. Each practicum plays an important part in the professional development of prospective teachers and is a prelude to the next practicum. A sense of trust and mutual respect among the Teacher Candidate, Teacher Mentor, and Faculty Mentor is essential to promote honest critical analysis and self-reflection by Teacher Candidates. The small size of TRU’s program and weekly visits to schools by Faculty Mentors will facilitate critical and reflective thinking on the part of the Teacher Candidate. Teacher Candidate evaluations are part of each practica. Please note that for all practica evaluation forms, the teacher candidate signature and/or initials indicates only that the content has been read, discussed and is understood. Teacher Candidates signature and/or initials do not indicate agreement/disagreement with the content of the evaluation. Practicum I (EDPR 3100) EDPR 3100 is the initial school experience for Teacher Candidates in the B.Ed. program. In Year 1, Term 1 Teacher Candidates spend seven (7) full days in school settings. Teacher Candidates are assigned in pairs to a classroom in a public or independent school (upon their request) in the Kamloops area. This practicum is designed to link course content from EDLL 3100 (Language and Literacy I) and EDTL 3100 (Teaching and Learning I) with classroom experience. Teacher Candidates are involved in a variety of observational and instructional activities. The foci of this practicum include: observation of students, classroom structure and routines, interaction with school teachers/administrators, and lesson planning and delivery in Language Arts. A field trip to the Henry Grube Teacher Resource Centre precedes the first practicum. Practicum II (EDPR 3200) During the final two weeks of the Year 1, Term 2, Teacher Candidates participate in a two-week practicum. Teacher Candidates are assigned in pairs to a classroom in a public or independent school (upon their request) in the Kamloops area. Teacher Candidates observe Teacher Mentors and plan and teach two miniunits. The subject areas for this practicum are Mathematics and Science or Social Studies. There will be two compulsory “Call Back Days” after the practicum, when Teacher Candidates return to TRU, to discuss their school experiences. Practicum III (EDPR 4100) The third practicum is held in Year 2 during the first three weeks of the K-12 school year. As September is a particularly difficult time for new teachers in establishing routines and rules for classroom management, this practicum centers on Teacher Candidates learning the essential skills for “setting the tone” with a new group of students. Teacher Candidates will teach between 1 and 2 hours per day. In addition, this practicum serves as an orientation to the school, the classrooms and the teachers for Practicum IV (EDPR 4200), the certification practicum. Practicum IV (EDPR 4200) The culminating school experience is a ten-week practicum held in Year 2, Term 2. This practicum serves as the certification experience. Teacher Candidates are normally placed with the same Teacher Mentor as Practicum III (EDPR 4100). Through a gradual immersion process, Teacher Candidates assume the teaching responsibilities of a regular classroom teacher, moving from a 20% teaching load (1 hour per day) to a minimum of 80% - 100% (4 – 5 hours per day) for five consecutive weeks. The emphasis in Practicum IV is designing and teaching from cross-curricular units with a focus on integrating the arts into content areas and instruction. When not instructing students, Teacher Candidates assist their Teacher Mentors, attend staff meetings and professional development seminars, and assist with extra-curricular activities. Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 33 Unit Planning Amongst Teacher Candidates – Practica Preparation The Bachelor of Education program’s philosophy includes collaboration between Teacher Candidates regarding sharing of resources and planning, however, one of the expectations of our graduates is that they are able to independently create lesson and unit plans. Accessing Ministry IRPs, selecting grade appropriate PLOs, gathering resources, developing learning activities, using formative and summative assessment, and differentiating instruction are essential components taught in the methods courses that Teacher Candidates put into practice in all Bachelor of Education practica. Excellent teaching practice includes collaboration with peers and colleagues to share resources, to create meaningful learning activities, and to develop the profession. However, it is imperative that your unit plans be original work and not a replication of someone else’s. Should replication of another person’s lessons or units occur, academic integrity must be respected (see TRU academic policy 5-0). In practicum, fellow Teacher Candidates must be acknowledged in the title of the shared unit plan(s). Lessons should be original work created by each Teacher Candidate, as lessons are tailored towards meeting the unique needs of students within the assigned class. Thus, if a unit is part of a group assignment in a methods course, please ensure that the name of each Teacher Candidate is included. This way, Teacher Candidates will not have to rewrite unit plans. Generally, proper referencing and acknowledgement of intellectual property will prevent a situation of plagiarism. Connection of Practica to Program Goals There is a Teaching and Learning course in each of the first three semesters of the program. The main goals of these courses are related to planning for teaching, assessment, evaluation and reporting, and proactive classroom management and organization. Teaching and Learning I occurs in Year 1, Term 1 and the focus is on preparing and assessing lesson plans for teaching. The focus for proactive classroom management and organization strategies in this course is on small groups (e.g., teaching small-group organization and social skills). Teaching and Learning II takes place in Year 1, Term 2 and the focus is on preparing, assessing, and evaluating unit plans for whole classrooms of children. Teaching and Learning III takes place in Year 2, Term 1 and the focus is on preparing, assessing, and evaluating collaborative units across curricular areas. There is a planned progression from lesson plans to units to whole classrooms, with the rationale that this progression from less complex to more complex will increase the likelihood of Teacher Candidates experiencing successful skill development during practicum. The B.Ed. program is built on four program goals as outlined below: Effective Teaching Practice We plan to prepare graduates who will: 1. Employ the “New BC Curriculum” into planning and instruction. 2. Have a rich teaching repertoire based on the knowledge of specific subject areas, including literacy, language, numeracy, and cross-curricular connections. 3. Be able to plan effectively for teaching, including the design of lesson plans, unit plans, cross-curricular units and yearly overviews. 4. Be able to employ a variety of methods of assessment, evaluation and reporting. 5. Be knowledgeable about proactive classroom organization and management, and know how to maintain a positive and motivational learning environment. 6. Know how to use 21st century technologies appropriately, as part of an education plan and use these technologies, including the Internet and email, to assist their professional development. 7. Know how to differentiate lesson/unit planning and instruction to accommodate children across a range of ability levels and from diverse cultural backgrounds, including First Nations children and individuals with special needs. Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 34 Reflective Teaching We plan to prepare graduates who will: 1. 2. 3. Think critically and reflectively on teaching practice to make sound educational decisions. Be aware of the history of education and the resulting implications for teaching practice and be capable of teaching from a multicultural perspective. Have a strong educational research base including knowledge of effective teaching practice. Professional Conduct We plan to prepare graduates who will: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Be knowledgeable about teacher practices that recognize the responsibilities of citizens in a democratic society and include an acceptance of diversity. Be proficient with conflict resolution techniques that include dealing with angry parents. Foster a collegial professional relationship with other teachers that includes mentoring new teachers and sharing teaching methods and resources. Be able to build a positive rapport with students, colleagues and parents. Be guided by ethically responsible professional conduct. Lifelong Learning We plan to prepare graduates who will: 1. 2. 3. Promote active healthy lifestyles and develop an awareness of the benefits of learning through movement and physical activity. Develop creative and aesthetic abilities to perceive and appreciate artistic expression across cultures, and to communicate these ideas to others. View teaching as a career-long enterprise and be committed to advancing knowledge in the field of education. Practica Placement Policy Every Teacher Candidate must have a criminal record check completed before entering the program. All practica placements are arranged by a TRU B.Ed. Practica Coordinator; Teacher Candidates may not make their own arrangements for a practicum placement. If a Teacher Candidate is assigned to a school where there are personal connections/conflicts (e.g. students or school employees include close friends or relatives, the Teacher Candidate previously attended the school), please contact the Practica Coordinator immediately. Placements for the Year 1 practica (EDPR 3100 and EDPR 3200) are typically within the city of Kamloops (School District #73). Teacher Candidates may be placed in independent schools (upon their request) in the first year practica (EDPR 3100 and EDPR 3200). If a conflict arises during the course of the practica, a Teacher Candidate may be withdrawn due to pedagogical, philosophical, or other reasons. Future Teacher Candidates will not be placed at that particular school unless Faculty is certain that the concerns have been addressed and no longer impact the efficacy of the practica. All Teacher Candidates who are placed in independent schools will have opportunities in practica-related seminars to discuss the practica within the context of the pedagogical or philosophical underpinnings of their particular school. Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 35 Please note the following regarding Year 2 practica (EDPR 4100 and EDPR 4200) : Placements are based on the following 50-50 formulas: * 50% of the Teacher Candidates are placed in the Kamloops/Thompson School District #73 (which includes Clearwater, Chase, Barriere and Logan Lake). * 50% of the Teacher Candidates are placed in the following districts outside of Kamloops: NicolaSimilkameen S.D. #58 (Merritt); Okanagan-Similkameen S.D. #53 (Oliver and Cawston); CaribooChilcotin S.D. #27 (Williams Lake, Horsefly, and 100 Mile House); and North Okanagan-Shuswap S.D. #83 (Salmon Arm, Enderby, Celista, and Armstrong). These are the only school districts where EDPR 4100/4200 practica placements are offered. Although we attempt to place you in your preferred area, please note that you must be prepared to accept a school placement wherever one is available within these regions and you are responsible for the costs of transportation and accommodation during the practica. Placements are determined by a lottery system. Students who have special needs, serious medical conditions, are single parents, or who have children under the age of five may apply for special consideration by submitting a “Special Circumstances” form to the Practica Coordinator in the Fall of Year 1. More information will be available early in the fall semester. French Immersion Placements Teacher Candidates with excellent French language skills, both oral and written, may be considered for a practicum placement in a French Immersion classroom. This requires successful completion of a French Language Assessment during the fall term of Year 1. There is no charge for this assessment. The Practica Coordinator will discuss French Immersion placements during the practica information sessions in Term 1, Year 1. Directed Study /International Practicum Experience In an effort to respond to the demands of an increasingly interconnected world, we strongly encourage our Teacher Candidates to pursue a pedagogically enriching experience while completing the Bachelor of Education studies. We believe that a directed study /international practicum experience is a fundamental component in acquiring the knowledge, skills, and dispositions desired in globally minded citizens. This perspective aligns with the core values that weave through our program: critical and creative thinking and reflection, social justice, inter-culturalism, anti-racism, interdisciplinary collaboration, and compassion. To this end, the Bachelor of Education faculty is committed to increasing international opportunities for Teacher Candidates in the form of a Directed Studies course, field experience, research, or a semester abroad. Interested Teacher Candidates should contact the B.Ed. Coordinator and/or Chair. Educational Resources Teachers’ Resource Centres Four of the seven school districts participating in Practica III and IV have a Teachers’ Resource Centre. Teacher Candidates are welcome to sign out any material that is available to teachers. The Resource Centres are located in Kamloops, Williams Lake, Merritt and Salmon Arm. Teacher Candidates on practicum in any location are welcome to borrow materials from the Henry Grube Centre in Kamloops, if they cannot find them elsewhere. Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 36 Kits, videos, CD-ROMS, maps, audio-tapes, and class sets of textbooks, novels, musical instruments and science equipment are examples of resources available for borrowing. Information is available on such topics as enrichment, special needs, First Nations education, IEPs, FSL and sign language. Teacher Candidates using Teachers' Resource Centres must return materials promptly. Classroom teachers are building unit plans and preparing lessons based on material being available. Even one day overdue is not acceptable. If one or two teachers handed in materials one day late, the “domino effect” results, leaving other teachers without valuable lesson aids. In the worst-case scenario, teachers signing out materials for the end of the school term or year will simply not receive them. Teacher Candidate accounts set up at Teachers' Resource Centres will expire at the end of the two-year B.Ed. program. Teacher Candidates who have not returned materials to a Teachers’ Resource Centre will not be recommended to the British Columbia Teachers’ College for certification. If a Teacher Candidate has misplaced or lost materials, they will need to reimburse the Teachers’ Resource Center for the cost before being recommended for professional certification. Location and Contact Information for District Teachers’ Resource Centres: District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin): E.J. Bare Education Centre, #207 - 640 Carson Drive, Williams Lake, BC Phone: (250) 398-7054 Fax: (250) 392-2422 Search the EJ Bare Online Catalogue: http://resource.sd27.bc.ca/4dcgi/gen_2002/Lang=Def District #53 (Okanagan Similkameen): Contact David Fairbrother at dfairbro@sd53.bc.ca for information as there is no central district resource office for School District #53. District #58 (Nicola-Similkameen): District Resource Centre, 1550 Chapman Street, Merritt, BC Phone: (250) 315-1108 (Val Schulz) Fax: (250) 378-6263 Email: vschulz@sd58.bc.ca Website: http://www.sd58.bc.ca/District/Resource_Centre.html District #73 (Kamloops Thompson): Henry Grube Education Centre, 245 Kitchener Crescent, Kamloops, BC Phone: (250) 376-2266 Fax: (250) 376-7966. Website: http://hgec.sd73.bc.ca District #83 (North Okanagan-Shuswap): District Resource Centre, 1180 - 20th St. SE, Salmon Arm, BC (@ Hillcrest Elementary School) Access is via outside entrance marked "DRC" directly off the parking lot. Phone: (250) 832-7021 Fax: (250) 832-0151 E-mail: rcb@sd83.bc.ca TRU Library - Website address: http://www.tru.ca/library/services.html section titled “How Do I…´ http://www.tru.ca/library/how_do_i.html and see also the very helpful Thompson-Nicola Regional District Library System Website: http://www.tnrdlib.ca/ Kamloops Library 100 - 465 Victoria St. Phone: (250) 372-5145 Fax: (250) 372-5614 Bachelor of Education (Elementary) North Kamloops Library 693 Tranquille Rd. Phone: (250) 554-1124 Fax: (250) 376-3825 Program Handbook 2014-2016 37 Internet The following websites offer a vast collection of classroom resources, statistical information, and interactive navigational and educational tools. http://www.riceinfo.rice.edu http://www.lsf-lst.ca http://www.statcan.gc.ca http://honolulu.hawaii.edu/intranet/committees/FacDevCom/guidebk/teachtip/teachtip.htm BC School District Websites Cariboo-Chilcotin: http://www.sd27.bc.ca/ Kamloops/Thompson: http://www.sd73.bc.ca Okanagan Similkameen: http://www.sd53.bc.ca/ North Okanagan-Shuswap: http://www.sd83.bc.ca/ Nicola-Similkameen: http://www.sd58.bc.ca/ Provincial Government Publications - Website: http://www.pss.gov.bc.ca/dcv/ The OPC Catalogue, which includes publications for schools, colleges, and universities, is available from: Physical Address for deliveries/pick-up: 742 Vanalman Avenue Victoria, BC V8V 9V7 Mailing Address: Distribution Centre-Victoria P.O. Box 9455 STN PROV GOVT. Victoria, B.C. V8W 9V7 Phone: (250) 952-4460 Fax: (250) 952-4431 To order products from the catalogue as a public customer, phone the above number and provide your credit card number. Ministry of Education Information and copies of Integrated Resource Packages (IRPs) are available at the following website: Ministry of Education (Kindergarten to Grade 12): http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 38 Practica Course Outlines Practicum I (EDPR 3100) Course Description EDPR 3100 is the first of four organized school practica experiences, consisting of seven (7) full days in schools. The purpose of EDPR 3100 is to provide Teacher Candidates with an orientation to elementary schools and the opportunity to link their on-campus courses, primarily EDLL 3100 and EDTL 3100, with teaching experiences in the classroom. Teacher Candidates are placed in pairs, in a classroom in a public or independent school (upon their request) in the Kamloops area. Each Teacher Candidate will have opportunities to teach language arts mini-lessons to either small groups or the entire class and will observe in a variety of settings and classrooms. Teacher Candidates will discuss and reflect upon school experiences with their TRU Faculty Mentor to begin developing a personal philosophy of teaching and learning. Educational Objectives/Outcomes Teacher Candidates will: 1. Develop an understanding of school culture and the roles of various members of the school community. 2. Gain an understanding of teaching and learning in a variety of settings and classrooms. 3. Demonstrate professionalism and adhere to the General Guidelines for TRU B.Ed Teacher Candidates. 4. Observe in various classrooms. 5. Gain an understanding of children’s behaviour and teachers’ classroom management and organizational strategies. 6. Demonstrate an understanding of key course concepts. 7. Develop respectful working relationships with school-based professionals and peers. 8. Develop skills in planning and teaching lessons to children. 9. Demonstrate the ability to reflect on observations of students, teachers and their own teaching experiences. 10. Demonstrate a beginning ability to link theory and practice through reflection. Teacher Candidates’ Responsibilities In EDPR 3100, Teacher Candidates will focus on observing, learning about children through interaction, teaching and reflecting upon their experiences. Teacher Candidates will: 1. Complete practica-related course assignments. 2. Complete the EDPR 3100 Observation Guidelines form (see appendix) and hand to their Faculty Mentors by the end of the second week. 3. Complete the lesson plans and have them approved by the Teacher Mentor prior to teaching each lesson. 4. Provide a copy of the approved lesson plan each time the Faculty Mentor observes a lesson. 5. Observe in a variety of classrooms and school settings. Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 39 6. Design four 30 – 40 minute language and literacy lessons that are linked to the Teacher Mentor’s language arts program by theme or content area. 7. Note ranges of abilities among children and how the Teacher Mentor responds to varying needs. 8. Reflect on observations and experiences in journal entries and submit to your Faculty Mentor at the end of weeks 2, 4, and 6. 9. Behave professionally and appropriately at all times. 10. Seek advice and guidance from their Teacher Mentors and Faculty Mentors about professional issues. 11. Adhere to the B.C. Ministry of Education (Teacher Regulation Branch) Standards for the Education, Competence & Professional Conduct of Educators in British Columbia, the BCTF Code of Ethics, and the TRU B.Ed. Program Performance Standards and Competencies. 12. Return all borrowed materials promptly, including materials from the Henry Grube Centre. * If a Teacher Candidate is absent for more than 10% of the school experience, the individual may not be regarded as having successfully completed EDPR 3100 and may not be permitted to proceed to the next phase of the program. Teacher Mentors’ Roles and Responsibilities One goal of the B. Ed. program is to have Teacher Candidates practice professionalism while on campus, in schools, and in the community. As guides and coaches, mentors demonstrate and discuss professional and ethical issues with Teacher Candidates, and offer advice and guidance. Teacher Mentors will: 1. Strive to develop a respectful and professional working relationship with each Teacher Candidate. 2. Observe the interactions and relationships between Teacher Candidates and members of the school community. 3. Facilitate Teacher Candidates’ observations in various school settings. 4. Discuss lesson ideas with Teacher Candidates and approve lesson plans prior to teaching. 5. Observe each Teacher Candidate’s mini-lessons and give constructive, verbal feedback. 6. Provide Teacher Candidates with formative support, such as positive feedback, suggestions, and encouragement. 7. Summarize each Teacher Candidate’s strengths, successes, and areas for further development during a private, informal discussion at the end of the practicum. 8. Share the above observations with the Faculty Mentor for inclusion on each Teacher Candidate’s EDPR 3100 Final Evaluation Form. 9. Contact the Practica Coordinator to discuss concerns that are not readily resolved, or to seek another opinion. 10. Conduct one formal observation and provide oral and written feedback (with a pre and post-lesson conference). 11. Complete an EDPR 3100 Final Evaluation Form for each Teacher Candidate in cooperation with the TRU Faculty Mentor. 12. Attend pre- and post-practicum meetings with the Practica Coordinator. Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 40 Faculty Mentors’ Roles and Responsibilities Faculty Mentors will: 1. Ensure that Teacher Candidates and Teacher Mentors are aware of the objectives/outcomes and responsibilities associated with this practicum. 2. Observe and debrief school experiences with Teacher Candidates. 3. Conduct one formal observation per Teacher Candidate and provide oral and written feedback (observation should include pre and post-lesson conferences). 4. Make contact with each Teacher Candidate each week through a phone call, e-mail or journal response. 5. Collect and provide feedback on Teacher Candidates’ lesson plans. 6. Provide Teacher Candidates with formative support, such as positive feedback, suggestions, and encouragement. 7. Read and comment on Teacher Candidates' journal entries. 8. Read and comment on Teacher Candidates’ Observation Guidelines-EDPR 3100 form. 9. Record absenteeism from school. 10. Use an Interim Report Form to document any serious concerns about a Teacher Candidate’s progress or suitability for the teaching profession, and communicate those concerns to the Teacher Candidate, the Teacher Mentor, the principal and the Practica Coordinator. 11. Complete an EDPR 3100 – Final Evaluation Form for each Teacher Candidate in cooperation with the Teacher Mentor and discuss the evaluation during individual post-practicum meetings. 12. Contact the Practica Coordinator to discuss concerns that are not readily resolved, or to seek another opinion. Supplemental Practicum EDPR 3100 A Supplemental Practicum is a repeat of the EDPR 3100 practicum in a different classroom setting with a new Teacher Mentor. The Supplemental Practicum applies to the Teacher Candidate who, at the end of the EDPR 3100 practicum, has made progress but still needs more time to reach the expected level of proficiency. This Supplemental Practicum allows a Teacher Candidate to further develop his/her skills before proceeding into the second semester of the B. Ed. Program. The Teacher Candidate’s standing on the EDPR 3100 Final Evaluation Form will read “Supplemental (SUP)”. Arrangements for the supplemental will be carried out by the Year 1 Practica Coordinator. Note: A Supplemental Practicum is not always granted, depending on the circumstances. Practicum II (EDPR 3200) Course Description EDPR 3200 takes place in the last two weeks of Year 1, Term 2. Teacher Candidates are placed in pairs, in a classroom in a public or independent school (upon their request) in the Kamloops area. The two-week practicum provides Teacher Candidates with opportunities to plan and teach from two mini-units and to observe in the classroom of their Teacher Mentor. Teacher Candidates "follow the class" so that they can observe in all curriculum areas. Observing in all subject areas is important so that Teacher Candidates may view and reflect on the theory and pedagogy learned in methodology courses and how it is incorporated by Teacher Mentors into classroom experiences. Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 41 Educational Objectives/Outcomes The purposes of the two-week school experience are to: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Provide opportunities to observe the way schools organize and provide for instruction. Provide opportunities to apply what has been learned in Year 1 university course work. Develop an understanding of the integration of method theory and classroom practice. Develop a proficiency in lesson and unit planning and the selection of appropriate instructional resources and materials, with an emphasis on the B.C. Ministry of Education’s IRPs and Guidelines. Design and deliver lessons to the whole class from content area mini-unit plans. Reflect on observations and experiences. After the Faculty Mentor/Teacher Mentor orientation has occurred, Teacher Candidates are expected to arrange a mutually convenient time to discuss with Teacher Mentors the general expectations of the school experience and, more specifically, the curriculum content for Mathematics and Science or Social Studies. Teacher Candidates will be responsible for designing a four-lesson mini-unit for Science and Social Studies. The Mathematics Unit will be an eight-lesson unit taught by two Teacher Candidates (normally each Teacher Candidate plans 4 lessons of the unit). Please note that Teacher Candidates who are absent for more than 10% of this practicum will receive a “DEF” or an “F” in the course. Successful completion of EDPR 3200 (Practicum II) is necessary before beginning EDPR 4100 (Practicum III). Teacher Candidates will: 1. Be aware of all information in this handbook. 2. Become familiar with the school's layout, the library, resource areas, Learning Assistance Centre (LAC), coffee fund, parking areas, emergency procedures, etc. 3. Arrive at school at least 30 minutes before the day begins. 4. Stay after school every day to meet with Teacher Mentor / staff. 5. Observe their Teacher Mentor’s daybook and discuss with partner Teacher Candidate and Faculty Mentor. 6. Do all preparation outside of class time. 7. Immediately notify their Teacher Mentor and Faculty Mentor if they are absent, and obtain written consent from the Practica Coordinator if an absence is anticipated or requested. 8. Attend staff meetings and school functions unless otherwise directed. 9. Accompany the Teacher Mentor on supervision. 10. Give a copy of each unit plan to the Teacher Mentor to approve before teaching from it. 11. Write a complete lesson plan for each lesson taught, submit form, discuss and get approval of lesson plan from Teacher Mentor before teaching the lesson. 12. Discuss the written lesson plan with the Teacher Mentor at least one day prior to teaching the lesson. 13. Provide a copy of the approved lesson plan each time the Faculty Mentor observes a lesson. 14. Provide their Faculty Mentor with a copy of the unit plan after it has been approved by their Teacher Mentor. 15. Accompany the children to other classes/teachers. 16. Plan and teach two four-lesson mini-units using the unit plan template; one mini-unit must be Mathematics, the other Science or Social Studies. Where possible, one Teacher Candidate will teach a Social Studies mini-unit and the other Teacher Candidate will teach a Science mini-unit. The Teacher Candidate pair may choose to co-teach an eight-lesson unit in either Science or Socials. *Lessons will be taught consecutively by each Teacher Candidate. 17. Before practicum begins, the pair of Teacher Candidates will visit their Teacher Mentor’s classroom at least once to perform “ice-breaker” and “get-to-know-you” games. 18. On the first day of the practicum, observe the Teacher Mentor, students, classroom routines, etc. Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 42 19. On the second day of the practicum, teach the whole class for up to one hour. 20. In week 1 or 2, teach one full morning and, when possible, one full afternoon (but not on the same day). 21. Must make lesson plans for all additional lessons that occur during full morning and full afternoon sessions. 22. Be open and reflective in their discussions with Faculty & Teacher Mentors and in their journal entries. 23. Observe their Teacher Mentor's teaching methods in all subject areas. 24. Note ranges of abilities among children and how the Teacher Mentor responds to varying needs. 25. Consistently show professional behaviour and deportment. 26. Reflect on observations and experiences in two journal entries and one informal self-evaluation (due dates to be determined by Faculty Mentor at the start of practicum). 27. Return all borrowed materials promptly, including materials from the Henry Grube Centre. 28. On the last day, meet with their Teacher Mentor to discuss their practicum. 29. Meet with their Faculty Mentor after the practicum to review the EDPR 3200 final evaluation. 30. Adhere to the B.C. Ministry of Education (Teacher Regulation Branch) Standards for the Education, Competence & Professional Conduct of Educators in British Columbia, the BCTF Code of Ethics, and the TRU B.Ed. Program Performance Standards and Competencies. Teacher Mentors’ Roles and Responsibilities During EDPR 3200, Teacher Mentors act as mentor and model for the Teacher Candidate. The foci of discussions will be on planning and instruction, and how theory and pedagogy are integrated into practice. On the first day of the practicum, Teacher Candidates will observe the class and work with small groups of students or with individuals. On the second day, Teacher Candidates will teach the whole class for up to one hour. Over the course of the two weeks, each Teacher Candidate will plan and teach a four-lesson miniunit in Mathematics, and one four-lesson mini-unit in one of Socials or Science. The Teacher Candidates, with the guidance of their Teacher Mentor, will decide which subject area to teach besides Mathematics. Where possible, one Teacher Candidate will teach Science, and the other Teacher Candidate will teach Socials. To gain experience in the planning required to manage transitions between subjects, activities, and school routines, Teacher Candidates are expected to teach one full morning and, when possible, one full afternoon (usually not on the same day) during either week 1 or week 2. In consultation with the Teacher Mentor, Teacher Candidates may also teach lessons in Language Arts and Physical Education. Teacher Mentors will: 1. Assist the Teacher Candidate in planning an appropriate workload. 2. Discuss and approve all unit/lesson plans before Teacher Candidate teaches from them. 3. Share feedback on a regular basis throughout the practicum. 4. Observe most lessons taught by each Teacher Candidate, give both oral and written feedback, and provide opportunities for Teacher Candidates to reflect. 5. Conduct two formal observations using the Teacher Candidate Feedback Form for written feedback. (Forms will be provided by the Faculty Mentors.) 6. Consult with the Faculty Mentor to discuss and provide guidance on aspects of the Teacher Candidate’s performance; for example, unit planning and presentation, classroom management, and professional behaviour. 7. Provide the Faculty Mentor with anecdotal notes for completion of the EDPR 3200 Final Evaluation Form. 8. Sign the EDPR 3200 Final Evaluation Form. Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 43 At the end of EDPR 3200, the Faculty Mentor in consultation with the Teacher Mentor will complete the EDPR 3200 Final Evaluation Form. Both the Faculty Mentor and the Teacher Mentor sign the Final Evaluation Form. The Faculty Mentor will meet with the Teacher Candidate following the EDPR 3200 practicum to discuss the final evaluation. In the event that serious concerns are raised by a Faculty Mentor or Teacher Mentor about a Teacher Candidate's teaching performance or ability to accept professional responsibilities, a three-way conference involving the Teacher Candidate, Teacher Mentor and Faculty Mentor should be held. In some cases, an Interim Report will be prepared by the Faculty Mentor, Teacher Mentor, Principal or Practica Coordinator. Copies of the Interim Report will be given to the Teacher Candidate, the Mentors and the Practica Coordinator. The Teacher Mentor should contact the Faculty Mentor if the match between himself/herself and the Teacher Candidate does not seem to be appropriate. Supplemental Practicum EDPR 3200 A Supplemental Practicum is a repeat of the EDPR 3200 practicum in a different classroom setting with a new Teacher Mentor. A Supplemental Practicum will be required when a Teacher Candidate has three or more elements “Not Meeting Expectations” in the three key areas (Preparation & Presentation, Classroom Management & Organization and Professional Qualities) on the EDPR 3200 Final Evaluation Form. The Supplemental Practicum applies to the Teacher Candidate who, at the end of the EDPR 3200 two week practicum, has made progress but still needs more time to reach the expected level of proficiency. This Supplemental Practicum allows a Teacher Candidate to further develop his/her skills before proceeding into the second year of the B. Ed. Program. The Teacher Candidate’s standing on the EDPR 3200 Final Evaluation Form will read “Supplemental (SUP)”. Arrangements for the supplemental time will be carried out by the Year 1 Practica Coordinator. Teacher Candidates will need to be available in May or June after Year 1, if a supplemental is required. Note: A Supplemental Practicum is not always granted, depending on the circumstances. Incomplete Practicum EDPR 3200 If, upon completion of a Supplemental Practicum for EDPR 3200, outstanding issues in performance still remain (i.e. Not Meeting Expectations in key areas of the EDPR 3200 Final Evaluation Form), the Teacher Candidate will receive a “No Credit Granted (NCG)” on the EDPR 3200 Final Evaluation Form. In this case, the Teacher Candidate will not have the opportunity to repeat the EDPR 3200 practicum. She/he must receive a “Complete” in order to continue in the B.Ed. program. Faculty Mentors’ Roles and Responsibilities During EDPR 3200, Faculty Mentors assist the Teacher Mentors in making adjustments in scheduling, support all teachers at the school in working with Teacher Candidates, respond to questions about the TRU program, confer with Teacher Candidates and model professionalism. Faculty Mentors also observe two lessons per Teacher Candidate, provide oral and written feedback and consult with Teacher Mentors about the appropriate workload for the Teacher Candidate. Faculty Mentors complete a final evaluation in consultation with the Teacher Mentors (both the Teacher Mentor and Faculty Mentor sign the final evaluation form). The EDPR 3200 Final Evaluation Form is shared during a post-practicum meeting that Faculty Mentors conduct with each Teacher Candidate. Faculty Mentors are expected to attend pre- and post-practicum meetings with the Practica Coordinator. Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 44 Practicum III (EDPR 4100) Course Description The third practicum is held in Year 2 during the first three weeks of the school year. Teacher Candidates are encouraged to spend time at their school before opening day to familiarize themselves with its layout, meet staff and continue planning with their Teacher Mentor. This practicum centers on Teacher Candidates learning the essential skills for “setting the tone” with a new group of students. Teacher Candidates will teach between 1 and 2 hours per day (20-40% load). In addition, this practicum serves as an orientation to the school, the classrooms, and the Teacher Mentor for Practicum IV (EDPR 4200), the certification practicum. Generally, Teacher Candidates are placed with the same Teacher Mentor for both Practicum III (EDPR 4100) and Practicum IV (EDPR 4200). Educational Objectives/Outcomes The purposes of the three-week school experience are to: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Provide opportunities to observe the way schools organize and provide for instruction. Provide opportunities to apply what has been learned in Year 1 of the Bachelor of Education course work. Provide opportunities to observe Teacher Mentors establishing classroom routines, behaviour expectations and protocol at the start of the school year. Provide opportunities for Teacher Candidates and Teacher Mentors to get acquainted and establish a working relationship prior to undertaking the ten-week certification practicum (EDPR 4200). Allow the Teacher Candidate to design and deliver lessons to the whole class from content area unit plans. Reflect on observations and experiences. Provide planning opportunities for the Teacher Candidate to teach all subjects by the end of the tenweek practicum. After the Faculty Mentor/Teacher Mentor orientation has occurred, Teacher Candidates are expected to arrange a mutually convenient time to discuss with Teacher Mentors the general expectations of the school experience and, more specifically, the curriculum areas for which they could design a unit plan. Please note that Teacher Candidates who are absent for more than 10% of this practicum may receive a failure (“F”) in the course. Successful completion of Practicum III (EDPR 4100) is necessary before beginning Practicum IV (EDPR 4200). Teacher Candidates will: 1. Be aware of all information in this handbook. 2. Become familiar with the school's layout, the library, resource areas, Learning Assistance Centre (LAC), coffee fund, parking areas, emergency procedures, etc. 3. Arrive at the school at least 30 minutes before the day begins. 4. Remain after school every day to meet with their Teacher Mentor. 5. Examine and compare the TM’s style of day plan/weekly plan/daybook to examples in the Appendix of this Bachelor of Education Handbook 2014-2016. 6. In week 1, send home a letter of introduction to children’s parents/guardians. 7. Do all preparation outside of class time. Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 45 8. Immediately notify their Teacher Mentor and Faculty Mentor if absent and obtain written consent from the Practica Coordinator if an absence is anticipated or requested. 9. Observe and reflect upon the way Teacher Mentors establish classroom routines, organize for instruction, and assess students’ abilities during the busy September “start-up” period. 10. Develop an understanding of school culture and the roles of various members of the school community; observe parent-teacher interaction. 11. Apply knowledge, skills, and attitudes developed in previous course work and practica. 12. Demonstrate a beginning ability to link theory and practice. 13. Develop an awareness of the need for practice in lesson and unit planning, incorporating B.C. Ministry of Education IRPs and Standards. 14. From week one to week three, increase the teaching time from 1 – 2 hours per day (20 – 40% load). (The Teacher Candidate must be teaching the whole class during this time.) 15. Give a copy of one unit plan and the first two (2) lesson plans to their Teacher Mentor for approval before they begin to teach. 16. Lessons taught outside of units must be written and approved by TM and FM. Single lessons will be taught in various curricular areas in order to maintain teaching hours. 17. Provide the Faculty Mentor with a copy of their lesson plans and unit plan after they have been approved by their Teacher Mentor. 18. Discuss and obtain approval for a written lesson plan with the Teacher Mentor at least one day prior to teaching a lesson. 19. Each time the Faculty Mentor conducts a formal observation, provide a copy of the completed lesson plan by 6 p.m. the night before the lesson. 20. Attend staff meetings, professional days and school functions unless otherwise directed. 21. Accompany the Teacher Mentor on supervision. 22. Accompany the children to other classes/teachers. 23. Be open and reflective in their discussions with Mentors and in their journal entry. Include critical incidents and significant events that may have happened in class. 24. Observe their Teacher Mentor's teaching methods in all subject areas. 25. Observe in a variety of classrooms and grade levels. 26. Critique various forms of positive and effective classroom management strategies and behaviour intervention techniques in a journal once per week. 27. Consistently show professional behaviour and deportment. 28. Discuss the possible units/themes/topics to be taught during the ten-week practicum (EDPR 4200) so that all subjects are taught by the end of EDPR 4200. 29. Discuss themes/topics for the Learning Centre required in the ten-week practicum (EDPR 4200). 30. Return all borrowed materials promptly, including those materials belonging to the Henry Grube Centre and/or other school district Teacher Resource Centres. 31. Meet with their Teacher Mentor on the last day of practicum to review feedback and prepare for the tenweek practicum (EDPR 4200). 32. Toward the end of week 3, Teacher Candidates will meet with their Faculty Mentor to review the final evaluation. 33. Provide an informal self-evaluation at the practicum’s conclusion through journaling/other. 34. Develop respectful and professional working relationships with school-based professionals and peers. 35. Demonstrate professionalism and adhere to the B.C. Ministry of Education (Teacher Regulation Branch) Standards for the Education, Competence & Professional Conduct of Educators in British Columbia, the BCTF Code of Ethics, and the TRU B.Ed. Program Performance Standards and Competencies. Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 46 Teacher Mentors’ Roles and Responsibilities During EDPR 4100, Teacher Mentors begin the process of acting as mentor and model for the Teacher Candidates. The major goal of EDPR 4100 is for Teacher Candidates to observe the ways in which Teacher Mentors establish classroom routines and set the tone for the year ahead. Teacher Candidates will need to observe not only the Teacher Mentors' classrooms but other Teacher Mentors in classrooms as well. Teacher Candidates may need assistance from Teacher Mentors in setting up observational opportunities in other classrooms. The foci for discussions between Teacher Candidates and Teacher Mentors will be on classroom management, rules, routines and how students participate in designing classroom protocol. Teacher Mentors will: 1. Provide Teacher Candidates with their general expectations of the school experience. 2. Assist in the planning of an appropriate workload for the Teacher Candidate. 3. Support Teacher Candidates to teach 20% of the Teacher Mentor’s load by the end of week 2 (1 hour per day) and 40% by the end of week 3 (2 hours per day). Teacher Candidates must be teaching 2 hours per day by the end of the practicum in order to be ready for EDPR 4200 (Practicum IV). 4. Decide on a curriculum area for which the Teacher Candidates can design a unit plan (7 lessons). 5. Lessons taught outside of the unit plan in #4 (above) must be written and approved by TM and FM. Single lessons will be taught in various curricular areas in order to maintain teaching hours. Share feedback on a regular basis throughout the practicum. 6. 7. Observe most lessons taught by each Teacher Candidate, give both oral and written feedback, and provide opportunities for Teacher Candidates to reflect (see Suggested Areas to Observe and Observation Feedback Cycle). 8. Conduct three (3) formal observations over the three week practicum using the Teacher Candidate Feedback Form. (Forms will be provided by the Faculty Mentors). 9. Consult with the Faculty Mentor to discuss and provide guidance on aspects of the Teacher Candidate’s performance; for example, unit planning and presentation, classroom management, and professional behaviour. 10. Discuss assessment and evaluation. 11. Discuss teaching assignments and the Learning Centre requirement for Practicum IV (EDPR 4200), including topics and themes for which the Teacher Candidate will be responsible and expectations concerning the Teacher Candidate’s day-to-day responsibilities. 12. Teacher Candidates should leave EDPR 4100 with the first three (3) units of EDPR 4200 known, so that they may plan the units before EDPR 4200 begins. 13. Before leaving EDPR 4100, the Teaching Load Form should be discussed, as it will be finalized by the end of Week Two of EDPR 4200. 14. Provide the Faculty Mentor with anecdotal notes for completion of the Final Evaluation Form. 15. Sign the Final Evaluation Form. At the end of EDPR 4100 the Teacher Mentor and Faculty Mentor share observations about the Teacher Candidate’s progress. The Faculty Mentor will complete the EDPR 4100 Final Evaluation Form. Both the Teacher Mentor and Faculty Mentor will sign the Final Evaluation Form. The Faculty Mentor will meet with the Teacher Candidate following the EDPR 4100 practicum to discuss the final evaluation. Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 47 In the event that serious concerns are raised by a Faculty Mentor or Teacher Mentor about a Teacher Candidate’s teaching performance or ability to accept professional responsibilities, a three-way conference involving the Teacher Candidate, Teacher Mentor and Faculty Mentor will be held. Usually a mutual understanding can be reached. In some cases, an Interim Report will be prepared by the Faculty Mentor, Teacher Mentor, Principal or Practica Coordinator. Copies of the Interim Report will be given to the Teacher Candidate, the Mentor and the Practica Coordinator. The Teacher Mentor should contact the Faculty Mentor if the match with the Teacher Candidate does not seem to be appropriate. Although our program is committed to the continuity of appropriate placements, we do realize that the needs of individual teachers and districts change. Occasionally, a Teacher Mentor is unable to continue in the role for the ten-week practicum. If this situation occurs, please contact the Practica Coordinator, as soon as possible, so that a new placement can be found. Faculty Mentors’ Roles and Responsibilities During Practicum III (EDPR 4100), Faculty Mentors assist the Teacher Mentors in making adjustments in scheduling, support all Teacher Mentors at the school in working with Teacher Candidates, respond to questions about the TRU program, confer with Teacher Candidates and model professionalism. Faculty Mentors also observe two lessons per Teacher Candidate, provide oral and written feedback, and consult with Teacher Mentors about the appropriate workload for the Teacher Candidate. Faculty Mentors, in cooperation with the Teacher Mentors, complete the EDPR 4100 Final Evaluation Form. This is shared during the post-practicum debriefing meeting that Faculty Mentors conduct with each Teacher Candidate. The Observation Feedback Cycle (for Practicum III and IV) Suggestions for Teacher Mentors and Faculty Mentors Pre-Conference Session (this may take place in person before the lesson or by Skype, phone or email prior to the lesson): Has the Teacher Candidate described the plan for the lesson (and provided a copy of the lesson plan)? Can the Teacher Candidate identify the student learning objectives? Is the Teacher Candidate ready for the lesson with materials, resources, back-up plans, etc.? How does the Teacher Candidate want data to be collected? Some possible methods of data collection: During the lesson: Pictorial: Teacher movement in the classroom, student "on task" behaviour tally, verbal flow (questions, feedback, comments, etc.) Verbatim: record of control statements record of directions record of positive feedback A timed record to reflect lesson pacing A general wide-angle list of positives, questions and suggestions A video-tape of the lesson for the Teacher Candidate to watch and self-evaluate (EDPR 4200 only) An audio-tape of the lesson Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 48 Post-Conference Session: After the lesson, the TM and FM should debrief with the TC. This should occur in person at the school immediately following the lesson. In some cases, this is not possible, so a post-conference session may occur by Skype, phone or email as soon as convenient post-lesson. How does the Teacher Candidate feel about the lesson? What did she or he like? Tell what you liked about the lesson. Share your data and ask the Teacher Candidate to interpret the data. How does the data compare to the Teacher Candidate's perception of the lesson? Give helpful suggestions. Suggestions for Teachers Candidates Be ready to discuss the following: Pre-Conference: Your learning objectives: What will the children learn, how will you know learning has taken place? Your procedure and materials: How will the lesson develop? Your unit plan: How does this lesson develop from previous learning? What will likely occur in the next lesson? Post-Conference: Your feelings about the lesson: What went well and what would you change? Did you reach your learning objectives? How will you plan the next lesson? Supplemental Practicum EDPR 4100 A Supplemental Practicum is a repeat of the EDPR 4100 practicum in a different classroom setting with a new Teacher Mentor. The Supplemental Practicum applies to the Teacher Candidate who, at the end of the EDPR 4100 three week practicum, has made progress but still needs more time to reach the expected level of proficiency. This Supplemental Practicum allows a Teacher Candidate to further develop his/her skills before proceeding onto EDPR 4200 (the 10 week practicum). The Teacher Candidate’s standing on the EDPR 4100 Final Evaluation Form will read “Supplemental (SUP)”. Arrangements for the supplemental time will be carried out by the Year 2 Practica Coordinator. Note: A Supplemental Practicum is not always granted, depending on the circumstances. Incomplete Practicum EDPR 4100 If, upon completion of a Supplemental Practicum for EDPR 4100, outstanding issues in performance still remain (i.e. Not Meeting Expectations in key areas of the EDPR 4100 Final Evaluation Form), the Teacher Candidate will receive a “No Credit Granted (NCG)” on the EDPR 4100 Final Evaluation Form. In this case, the Teacher Candidate will not have the opportunity to repeat the EDPR 4100 practicum. She/he must receive a “Complete” in order to continue in the B.Ed. program. Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 49 Practicum IV (EDPR 4200) Course Description The ten-week certification practicum provides Teacher Candidates with opportunities to demonstrate that they are capable of assuming the responsibilities expected of an enrolling teacher. Teacher Candidates who have successfully completed the ten-week practicum will have demonstrated that they can independently plan, implement and evaluate instruction over a substantial period of time at standards expected of beginning teachers. Teacher Candidates will teach units in all subject areas in the elementary school curriculum. The emphasis of this practicum is cross-curricular unit planning with an arts focus or approach. Courses of study for Year 2, Term 1 focus on the Arts (the “Arts Semester”). Within and across each content area strategies for teaching and learning will include discrete elements and principles within each art area, as well as integration across arts disciplines. Instructors in the “Arts Semester” will collaborate in various ways in the planning and teaching of courses, modelling for the Teacher Candidates this important aspect of professional collegiality. During ten-week practicum, Teacher Candidates are expected to design and implement units in all curriculum areas. In earlier practica, foci have been Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies (the methods courses for Year 1, Terms 1 and 2). For Practicum III (EDPR 4100), the focus is on classroom management, routine setting and relationship building. In Practicum IV (the certification practicum), the foci include integration of appropriate aspects of all coursework over the program, as well as arts infusion into as much of the curriculum as effective. Thought should be given to the strengths an arts-based perspective brings to teaching and learning, including supporting Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Differentiated Instruction (DI), and sensory regulation. Extracurricular Involvement for Teacher Candidates in EDPR 4200 Practicum The TRU Bachelor of Education program encourages the involvement of the Teacher Candidates in extracurricular activities at the school while they are completing their certification (EDPR 4200) practicum, however, please ensure that the involvement is not at the expense of the TC’s teaching preparation and teaching performance. TCs may coach, coordinate and run programs, yet it is best if they act as assistants to teachers in the school, rather than taking on activities independently. TCs are not permitted by law to take students out of the school without a supervising teacher, so league games, field trip out of school related activities must include a supervising teacher from the school. The Teacher Candidates can have very positive and enriching experiences when they are assisting other teachers in the school when running extracurricular programs. The faculty want to protect and prevent Teacher Candidates from being over extended while they have significant stress already on them to meet the expectations of the certification practicum for the Teachers’ Regulation Branch (TRB), BC Ministry of Education. Objectives Course work and school experiences in the Bachelor of Education Program are designed to enable Teacher Candidates to reach satisfactory levels in the areas below. Professional Qualities Enthusiasm for teaching and learning Subject-matter knowledge and intellectual ability Initiative/ Adaptability/ Flexibility Respectful of colleagues, parents, children Dependable and punctual Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Instructional Functions Clarity Motivation and introduction Explaining/Demonstrating Questioning/Distribution/Wait Time Questioning/Clarity/Succinctness Program Handbook 2014-2016 50 Assumes role of teacher Collaborative and co-operative Maintains professional plans and records Accepts advice and suggestions Observant, reflective and self-evaluative Planning Goals/Objectives/Curriculum intentions Rationale Knowledge of specific topics for instruction Logical and sequential organization of ideas Integration across subjects where appropriate Resources and learning materials Assessment and evaluation Time allocation Learner centered Provides for individual differences Variety of teaching strategies Maximizes student success/Active participation Monitoring Emergency and safety procedures Reviewing/Reteaching/Refocusing Illustrating with examples Individual and group work Provides for practice Student involvement/Engagement Pacing and momentum Listens and responds to students' ideas Checks for understanding/Probing Closure Classroom Management and Relationships with Students Rapport and empathy Assessment and evaluation Creates a climate for mutual respect Consistent and fair rules Gains and maintains attention Encourages student responsibility Directions Transitions Communication Skills Listens and responds Volume inflection and tone of voice Gestures, proximity and eye-contact Grammar, word-choice and fluency Mechanics of writing and organization of ideas Guiding Principles The following principles are intended to provide guidance for the certification practicum: 1. Prior to undertaking the certification practicum, Teacher Candidates should engage in a variety of activities designed to ensure successful completion of the practicum. 2. Teacher Candidates should have a practicum of sufficient duration to enable them to demonstrate that they can independently plan, implement and evaluate instruction in the manner expected of a beginning teacher. 3. Teacher Candidates' immersion into the responsibilities of teaching should be gradual, permitting students to assume increasing responsibility as they demonstrate proficiency at their current levels. 4. Within the framework of the certification practicum, Teacher Candidates should have a variety of teaching and observational experiences. 5. Because of the pivotal part they play in the preparation of Teacher Candidates for the profession, Faculty and Teacher Mentors should, themselves, be specially prepared for their responsibilities. Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 51 6. Teacher Candidates should be involved in the assessment of their own teaching practice. 7. The practicum should provide opportunities for Teacher Candidates to reflect systematically and analytically upon teaching in a professional and educational community. Although time for reflection is at a premium for practicing teachers, it is regarded as important for beginning teachers and is a feature of all practicum experiences for TRU Teacher Candidates. In order for Teacher Candidates to become proficient at planning, implementing instruction and managing the class, they need both time to reflect and time to discuss their reflections. Teacher and Faculty Mentors play an important role in encouraging Teacher Candidates to become autonomous and independent professionals through reflection. Attendance Policy EDPR 4200 In Practicum IV (EDPR 4200 - the 10-week certification practicum): Absences due to illness of four consecutive days or more require a medical certificate. Teacher Candidates whose absences exceed six and one-half (6.5) days normally receive a failing grade for the practicum. Teacher Candidates may submit a written request to the Practica Coordinator for absences due to personal reasons. An objection to a Teacher Candidate’s absence from the Teacher Mentor, Faculty Mentor, or school principal, will likely result in the request being denied. Teacher Candidates may be required to extend the practicum, making up the number of days missed due to absences. In the ten-week certification practicum, Teacher Candidates are expected to: 1. Demonstrate the effective use of a variety of teaching methods and strategies 2. Maintain professional plans and records 3. Prepare effective lesson plans, unit plans, and cross-curricular units 4. Integrate the arts into the content of lessons as appropriate 5. Use proactive classroom management and organization strategies 6. Use an array of resources and learning materials 7. Integrate assessment and evaluation in each lesson 8. Differentiate instruction to meet diverse learning needs of students, and maximize student success/active participation. 9. Arrive at least 30 minutes before the start of the school day. 10. Stay every day after school to meet with the Teacher Mentor and/or staff. 11. Follow the children to other classes/teachers rather than staying with the Teacher Mentor, and observe teachers in other classrooms. 12. Immediately notify the Teacher Mentor (TM) and Faculty Mentor (FM) if absent. 13. Attend all staff meetings, professional days, and school functions unless otherwise directed. 14. Accompany the Teacher Mentor on supervision. 15. Do all preparation outside of class time. 16. Make appropriate use of various kinds of teaching materials, teaching aids and district resources. 17. Participate in discussions about how feedback and evaluation will proceed. 18. Incorporate TM and FM feedback into units and lessons. 19. Discuss difficulties with Teacher Mentor and Faculty Mentor, as soon as they arise. Seek to understand comments noted by Teacher Mentor and/or Faculty Mentor and ask for clarification where necessary. Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 52 20. In the case of serious concerns, discuss and seek to understand fully the feedback from Teacher Mentor and Faculty Mentor and seek clarification of the content of an Interim Report. 21. Keep the Teacher Mentor and Faculty Mentor apprised of any developments in the classroom program, as well as any changes, cancellations or alternative arrangements in schedule. 22. Engage in self-reflective activities regarding all aspects of teaching methods and school participation. 23. Invite observations, comments, criticisms, and suggestions for improvement. 24. Make note of and reflect upon successful methods and styles. 25. Acknowledge and reflect upon areas of difficulty. 26. Demonstrate peer collaboration and cooperation. 27. Participate actively in structured pre- and post-conferences related to formal observations 28. Actively participate in the overall school program. 29. Write a reflective journal once per week and hand in by Saturday evening of each week to FM. Teaching Load Schedule Week 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 (4-5 hrs./day) Teaching Time (3-3.5 hrs./day) (1.5 – 2 hrs./day) 1 week 30%-40% (2-3 hrs./day) 2 weeks 40%-60% 2 weeks 60%-70% 5 weeks 80% - 100% During Weeks 1 - 5 of the EDPR 4200 Practicum, Teacher Candidates will: 1. Assume an increasing teaching load as outlined in the handbook on the Teaching Load Schedule (above). Week 1 Teacher Candidates will teach at 30 – 40% load (1.5 – 2 hours per day). Week 2 and 3 Teacher Candidates will teach at 40 – 60% load (2 – 3 hours per day). Weeks 4 and 5 Teacher Candidates will teach at 60 – 70% load (3 – 3.5 hours per day). 2. In collaboration with the Teacher Mentor, complete the EDPR 4200 Practicum Teaching Load Form and give a copy to the Faculty Mentor by the end of week 2. 3. In the first two weeks, attend and participate in a three-way conference arranged to clarify the objectives of the practicum and the expectations of Teacher Candidates, Teacher Mentors and Faculty Mentors. 4. Teacher Candidates will plan and teach a unit in every subject area in the Year 2 practicum. Unit plans must be completely drafted and approved by the Teacher Mentor before instruction begins. Completed units are to be emailed to the Teacher Mentor first, and once necessary revisions have been made, are then to be emailed to the Faculty Mentor for their review. At least three (3) completed unit plans must be submitted to the Mentors before Day 1 of EDPR 4200. If 3 completed units are not ready for Day 1 of EDPR 4200, TCs will not be able to start teaching. It is expected that adjustments will occur as units are taught. Units may be planned using the "integrated" or "theme" approach. Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 53 5. For the first 2 weeks, write a complete lesson plan for every lesson taught until such time as the mentors gauge that lesson plans, in written form, are no longer required. Every lesson should be grounded within a unit plan. Some Teacher Candidates may be required to write lesson plans for more than 2 weeks in some subject areas. 6. Maintain a binder of unit/lesson plans and make it available to Teacher Mentors and Faculty Mentors. 7. Before teaching a subject area, give a copy of each unit plan to the Teacher Mentor and discuss each lesson plan with the Teacher Mentor at least one day prior to teaching the lesson. 8. By the end of Week 5, one unit plan will be completed in each curriculum area. Integrated units may include more than one curriculum area. 9. Provide a detailed lesson plan to the Faculty Mentor at least one day before the scheduled formal observation. Faculty Mentors will be provided with a complete unit plan before TCs begin teaching. 10. Create a learning centre which is related to a unit plan and is used by the children for at least one week. It will be reviewed "in action" by the Faculty Mentor. The Learning Centre for EDPR 4200 - There is a variety of names for centres of which stations, work stations and activity centres are examples. Centres provide a variety of independent learning experiences with a range of difficulty levels to reinforce and/or extend learning. They are in a defined space, are engaging, have specific goals, are self-monitoring and encourage student choice. Centre time is scheduled and can also be an extension activity for early finishers. Students are expected to complete all or a majority of the activities. 11. Approach the school principal for the EDPR 4200 Practicum (early in the practicum) to arrange for him/her to observe you. 12. If possible, Teacher Candidates will organize and execute a field trip, including permission forms, transportation, payment, and programming. Week 5 Mid-term Evaluation 1. The Teacher Candidate will complete a self-evaluation using the EDPR 4200 midterm evaluation checklist. 2. TMs and FMs will each complete their own evaluation of the TC using the EDPR 4200 midterm evaluation checklist. 3. The mid-term triad meeting (TC/TM/FM) will take place in Week 5. There are no formal observations in Week 5. This is a formative assessment discussion where all three people discuss areas of strength and areas needing growth. During Weeks 6 – 10, the Teacher Candidate will: 1. Maintain a teaching load of 80% - 100% (4 – 5 hours per day) for five consecutive weeks, which normally begins in week 6. The Teacher Candidate must be teaching the whole class during this time. Teacher Candidates may start the 80 - 100% teaching load at Week 4, 5, or 6, as determined by the Faculty Mentor and Teacher Mentor. 2. Maintain a daybook, which documents daily teaching responsibilities (not those of the Teacher Mentor) and contains sufficient information for a TTOC. The daybook must be current and available whenever requested. Show this to their Faculty Mentor each time he/she visits. The daybook should be left in the classroom prepared for the following day. Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 54 3. Organize and maintain an Assessment Binder - up-to-date records of childrens’ performance in all subject areas taught by the Teacher Candidate must be available at all times, for the Teacher Mentor to access as needed. 4. Where possible, be involved in the planning, teaching to, and reporting on Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for students with exceptionalities. 5. Where possible, participate with and/or observe the Learning Assistance Teacher (LAT) to learn how adaptations/modifications are implemented for students on IEPs. 6. Videotape a complete lesson, if interested or requested by the FM. Review the tape with the FM then erase it. (Ensure a permission form is signed by parents/guardians.) 7. Demonstrate professionalism and adhere to the B.C. Ministry of Education (Teacher Regulation Branch) Standards for the Education, Competence & Professional Conduct of Educators in British Columbia, the BCTF Code of Ethics, and the TRU B.Ed. Program Performance Standards and Competencies. 8. Maintain a consistently high level of professionalism and participation in school activities. 9. Return all student work and provide the Teacher Mentor with student marks. 10. Collaborate with the Teacher Mentor in assessing and reporting on the progress of all students in the classroom, and shows evidence of individual or collaborative compilation of report cards for students of varying ability levels. (Minimum 5 report cards must be completed by TC). 11. In preparation for Week 10 triad meeting, complete a final self-evaluation to be shared at triad meeting (e.g. journal entry, reflective paper, other). 12. During Week 10, TC takes part in a final triad meeting arranged by Faculty Mentor. This is the summative evaluation of the Certification Practicum. 13. Return all borrowed materials at the end of the practicum, including those belonging to the Henry Grube Centre and/or other school district Teacher Resource Centres. Teacher Mentors’ Roles and Responsibilities Teacher Mentor will: 1. Seek clarification about the TRU program, its objectives and procedures. 2. Provide workspace, monitor Teacher Candidate's initial work in the classroom and write observation reports with appropriate balance of praise and suggestions. 3. Build Teacher Candidate's workload based on the certification practicum teaching load schedule. 4. Provide advice, on request, to the Teacher Candidate regarding unit/lesson planning. 5. Within the first two weeks, attend a three-way conference arranged by the Faculty Mentor to clarify the objectives of the practicum and the expectations of the Teacher Candidate, other Teacher Mentors and the Faculty Mentor, and discuss evaluation forms. 6. In cooperation with the Teacher Candidate, complete the Teaching Load Form by the end of Week 2. 7. Check and approve unit plans for appropriateness and completeness before allowing the Teacher Candidate to begin teaching from them. 8. Regularly check lesson plans for completeness and appropriateness. 9. Regularly discuss and monitor assessment and evaluation. Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 55 10. Maintain contact and confer with the Faculty Mentor about the practicum learning objectives and foci of observations in the Teacher Candidate’s teaching. 11. Observe the Teacher Candidate as frequently as time permits, providing formal written feedback once per week, using the Teacher Candidate Feedback Form. Conduct pre- and post-conference sessions with the Teacher Candidate when completing a formal observation. 12. Document any concerns and suggestions to the Teacher Candidate using the same form. Communicate concerns with the Faculty Mentor and the Teacher Candidate as soon as they arise. 13. Uses the EDPR 4200 Evaluation Form as a guide for oral and written feedback. 14. In Week 5, take part in a mid-term triad (Faculty Mentor, Teacher Mentor and Teacher Candidate) to review the Teacher Candidate’s performance (formative assessment). 15. Provide guidance and information (on request) to the Teacher Candidate regarding any aspect of professional behaviour, attitude or deportment. 16. Contact the Practica Coordinator to discuss unresolved concerns or to seek another opinion. 17. Give the Teacher Candidate progressively more work and more responsibility as outlined on the EDPR 4200 Teaching Load Form. 18. Offer guidance and advice about planning and teaching techniques. 19. In the case of serious concerns where the TC is ‘Not Meeting Expectations’, in cooperation with the Faculty Mentor and Practica Coordinator, complete an Interim Report Form specifying clearly the nature of serious concerns, suggestions for improvement, and consequences if improvement does not occur. 20. Review evaluation procedures with the Faculty Mentor; seek clarification, if pertinent, about a practicum termination, an incomplete standing, or a recommendation for a supplemental practicum. 21. Use the data collected as input for the Teacher Candidate’s summative evaluation. (In cooperation with the Teacher Mentor, the Faculty Mentor writes the summative evaluation using EDPR 4200 Final Evaluation Form.) 22. Recommend a Complete or No Credit Given standing for the Teacher Candidate for the practicum. 23. Attend the final evaluation triad in Week 10. 24. Assist the Teacher Candidate to transfer back teaching responsibilities to the Teacher Mentor and helps with making the appropriate transitions. The following guidelines may be helpful when preparing for the role of a Teacher Mentor. Relationship Building 1. Get to know the Teacher Candidate. Endeavour to create a warm, friendly working relationship. 2. Know specific strengths and needs of your Teacher Candidate. What does he or she need to know and understand about you to help ensure a successful working partnership? 3. Be a listener. Be empathetic, patient, and encouraging. Provide opportunities for the Teacher Candidate to discuss what was learned in coursework on campus. 4. Introduce the Teacher Candidate to your class as "teacher" and refer to the Teacher Candidate by his/her surname. 5. Help your Teacher Candidate understand how to become a welcome and participating member of your school staff. 6. Maintain open communication and consultation with the Faculty Mentor. 7. Ensure that the match between the Teacher Candidate and yourself/your class is appropriate. If not, raise concerns with the Faculty Mentor and/or the Practica Coordinator. Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 56 Modeling 1. 2. 3. Demonstrate good professional practice in your planning, teaching and evaluating. Be prepared to discuss ethical and professional issues of the B.C. Ministry of Education (Teacher Regulation Branch) Standards for the Education, Competence & Professional Conduct of Educators in British Columbia and the BCTF Code of Ethics. Teachers Candidates may be anxious about these topics and need reassurance, guidance and modeling. Model reflective teaching practice: talk, think out loud, share professional reading, discuss the reasons for the decisions you make. Supervising 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Engage in regular, appropriate, systematic use of the observation and feedback cycle. Provide formal written feedback at least once a week (more is helpful particularly in the earlier stages of development or when there are concerns). Ensure that the Teacher Candidate engages consistently in both short-term and long-term planning. Advise and judiciously assist your Teacher Candidate with planning, assessment and evaluation as required. Meet frequently and regularly with the Teacher Candidate to establish effective routines and expectations for students in the class. Monitor your Teacher Candidate's classroom teaching performance and gradually increase the workload and responsibility for the classroom as outlined in this handbook. Consult with the Teacher Candidate and with the Faculty Mentor in making this decision. Collaborate with other Teacher Mentors and the staff as a whole to provide support and professional development for your Teacher Candidate. Review and approve each complete unit plan before the Teacher Candidate starts teaching from it. Evaluating 1. 2. 3. 4. Discuss growth areas with the Teacher Candidate. Use the information gained from assessment to set goals or to identify foci for future observation. Guide the Teacher Candidate in self-assessment on a regular basis. Keep a portfolio or file of your Teacher Candidate's growth and progress. Provide constructive feedback in one or two areas of teaching (e.g., lesson planning, classroom management, student rapport, instructional techniques, questioning, assessment) during each weekly formal observation. Include strategies of how the Teacher Candidate may improve in the area on the Teacher Candidate Feedback Form. Discuss areas for improvement with the Teacher Candidate. Highlight and articulate strengths of Teacher Candidate using the weekly Teacher Candidate Feedback Forms. Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 57 Faculty Mentors’ Roles and Responsibilities 1. Ensure Teacher Candidates are familiar with the Protocol for TRU Teacher Candidates. 2. Resolve any initial difficulties, misconceptions and anxieties for Teacher Mentor or Teacher Candidate. 3. Within the first two weeks, arrange a three-way conference to clarify the objectives of the practicum and the expectations of the Teacher Candidate, the Teacher Mentor and the Faculty Mentor. 4. Discuss the evaluation forms and procedures. 5. Monitor the Teacher Candidate's work in the classroom. 6. Conduct half-day mid-semester seminar (Week 4 or 5). May include: guest speakers, pro-D session, or other support for Teacher Candidates’ learning. 7. Regularly assess the Teacher Candidate's lesson and unit plans for appropriateness and completeness. 8. Maintain regular contact with each Teacher Mentor to ensure that satisfactory progress of the Teacher Candidate is taking place and that the teaching load follows TRU guidelines. 9. Give appropriate, written feedback after each observation, using the Teacher Candidate Feedback Form; retain a copy and distribute other copies to Teacher Mentor, Teacher Candidate and Teacher Candidate’s file. 10. Beginning in Week 2, conduct pre- and post-conferences and formal observations with each Teacher Candidate once every 8 – 10 school days. 11. Schedule and facilitate a triad conference for Week 5 with the Teacher Mentor and the Teacher Candidate to share the mid-term formative evaluation highlights regarding the Teacher Candidate’s strengths and areas needing improvement. 12. In the case of serious concerns about the Teacher Candidate, in cooperation with the Teacher Mentor and Practica Coordinator, write an Interim Report Form outlining clearly the specific concern, suggestions for improvement, and consequences if the concern is not overcome to the satisfaction of both mentors within a specified time frame. 13. Demonstrate good professional practice in planning, teaching and evaluating. 14. Be prepared to discuss ethical and professional issues outlined in the B.C. Ministry of Education (Teacher Regulation Branch) Standards for the Education, Competence & Professional Conduct of Educators in British Columbia and the BCTF Code of Ethics. Teacher Candidates may be anxious about these topics and need reassurance, guidance and modeling. 15. Model reflective teaching practice: talk, think out loud, share professional reading, and discuss the reasons for decisions made. 16. Periodically report to the Practica Coordinator on Teacher Candidates’ progress and immediately communicate concerns of a serious nature. 17. Conduct a half day professional development seminar in Week 4 or 5 (TCs are removed from teaching duties). Time, place and presenters to be arranged by FM. 18. Continue to observe and to assist each Teacher Candidate in his/her charge. 19. Review the evaluation procedures with each Teacher Mentor and Teacher Candidate. 20. With input from the Teacher Mentor, write the final summative evaluation using the EDPR 4200 Final Evaluation Form. 21. Arrange and conduct a triad meeting in Week 10 to discuss the Teacher Candidate’s final report. 22. Provide each Teacher Candidate with the summative (final) report and provide the Teacher Mentor with a copy. 23. File copies of all reports and observations in each teacher Candidate’s file in the School of Education Practica Office (confirm with Nan Stevens if location for filing will still be AE 364). 24. Attend a Post- practicum debriefing meeting with the Practica Coordinator. Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 58 Suggestions for Faculty Mentors The Faculty Mentor is the liaison or link between: 1. 2. 3. 4. The school and TRU Teacher educators in the school and at TRU Theory and practice The Teacher Candidate and the Teacher Mentor The Faculty Mentor's role includes: Communicating 1. 2. 3. Communicate clearly the expectations and evaluation procedures for all involved. Bring Teacher Mentors together to discuss questions, issues, problems, and solutions. Communicate regularly with school administrators. Supporting Teacher Mentors and Teacher Candidates 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Provide support and guidance. Participate in three way meetings. Collaborate and consult in decision-making. Facilitate transition from TRU to the classroom for the Teacher Candidate. Ensure immersion into responsibilities is gradual. Listen, discuss, question, counsel. Be available on a regular basis for individual and group needs. Provide resources for growth and progress of the Teacher Candidate. Provide opportunities for professional development. Supervising and Evaluating 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Engage in regular, appropriate, systematic use of the observation/feedback cycle. Provide formal written feedback every 8 – 10 school days. Monitor and judiciously assist Teacher Candidates with planning especially in initial stages. Guide the Teacher Candidate in self-assessment. Meet with Teacher Candidate and Teacher Mentor at mid-term to review Teacher Candidate's performance. Use data from observations and conferences to compile mid-term and final reports. Suggestions for School Administrators The school administrator can play an important role for Teacher Candidates by: Communicating 1. 2. 3. Communicating with Teacher Candidates particularly in regard to school philosophy and procedures for handling difficult students. Helping Teacher Candidates understand how to become contributing members of school staff. Communicating with Teacher Mentors and Faculty Mentors as practicum progresses. Supporting 1. 2. Teacher Mentors and Teacher Candidates by problem solving, facilitating, modeling, observing. School administrators are often called upon when an interim report is issued to a Teacher Candidate and/or an issue arises which may need the involvement of the school administrator. Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 59 EDPR 4200 Assessment and Evaluation – Formative and Summative Meetings – both formal and informal, and two-way and three-way should take place throughout the practicum. Informal meetings usually refer to casual conversations that occur before and after lessons, as well as discussions between mentors. Formal meetings suggest arranged times and places, definite meeting aims and objectives, and freedom from distractions. A. Two-Way Meetings: 1. Two-way meetings between Teacher Mentor and the Teacher Candidate, and between the Faculty Mentor and the Teacher Candidate, should be held frequently throughout the practicum. 2. The Teacher Mentor and the Faculty Mentor should also have informal meetings frequently during the practicum. 3. Formal pre-observation and post-observation meetings should take place at least weekly between the Teacher Candidate and the Teacher Mentor, and every 8 – 10 teaching days between the Teacher Candidate and the Faculty Mentor. The Teacher Candidate and the Faculty Mentor can also preconference by telephone prior to the Teacher Candidate’s lesson. B. Three-Way Meetings: Three-way meetings, involving the Teacher Candidate, the Teacher Mentor and the Faculty Mentor, should be held from time to time during the practicum. Such meetings help to clarify objectives and resolve individuals' concerns. They also provide a unified approach to the advice and help offered to the Teacher Candidate. C. Mid-term Practicum Meeting (Week 5): Formative Evaluation of Teacher Candidate 1. A three-way mid-term practicum meeting will be held midway through EDPR 4200. The Faculty Mentor should take the lead in organizing this meeting so that all members of the practicum supervisory team can be present. 2. A written evaluation report (EDPR 4200 Evaluation Form–Midterm Report) about the Teacher Candidate's recent teaching is prepared by the Faculty Mentor in consultation with the Teacher Mentor. In addition, the Teacher Candidate prepares an informal self-assessment (reflective journal, short paper, poetry, piece of artwork/other). The two completed forms become the focus for discussion at the mid-term meeting. The Teacher Candidate, at the end of such a meeting, should have a clear idea how he or she is progressing in the practicum and what areas he or she needs to improve in immediately and/or by practicum's end. The Yes column of this evaluation states that expectations for the mid-point of the practicum have been met. 3. Teacher Mentors and Faculty Mentors are encouraged to clearly express to the Teacher Candidate those areas in which they believe he or she excels and those areas that the Teacher Candidate needs to improve, and to offer strong and friendly support for the remainder of the practicum. On their part, Teacher Candidates should articulate to mentors what kinds of feedback they find useful and helpful. D. Final Meeting (Week 10): Summative Evaluation of Teacher Candidate: 1. The Teacher Mentor, the Teacher Candidate, and the Faculty Mentor should discuss the summative evaluation and the Teacher Candidate’s final standing according to the guidelines outlined under roles and responsibilities. It is desirable that these discussions occur during Week 9 of the 10 week practicum. Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 60 2. The Faculty Mentor then prepares a summative report (EDPR 4200 Evaluation Form – Final) in preparation for a final evaluation three-way meeting. Similar to the midterm triad meeting, the Teacher Candidate may share a reflective piece of writing (journal, paper, artwork/other) as the informal selfevaluation. 3. The triad meeting with the Teacher Candidate and the mentors should be held in Week 10. At that meeting, each mentor shares their feedback that has been incorporated into the EDPR 4200 Final Evaluation Report. He or she summarizes the Teacher Candidate’s progress over the course of the practicum. The Faculty Mentor needs to make copies of the EDPR 4200 Final Evaluation Report to give to each member of the triad. The Teacher Candidate shares his or her thoughts about areas of strengths and areas needing improvement. The Faculty Mentor is responsible for setting the time and place of the meeting, and for making all parties aware of its purpose. Formative and Summative Forms We expect that Teacher Candidates will receive both oral and written feedback from Teacher Mentors and Faculty Mentors throughout the practicum. Teacher Mentors and Faculty Mentors are asked to provide the Teacher Candidate with written feedback on the Teacher Candidate Feedback Form once each week. These will be distributed to all Teacher Mentors by the Faculty Mentor for use throughout the practicum. Completed Teacher Candidate Feedback Forms should be discussed with the Teacher Candidate and copies distributed to the Teacher Candidate, the Teacher Mentor and the Faculty Mentor, with the original placed in the Teacher Candidate’s file. Problem areas should be documented in the formal written weekly observations. Serious concerns should be noted, discussed and documented at earlier points in the practicum. If necessary, an Interim Report Form should be issued with the support of the Practicum Coordinator. An EDPR 4200 Evaluation Form is used for mid-term and final triad meetings held in Week 5 and Week 10 respectively (EDPR 4200 Mid-Term Evaluation is formative; EDPR 4200 Final Evaluation is summative). Frequently Teacher Candidates are concerned about who has access to their reports. The intent of all formative reports is to provide the Teacher Candidate with feedback and suggestions. They become part of the cumulative record for determining the final standing of Teacher Candidates. All reports, formative and summative, are confidential. The information about Teacher Candidates is not for distribution by schools, Teacher Mentors or Faculty Mentors. The only time information pertaining to the practicum can be disclosed or copied by persons in the program, other than the Teacher Candidate, is when the information provides evidentiary documentation to support decisions that are under dispute in appeal hearings. The appeal proceedings themselves are confidential. Copies or disclosures that form part of a Teacher Candidate’s file are not distributed beyond the committee members. Final Standing At the end of the practicum, Teacher Mentors and Faculty Mentors are asked to cooperatively complete an EDPR 4200 Evaluation Form – Final documenting the Teacher Candidate's performance. This report should summarize the pattern of performance for the Teacher Candidate throughout the practicum. This report forms the basis for assigning the final standing for the practicum. During Week 10, the Teacher Mentor and Faculty Mentor will decide the Teacher Candidate's final standing for the practicum. It is anticipated that there will be an agreement on a standing of Complete (COM) or No Credit Given (NCG). Only Teacher Candidates who earn a standing of Complete (COM) from both the Teacher Mentor and the Faculty Mentor will be considered to have passed the requirements for the certification practicum. Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 61 A Teacher Candidate will receive a pass in the practicum if he or she successfully demonstrates an ability to independently plan, implement and evaluate instruction over a substantial period of time at a standard expected of a beginning teacher. Guidelines for Writing the Final Summative Report The final EDPR 4200 evaluation should document the growth of the Teacher Candidate over the 10 week period and should contain no surprises (i.e., findings that were not evidenced earlier). All items on the EDPR 4200 Final Evaluation Form should have been discussed during the practicum. It is important to note that the final report is not a letter of reference. However, it should also be noted that the final report is often requested by school districts when Teacher Candidates apply for teaching positions. Here are three steps that will help the Faculty Mentor (in cooperation with the Teacher Mentor) to organize his/her work prior to drafting a summative or final report about a Teacher Candidate: Step 1: Read through all of the observations made of the Teacher Candidate. Look for patterns, areas in which there have been growth, and areas in which the Teacher Candidate should, in your estimation, continue to grow. Step 2: Write a rough draft. It is often helpful to use the headings from the feedback and evaluation forms as a way of organizing material. It is also appropriate to include the Teacher Candidate in discussions about this report. These discussions should be held in Week 9. Step 3: Finally, prepare the final report on the form provided (EDPR 4200 Evaluation Form – Final), and ensure that four copies of the report are made and distributed to the Teacher Candidate, the Teacher Mentor, the Faculty Mentor and the Teacher Candidate’s file. This report is discussed at a triad meeting in Week 10. The Report should contain: * * * * A detailed description of the context in which the practicum took place. A general description of the units/themes prepared and taught by the Teacher Candidate. A general description of workload and extent of the Teacher Candidate's involvement outside of the classroom. General observations supported by specific details about each of the three main categories of the report: Preparation and Organization; Instruction, Student Management and Classroom Management, and Professional Qualities. Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 62 Practica Policy: Concerns with Performance The following practica policy language was designed to guide Teacher Mentors, Faculty and Faculty Mentors when serious concerns about a Teacher Candidate’s performance arise. Interim Report The Interim Report Form is designed to alert Teacher Candidates to concerns that have been expressed about classroom performance or professional conduct. The purpose of the report is to: a. b. Inform Teacher Candidates about such concerns so that they may direct their energies towards rectifying the problems, or remedying the deficiencies, by a specified date. Indicate consequences, and should concerns persist, the practicum will be terminated. The School of Education reserves the right to withdraw a Teacher Candidate at any time for such reasons as serious breaches of professional conduct. In such cases, an Interim Report Form may be prepared coincident with the withdrawal from the practicum school, or shortly thereafter. For more information, please see the Termination of Practicum section below: Where there are concerns: 1. Keep the lines of communication open. 2. Continue to observe and document the Teacher Candidate’s progress, discussions and suggestions for improvement. Keep accurate records of the feedback given to the Teacher Candidate, observed behaviours, suggestions regarding lesson plans, times, dates, etc; 3. 4. If concerns persist, consult with the Faculty Mentor and other teachers in the school who have assumed responsibility for the Teacher Candidate. Inform the Practica Coordinator. 5. Complete an Interim Report Form specifying clearly the nature of the concerns, suggestions for improvement, and consequences if improvement does not occur. Ensure that the Teacher Candidate has been given specific suggestions about how to improve in the areas of concern, and adequate time to attempt to put the suggestions into effect. It is necessary to place a specified time frame within which improvement in specified areas should occur. 6. Continue to observe and document the Teacher Candidate’s progress. 7. If improvement does not occur, or other areas deteriorate, contact the Practica Coordinator who will arrange a “cross-check”. The cross-check may be done by the school principal, another Faculty Mentor or the Practica Coordinator, and is arranged by the Practica Coordinator. 8. Arrange for an Interim Conference at the school. This should be attended by the Teacher Candidate and any persons who have observed the Teacher Candidate. The Practica Coordinator will attend the conference also. 9. Inform the Teacher Candidate of the decision reached at the meeting. 10. In the event that the practicum is terminated, contact the Practica Coordinator. It is occasionally necessary for a principal, Teacher Mentor or Faculty Mentor to issue an Interim Report Form immediately and without warning, if a serious offense occurs. Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 63 Termination of Practicum It is occasionally necessary for the university to terminate a practicum prior to completion. In such cases, the Teacher Candidate will receive, in writing, a statement indicating causes for the termination. Prior to terminating a practicum, Teacher Mentors and Faculty Mentors should consult the (above) guidelines for Teacher and Faculty Mentors in regard to writing an Interim Report Form and to requesting a cross-check. Teacher Candidates experiencing serious difficulty will receive an Interim Report and their performance will be cross-checked by another observer. However, in some instances it is necessary to terminate a practicum prior to the writing of an Interim Report Form or to requesting a cross-check. The B.Ed. Program reserves the right to terminate Teacher Candidates from practicum at any time, if necessary. The Teacher Candidate receives an “F” (Failure) on their transcript. Practicum Termination recommendations may be based on any of the following assessments: 1. 2. 3. The Teacher Candidate is unsuited to be a member of the teaching profession. The Teacher Candidate is not making satisfactory progress and/or not meeting expectations of the practicum. The Teacher Candidate is unable or unwilling to achieve the B.C. Ministry of Education (Teacher Regulation Branch) standards required for competency in teaching, and does not show potential for attaining these standards. If the practicum is terminated, the Teacher Candidate is informed in writing that he or she has not met the objectives of the practicum and must discontinue the program. It is important to note that the decision regarding the withdrawal of the Teacher Candidate lies with the Dean, not the Teacher Candidate. If the practicum is terminated, a supplemental practicum cannot be granted. Failure of the Certification Practicum During the practicum, an “F” (Failure) may be assigned to the certification practicum under any of these circumstances: 1. 2. 3. The Faculty Mentor, the principal and/or the Teacher Mentor recommends the termination of the practicum and the withdrawal of the Teacher Candidate from the B.Ed. Program, and the recommendation is carried out. The Teacher Candidate receives a failing grade after completing the practicum but is not granted a supplemental practicum. The Teacher Candidate is absent from this practicum for more than 10 percent of the teaching days. If the Teacher Candidate wishes to be readmitted to the program at a later date, the Teacher Candidate must consult with the Dean, the Practica Coordinator or a designate in order to: 1. Clarify the shortcomings that need to be addressed in order to be granted readmission to the program. 2. Discuss a course of action that will lead to overcoming the acknowledged shortcomings. 3. Provide evidence of having addressed the deficiencies. 4. Initiate the application process for re-entry into the program. Applications for readmission are first considered by the members of the Practicum Committee who forward a recommendation to the Dean. The Dean then makes the decision to approve/not approve the Teacher Candidate's readmission to the program. If readmission is granted, the Teacher Candidate must successfully complete the certification practicum (EDPR 4200) to be eligible to receive a passing grade and continue in the program. If, after readmission, the Teacher Candidate is again unable to pass the certification practicum, he or she will be required to withdraw and will not be readmitted to the B.Ed. Program. Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 64 Supplemental Practicum EDPR 4200 A Supplemental Practicum (SUPP) is granted when a Teacher Candidate who, at the end of the certification practicum (EDPR 4200), has made progress but still needs more time to attain the required standard of teaching performance. She or he may be allowed to continue studies in the B.Ed. program even though she or he has not completed the requirements of the certification practicum. The only condition under which a supplemental practicum may be offered is after the Teacher Candidate has completed the ten-week practicum and receives an NCG (No Credit Given) grade. Two broad criteria have to be met in order for a supplemental practicum to be granted by the Practica Coordinator or Dean (or an impartial designate): 1. It is clear from the reports of the Teacher Mentor and Faculty Mentor that, while there continue to be deficiencies in the Teacher Candidate's abilities that preclude the advisors from passing the Teacher Candidate, there is a willingness and an evident ability on the part of the Teacher Candidate to improve upon the deficiencies. 2. There is agreement between the Faculty Mentor and the Teacher Mentor that the Teacher Candidate exhibits a potential for attaining, and would be able to acquire, the required competencies of a teacher if the Teacher Candidate were provided with an additional 6 – 8 weeks of practicum experience. If there is a determination that a supplemental will be provided to a Teacher Candidate, he or she is eligible to enrol and complete the courses of the B.Ed. Program. The date for the six to eight-week supplemental practicum will be arranged by the Practica Coordinator and will ordinarily take place after the last term of courses is completed (April – June). In the event a placement cannot be arranged after the last term, every attempt will be made to place the Teacher Candidate early in the following fall term of the next school year. Once the decision to grant a supplemental practicum has been made, the Teacher Candidate is provided a written outline of the concerns related to the previous practicum, identifying areas of improvement that need to be addressed if the Teacher Candidate is to have a successful outcome in the supplemental, and the consequence if the practicum has to be terminated prematurely or a failing grade is received at the conclusion of the supplemental practicum. The consequence of a Teacher Candidate not showing progress during the supplemental, or being unable to meet the expectations required to receive a passing grade, is the termination of the Teacher Candidate from the B.Ed. program. Note: A Supplemental Practicum is not always granted, depending on the circumstances. Additionally, a Supplemental Practicum may be terminated part way through if a Teacher Candidate is not demonstrating that he/she is meeting expectations. The first four weeks of the EDPR 4200 supplemental practicum is the “probationary period”. The Teacher Candidate will increase his/her teaching load from 1.5 – 2 hours per day in the first week, and build up to 3 to 3.5 hours of teaching in the fourth week. At the end of the four week period, the Teacher Mentor and Faculty Mentor will assess progress in the following areas: Planning and Organization, Instruction, Student Management and Classroom Environment, and Professionalism. Should the mentors assess that the Teacher Candidate has met the expectations of the practicum after four weeks, the Teacher Candidate will be able to continue in the supplemental practicum. Should the Mentors assess that the Teacher Candidate is not meeting the expectations of the practicum at the four week mark, the practicum will be terminated. Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 65 If necessary, a third party, such as the school principal or another TRU Faculty Mentor, may be called in to conduct a ‘cross-check’. This process includes a formal classroom observation and consultation with the two mentors. After the cross-check is completed, the three individuals make a recommendation to the Program Coordinator or Chair of the Bachelor of Education program. In the event that the supplemental practicum is terminated, the Teacher Candidate will be withdrawn from the Bachelor of Education program. Withdrawal A Teacher Candidate may voluntarily withdraw up to the midpoint of the practicum. The Teacher Candidate is then no longer in the program of study. The Teacher Candidate receives a W (Withdrawal) on their transcript. The Teacher Candidate may reapply for admission into the program and with the permission of the Bachelor of Education faculty may retake the practicum. Practicum Deferral A Teacher Candidate may defer a practicum at any time during a practicum due to medical, personal, financial reasons or other extenuating circumstances. In such cases, the faculty will consider the circumstances, and if it is judged that the Teacher Candidate is likely to complete the practicum requirements successfully with an additional classroom experience, then he or she may be granted a DEF (Deferral) for the practicum. For the certification practicum (EDPR 4200), the Teacher Candidate may proceed to courses in the subsequent term. For shorter practica (EDPR 3100, EDPR 3200 and EDPR 4100), completion of the deferred practicum must take place before the Teacher Candidate may continue in the program. In all cases, the Teacher Candidate remains registered in the B.Ed. Program. Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 66 Thompson Rivers University Bachelor of Education Program Practica Policy The following chart provides a summary of the TRU Bachelor of Education program’s practica policy: Thompson Rivers University Bachelor of Education Program Practica Policy Practica Terminology Withdrawal (W) TRU Practica Policy Teacher Candidate voluntarily withdraws up to midpoint of practicum. "W" granted on transcript (may affect loans/tuition). Teacher Candidate may retake practicum the next time it is offered with permission of B.Ed faculty. Deferral (Def) Teacher Candidate may defer practicum at any time during practicum due to medical / personal / financial reasons. Documentation required e.g. Medical Note. Granted "Def" on transcript. Teacher Candidate may retake practicum the next time it is offered with permission of B.Ed faculty. Supplemental (Sup) Termination (F) Absenteeism Teacher Candidate completes an additional 6 – 8 weeks of practicum at another time in the program. For Teacher Candidates who, at end of long practicum, have made progress but still need more time to attain required standard of teaching performance. Granted “Def” on transcript (“Sup” code not yet implemented.) At the discretion of program faculty in consultation with school personnel, a Teacher Candidate may be asked to leave practicum at any time. Due process must be followed beginning with the Interim Report Form (multiple observers perform observations to assess performance and progress over specified time). Receive "F" on transcript. For all practica, teacher candidates may fail if absent 10% or more of the teaching days. For all practica situations, Teacher Candidates may appeal decisions made by faculty in the B.Ed. program. Teacher Candidates must complete the two year B.Ed. program within a four-year period. Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 67 Appeal Procedures A. Associated with EDPR 3100, EDPR 3200, EDPR 4100 and EDPR 4200 The appeal procedures cited below assume that a practicum was terminated before its completion date, or that a failing grade was assigned at the end of practicum and an appeal is initiated by the Teacher Candidate. It is important to remember that both the Teacher Mentor and the Faculty Mentor must agree to the awarding of a passing grade. If one or both of the mentors determine the Teacher Candidate has not met the required expectations, a failing grade will be issued. An appeal can be made to reconsider a failing grade, to change recommendations for withdrawal or discontinuance from the program, or to grant a supplemental practicum. In all cases, the appeal procedures are identical. 1. The Teacher Candidate drafts a written statement providing a brief background to the circumstances of the situation, the reasons for the appeal and the decision the Teacher Candidate determines is satisfactory, and presents this statement to the Dean, Faculty of Human, Social and Educational Development. 2. In consultation with the Teacher Candidate, the Dean, Faculty of Human, Social and Educational Development strikes a practicum review committee consisting of four voting members. 3. The decisions of both the Teacher Mentor and Faculty Mentor, along with supporting documents (Teaching Reports, Interim Report Form, Cross-Checks), are reviewed by the practicum review committee. 4. A meeting is convened by the Dean, Faculty of Human, Social and Educational Development who chairs the meeting but does not have a vote. Throughout the meeting, both the Teacher Candidate and the Faculty Mentor are present to state their positions and perspectives and to answer questions from the committee members. 5. Upon completion of the meeting, a decision of Pass/Fail (Withdraw/Discontinue and/or supplemental/ no supplemental) is rendered. 6. The Dean, Faculty of Human, Social and Educational Development drafts a letter outlining the reasons for the decision and forwards the letter to the Teacher Candidate within ten working days. If the Teacher Candidate is not satisfied with the decision of the practicum review committee, she or he is directed to Student Services to initiate the institutional appeal process. The Dean, Faculty of Human, Social and Educational Development or Practica Coordinator acts as respondent during the institutional appeal. Persons involved with the practicum may be called to give information by either the respondent or the Teacher Candidate. A decision of Pass/Fail (Withdraw/Discontinue and/or supplemental/no supplemental) is rendered. After receiving the decision of the TRU Appeals Committee, the Teacher Candidate has fourteen days to make a final appeal to the President of TRU. The decision rendered by the President is final and binding. The Teacher Candidate is encouraged to consult with the Dean, Faculty of Human, Social and Educational Development and with the TRU Counseling Department should they require more information regarding appeals. Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 68 B. Associated with a Supplemental Practicum If a supplemental practicum is terminated prematurely, or a failing grade is assigned upon completion of the practicum, the results of the practicum and the recommendations of the Mentors are forwarded to the Practica Coordinator and then to the Dean, Faculty of Human, Social and Educational Development. The Dean, Faculty of Human, Social and Educational Development reviews the relevant documentation, including the letter noted previously in the section on supplemental practica, which detailed the expectations and consequence for unsatisfactory performance, and conveys a decision to the Teacher Candidate in writing within ten working days of the cessation of the practicum. If this decision is appealed by the Teacher Candidate, he or she indicates in writing what decision is being appealed, why the decision is being appealed and what outcome the Teacher Candidate desires. The letter is forwarded to a practicum committee struck for the purpose of hearing the appeal. At the hearing, the committee reviews documents and allows time for both the Teacher Candidate and the faculty respondent to explain their positions regarding the decision being appealed. After the meeting the Chair of the committee (who is non-voting) is charged with conveying the decision of the committee to the Teacher Candidate within ten working days. If the decision of the committee is deemed unsatisfactory by the Teacher Candidate, the decision may be appealed to the TRU Appeals Committee. For more details refer to the TRU Calendar, website or contact the TRU Counseling Department. For the latest policy and regulations refer to: http://www.tru.ca/policy/education.html and Scroll down to Student Academic Appeals - ED-4-0 and TRU 2014-2015 Calendar: Student Academic Policies, Regulations and Procedures O:\Group Share\Practica\Bed\Handbooks\2014-2016\2014 - 2016 Program Handbook-Final.Doc Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 69 Appendix: Bachelor of Education Forms Lesson Plan Template Lesson Plan Samples Unit Plan Template Unit Plan Sample Day Plan Samples Weekly Plan Samples EDPR 3200/4100/4200 Suggested Areas to Observe EDPR 3100/3200/4100/4200 Interim Report Form Practicum I - Pink Section EDRP 3100 Observation Guidelines EDPR 3100 Teacher Candidate Feedback Form EDPR 3100 Final Evaluation Form Practicum II –Green Section EDRP 3200 Observation Guidelines EDPR 3200/4100/4200 Teacher Candidate Feedback Form EDPR 3200 Final Evaluation Form Practicum III - Yellow Section EDPR 4100 Final Evaluation Form Practicum IV - Blue Section EDPR 4200 Teaching Load Form EDPR 4200 Evaluation Form EDPR 4200 Supplemental Four Week Probationary Contract Bachelor of Education Terms of Reference Many of the forms listed above can be found on-line at: http://www.tru.ca/hse/programs/bed/practica/plans.html http://www.tru.ca/hse/programs/bed/practica/practicum_forms.html Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Program Handbook 2014-2016 70