Accreditation Committee Decision
University of Western Ontario -
Faculty of Education,
Programs of Professional Education
Introduction
Decision of the Accreditation Committee regarding The Programs of Professional Education offered by The Faculty of Education, University of Western Ontario
The Faculty of Education, University of Western Ontario, submitted an application in
November 2005 for the renewal of accreditation of the following programs of professional education:
- Consecutive Program of Professional Education, BEd – Renewal
- Concurrent Program of Professional Education leading to a five-year
BSc Honors Mathematical Sciences and Bachelor in Education – Renewal
- Technological Education Program, BEd/Dip – Renewal
In accordance with Regulation 347/02, the Accreditation Committee appointed a panel to:
- conduct a review of the programs of professional education,
- act in an advisory role,
- report to the Accreditation Committee on its findings, and
- make recommendations to the Accreditation Committee with respect to the renewal of accreditation of the programs of professional education offered by the Faculty of Education at the University of Western Ontario.
A panel of seven persons was comprised of:
- three members of Council who were also members of the Accreditation Committee (one of these members was appointed to the Council by the Lieutenant Governor in Council)
- two members of the College who were not a member of Council, one of whom had expertise in Technological Studies
- a person nominated by the Faculty of Education
- a person drawn from a roster who had expertise in teacher education programs.
The panel, in carrying out its duties, reviewed documentation provided by the Faculty of Education and conducted an on-site review at the Faculty of Education, University of Western Ontario, which included an examination of artefacts, interviews with representatives of stakeholder groups and a review of the facilities and resources.
The on-site review took place January 23 to 27, 2006. There were seven submissions from the public.
The Accreditation Committee, by virtue of the authority granted under the Ontario College of Teachers Act, 1996, and Regulation 347/02, Accreditation of Teacher Education Programs, set out to determine if the programs of professional education offered by the Faculty of Education at the University of Western Ontario qualified for accreditation by satisfying the 15 requirements of Regulation 347/02.
The Accreditation Committee considered the Final Report of the Accreditation Panel, the response of the Faculty of Education, University of Western Ontario dated March 14, 2006 to the Panel's Draft Report, and regulatory requirements of Regulation 347/02, Accreditation of Teacher Education Programs, and Regulation 184/97, Teachers' Qualifications. Based on its review of this information, the Accreditation Committee decides the following.
Accreditation Renewal of Programs of Professional Education
Requirement 1
The provider of the program is a permitted institution.
Findings
Section 30 of The University of Western Ontario Act allows the Senate of the University to confer degrees and award diplomas and certificates in any branch of learning taught in the University and the faculty of education is specifically referenced.
There was also evidence of agreements between the Minister of Education for Ontario, the Minister of Colleges and Universities for Ontario, and the governing council of the University of Western Ontario, confirming the continued operation of the Faculty of Education.
Conclusion
Requirement 1 is fully satisfied.
Requirement 2
The program has a clearly delineated conceptual framework.
Findings
The Faculty of Education's mission statement reflects the values and goals underpinning the program:
- to advance learning through teaching and research
- to discover and apply knowledge
- to provide an environment of free and creative inquiry within which critical thinking, humane values and practical skills are cultivated
- to serve society.
The faculty strives to prepare teachers to develop a commitment to learning and thoughtful practice in their professional lives. The principles embedded in the Ontario College of Teachers' Standards of Practice for the Teaching Profession and Ethical Standards for the Teaching Profession are integrated into the conceptual framework.
Conclusion
Requirement 2 is fully satisfied.
Requirement 3
The program is consistent with and reflects:
- the College's “Standards of Practice for the Teaching Profession” and the “Ethical Standards for the Teaching Profession”,
- current research in teacher education, and
- the integration of theory and practice in teacher education.
Findings
Faculty course outlines link assignments, lesson plans and course work to the Standards of Practice for the Teaching Profession and the Ethical Standards for the Teaching Profession.
Current research in education is required reading, through course texts and publications made available through the library.
Application of current research is evidenced through reflective practice and the use of portfolios.
Graduating teacher candidates reported they were able to make connections between course work and their practicum experience. The Transition to Professional Practice Program (T2P), which occurs at the end of the pre-service program, was viewed as an opportunity to consolidate theory with practice.
Conclusion
Requirement 3 is fully satisfied.
Requirement 4
The program curriculum is current, references the Ontario curriculum, includes the application of current research in teacher education and represents a wide knowledge base in the divisions and components of the program.
Findings
Candidates have access to a wide range of current curriculum and legal resources. Knowledgeable staff working at a comprehensive library located on the premises at Althouse, support teacher candidates in their search for learning materials.
Courses of Study for every program reference the Ontario policy documents and curriculum expectations. The faculty has also developed an innovative software package to deal with program curriculum.
Textbooks and journal articles have been written by the faculty demonstrating access to a wide knowledge base relative to the divisions and components of the program.
Conclusion
Requirement 4 is fully satisfied.
Requirement 5
The course content of the program includes theory, method and foundation courses and makes appropriate provision for the application of theory in practice.
Findings
The three programs reviewed, namely, the Consecutive, Concurrent and Technical Education programs, include theory, method and foundation courses.
There is an application of theory in practice in all areas. The Transition to Professional Practice (T2P) practicum is an integral part of these programs.
Conclusion
Requirement 5 is fully satisfied.
Requirement 6
The program's format and structure are appropriate for the course content.
Findings
The program's format and structure are appropriate for the course content. The course format allows theoretical expertise and practical application.
The Technological Education program uses experts in their field as a means of connecting theory and practice.
The Theory to Professional Practice simulations, the limited class sizes, the dual function of the Educational Psychology and the Special Education courses, are appropriate for and important to the course content.
Conclusion
Requirement 6 is fully satisfied.
Requirement 7
Students are assessed and informed of their progress on an ongoing basis throughout the program.
Findings
In all three programs, portfolios, performance rubrics, self-appraisals, formative assessments and case studies are used to communicate their progress on an ongoing basis.
During their practicum experiences, teacher candidates receive written and oral comments.
Web sites, associate teachers, faculty advisors and peer evaluations provide regular and often daily debriefings on their progress.
For teacher candidates who experience difficulties in their programs, there are many levels of support.
Conclusion
Requirement 7 is fully satisfied.
Requirement 8
The program includes a practicum that satisfies the requirements set out in Regulation 347/02, Subsection 9.(2). The requirements for the practicum portion of the program are as follows:
- The practicum must include observation and practice teaching in an instructional setting in schools or other situations that use the Ontario curriculum or in situations approved by the College.
- The practicum must be completed in accordance with the requirements of Ontario Regulation 184/97.
- The practicum enables every student to participate in settings related to each division and at least one of the subject areas of the program that are relevant to the student.
- An experienced teacher supervises the students and assesses their practicum.
- A faculty member is appointed as an advisor for each student.
Findings
There are three in-school practicum blocks, including observation and practice teaching, in local schools. For the concurrent program these are spread across multiple years. The total number of practicum days exceeds the required 40.
There is also a Transition to Professional Practice component that lasts two weeks at the end of the program.
Teacher Candidates have placements in both of their divisions in the first two blocks, and have choice for the third. They are supervised by associate teachers with a minimum of three years teaching experience.
The associate teachers provide written feedback on an ongoing basis as well as at the end of each placement block.
There is a faculty advisor assigned to each host school who provides weekly advice to each candidate.
Conclusion
Requirement 8 is fully satisfied.
Requirement 9
Successful completion of the practicum is a requirement for successful completion of the program.
Findings
To graduate, students require three successful practicum reports in addition to completing the Transition to Professional Practice unit, which is the concluding component of the two-credit practicum course.
Conclusion
Requirement 9 is fully satisfied.
Requirement 10
The teaching method courses in the program are appropriate in relation to the divisions to which they relate.
Findings
There is a clear delineation in methods courses between Primary/Junior and Intermediate/Senior programs in the three programs. The course outlines in all three programs are appropriate to the divisions to which they apply.
The Technology program also has an appropriate teaching method course.
Resources available to the teacher candidates in the library and resource centre support the course material in all of the divisions.
Conclusion
Requirement 10 is fully satisfied.
Requirement 11
The teaching theory and foundation courses in the program include courses on human development and learning and on the legislation and government policies relating to education.
Findings
Mandatory theory and foundations program courses include Social Foundations and Psychological Foundations of Education. Legislation and government educational policies are contained in the former.
Conclusion
Requirement 11 is fully satisfied.
Requirement 12
The faculty members teaching the program are an appropriate combination of,
- persons with appropriate academic qualifications,
- practitioners with appropriate experience in the field of education, and
- persons with appropriate expertise in the divisions and components of the program.
Findings
The Curriculum vitae of the faculty members indicates an appropriate blend of tenured and non-tenured staff with appropriate expertise in each of the divisions and components of the program. Full-time faculty are experienced and engaged in research and academic pursuit. Part-time faculty had experience in relevant teaching and qualifications appropriate to their instructional duties.
Conclusion
Requirement 12 is fully satisfied.
Requirement 13
The permitted institution maintains adequate internal controls to preserve the integrity of student records relating to the program.
Findings
Electronic records are stored securely and are available only on a “need-to-access” basis, determined in accordance with prescribed security levels. Paper files are kept locked up and access is similarly limited. Standards and procedures for record retention, access, storage and destruction are continuously improved.
Conclusion
Requirement 13 is fully satisfied.
Requirement 14
The permitted institution is committed to continuous improvement and quality assurance of the program and, if the program is an existing program, has implemented measures demonstrating that commitment.
Findings
The University of Western Ontario has a number of committees and groups that provide information for continuous improvement of its programs. The Professional Liaison Advisory Committee (PLAC), the Academic Policy Committee (APC), and the Teacher Education Liaison Committee (TELC) make recommendations, review and evaluate pre-service programs on a regular cyclical basis.
Conclusion
Requirement 14 is fully satisfied.
Requirement 15
The program has a Teacher Education Advisory Committee or similar body that functions in an advisory or liaison capacity in relation to the program.
Findings
The programs have a Teacher Education Advisory Committee, called the Professional Liaison Advisory Committee (PLAC). The role of the committee is to keep communication lines open and to anticipate and prevent problems. PLAC has a direct link to the Academic Policy Committee.
Conclusion
Requirement 15 is fully satisfied.
Decision of the Accreditation Committee
For the reasons set out above, the Accreditation Committee finds that the Faculty of Education, University of Western Ontario's:
- Consecutive Program of Professional Education, BEd fully satisfies the requirements of Regulation 347/02, Accreditation of Teacher Education Programs, and grants general accreditation for a period of five years (2011).
- Concurrent Program of Professional Education leading to a five-year
BSc Honors Mathematical Sciences and Bachelor in Education fully satisfies the requirements of Regulation 347/02, Accreditation of Teacher Education Programs, and grants general accreditation for a period of five years (2011).
- Technological Education Program, BEd/Dip, fully satisfies the requirements of Regulation 347/02, Accreditation of Teacher Education Programs and grants general accreditation for a period of five years (2011).
Accreditation Committee
Ontario College of Teachers
April 19 and 20, 2006
Amendment to Expiry Date
In accordance with the May 1, 2009 amendment to the accreditation period for programs of professional education in the Accreditation Regulation, the expiry date for these programs are amended to April 20, 2013.
Regulation 347/02, Accreditation of Teacher Education Programs
May 1, 2009
On June 23, 2009, the Accreditation Committee and the Faculty of Education at The University of Western Ontario (UWO) agreed to extend the general accreditation period for these programs to April 20, 2014 to more evenly distribute the accreditation reviews conducted by the Ontario College of Teachers.
Accreditation Committee
Ontario College of Teachers
June 23, 2009
Pursuant to Section 15.2(1) of the Accreditation Regulation, the Accreditation Committee granted an extension of accreditation to the consecutive programs until April 20, 2017 to enable time to implement the new enhanced teacher education program required in September 2015.
Accreditation Committee
Ontario College of Teachers
November 19, 2013
Withdrawal of Concurrent Program of Professional Education :
On November 3, 2010, the Ontario College of Teachers received notification that the Faculty of Education at The University of Western Ontario (UWO) would no longer offer a Concurrent Program of Professional Education. The accreditation of this program expires on April 20, 2014.
Decision Regarding the Enhanced Teacher Education Program Verification Report
Read the Full Decision
Revocation of Accreditation
In accordance with subsection 15.2 (2) and 15.2 (3), the Accreditation Committee did not receive a verification report to confirm whether the following programs of professional offered by the Faculty of Education, The University of Western Ontario (Western University) substantially satisfy the requirements for accreditation in Regulation 347/02, Accreditation of Teacher Education Programs as they read on September 1, 2015:
- Consecutive program of professional education with areas of study in Technological Education subjects at the Grades 9/10 and Grades 11/12 levels, leading to a Bachelor of Education degree or a Diploma in Education
Confirmation of Accreditation
The Accreditation Committee finds that the following program of professional education offered by the Faculty of Education, The University of Western Ontario (Western University) fully satisfy the accreditation requirements of Regulation 347/02, Accreditation of Teacher Education Programs as they read on September 1, 2015:
- Consecutive program of professional education with areas of study in the Primary/Junior, including Primary/Junior with a focus on teaching French as a Second Language, Junior/Intermediate and Intermediate/Senior divisions, leading to a Bachelor of Education degree
The Accreditation Committee confirms general accreditation of this program to continue until April 20, 2017.
Accreditation Committee
Ontario College of Teachers
May 31, 2016
