Information Sheet 3:

Elementary Education Program Options
(Primary/Junior & Junior/Intermediate Divisions)

 

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The Elementary Program is made up of the Primary/Junior (Junior Kindergarten - Grade 6) and Junior/Intermediate (Grades 4-10) divisions. It is structured to allow teacher candidates a combination of experiences with children and associate teachers in classrooms; with other teacher candidates and OISE/UT staff in lectures, seminars, workshops, and discussions; and with fellow candidates, associate teachers, and OISE/UT staff in a variety of inquiries and investigations that explore the nature of teaching and learning.

To support these professional experiences, Teacher candidates will be grouped in seven (7) different program options in the Primary/Junior and Junior/Intermediate teacher education programs at OISE/UT. Each option in the elementary program at OISE/UT is school-linked with partner school boards playing an important role in program design and implementation. Each partnership provides learning situations that best reflect the goals and resources of the option.

Each option incorporates into its design the seven components of the initial teacher education program, with a total of 5 course credits. The components are: The Teacher Education Seminar (1.0), Curriculum and Instruction Courses (2.0), The Psychological Foundations of Learning and Development Course (0.5), School and Society Course (0.5), Related Studies Courses (0.5), Practicum, five weeks in the fall term, and five weeks in the winter term (1.0), and an Internship, a six- week field-based experience in late April to early June (0.0).

As well, the Student Teacher Experience program (STEP) allows candidates to participate in their school placement each week during the term, followed by a practicum session in the same classroom. This STEP placement is a non-evaluative, gradual introduction to practice teaching, and allows the teacher candidates to familiarize themselves with the school and the classroom, to observe teaching practice in action, and to begin interacting with the children.

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Program Options, 1999-2000

The options offered in the one year program for the 1999-2000 academic year are listed below. Detailed information about the options offered in successive years will be made available to accepted applicants as part of the course selection process.

1) Campus Option (Primary/Junior/Intermediate)

The Campus Option partners with the Toronto District School Board, and the Toronto Catholic District School Board. This program is located at the OISE/UT main Campus, while field experiences are located in the option's various partner schools. One of the major projects will be in Information Technology and candidates will receive computer training and will learn how to integrate technology into the curriculum. They will also be engaged in Action Research and an Integrated Unit. The special focus in the curriculum and instruction components will be on the teaching of mathematics, science, and technology in elementary education.

 

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2) Mid-Town Option (Primary/Junior and Junior/Intermediate)

The Mid -Town option partners with schools in the Toronto District School Board and the Toronto Catholic District School Board. Classes are held both in partner schools and on the university campus. The central focus of the program is action research. Teacher candidates conduct an intensive investigation of an issue in the teaching of language arts. A second project is MAD (Math Adventure Day), an eventt that requires students to work in groups to plan activities in mathematics. The special focus is on working with schools in field based events, in order to connect learning to the practice of teaching.

 

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3) Regional Option (Primary/Junior/ and Junior/Intermediate)

The Regional Option partners with schools in the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board, and the Peel District School Board. Classes are held in partner schools in Peel District and on the university campus. The faculty team, associate teachers, and teacher candidates engage in various hands-on projects, including curricular unit or portfolio development, child study, and action research. The special focus of the program is on curriculum integration. Teacher candidates are introduced to the ways drama, world music, creative writing, storytelling, movement, dance, critical thinking, and problem solving can be integrated into the existing curricula in ways that encourage children's creativity.


 

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4) East Option (Primary/Junior and Junior/Intermediate)

The East Option partners with schools in the Toronto District School Board, the Toronto Catholic District School Board and the Durham District School Board. These schools are characterized by their multiculturalism, varied socioeconomic populations, and children with diverse learning needs. Students will have an opportunity to engage in research on exemplary teaching, research on cognition and intelligence, and literature concerning at-risk students or students who have special needs. Candidates will participate in two major projects: an information technology project, and a project that focuses on change in schools and school systems. This program also includes experiences in diverse settings, such as French immersion and outdoor education. The special focus is on collaboration, cooperation, and an awareness of connecting teaching and technology.

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5) Central Option (Primary/Junior only)

The Central Option partners with schools in the Toronto District School Board and the Toronto Catholic District School Board. Classes will be held mainly in the OISE/UT main campus. The major projects will include Portfolio Development and Planning and Teaching a Unit of Instruction with the mentor teacher. This option will give candidates a grounding in the teaching of the language arts, social studies, mathematics, science, technology, physical and health education and the arts and the focus will be on integrating curricular areas and incorporating different methodologies in teaching.

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6) GTA Catholic Option (Primary/Junior/Intermediate)

The GTA Catholic Option partners with the Catholic School Boards in the GTA. The program is located at OISE/UT main Campus (or a designated Catholic school site) while field days are located in the option's various partner schools. Teacher candidates will participate in an inquiry-based research project focusing on the local issues and initiatives identified by our partner schools. They will also develop a Professional Growth Portfolio as well as plan, teach and present an integrated unit which links the Ministry curricula with the curricula for Catholic schools. The special focus will be on learning to plan and deliver an integrated curriculum and on community building.

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7) North Option (Primary/Junior and Junior/Intermediate)

The North Option partners with the Toronto District School Board, and the Toronto Catholic District School Board. Classes are held at OISE/UT. Candidates will develop a Professional Portfolio and conduct an Action Research Project around a curriculum or instruction question they wish to investigate. They will explore the idea of teacher leadership by being actively involved in school co-curricular activities, staff meetings, school committees as well as student led mini-seminars. The special focus in the program is on technology and state-of-the-art computer assisted education techniques.

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Option Selection

Placement in program options is undertaken after admission to the B. Ed. program at either the Primary/Junior or Junior/Intermediate level. It is not possible to indicate an option preference prior to admission. Individual placement is determined after consideration of a number of factors such as:

Note: that the availability of options can vary from year to year. Do not base your decision to apply to OISE/UT or to accept an offer from OISE/UT on the expectation that a specific option will be available or that you will get into a specific option if it is available.

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