Summary of Cross-Course Assignments in the
East Option
  1. Professional Participation
    During the year you are expected to demonstrate the professionalism that you will need to become an effective teacher. These behaviours and attitudes are outlined in the "Toronto East Option Professional and Collegial Skills Rubric" (part of your East Option Registration Day package). Your mark is determined by self-, peer and instructor evaluation at the end of each semester, following the criteria which is outlined in the rubric. These evaluations apply to your contributions across all East Option courses. Professional participation directly relates to two of the Ontario College of Teachers' Standards of Practice: Leadership and Community and Ongoing Professional Learning.
    15% of your final grade for all East Option courses.

  2. Portfolio
    Throughout this academic year, you will collect and reflect on your readings, experiences, and discussions relating to this course. These entries must also demonstrate your understanding of and ability to act in all five dimensions of the College of Teachers' Standards of Practice. Throughout the year (including several times in class during Term One), you will present your entries and reflections to your colleagues and solicit their responses. The criteria for this assignment are outlined in the "East Option Portfolio Project" and "Portfolio Rubric" handouts (part of your East Option Registration Day package).
    • In December, you will present your portfolio through a comprehensive interview with East Option instructors. Two other colleagues will be interviewed during the same session, which will last approximately one hour. You will be expected to respond to questions which you will be given a week before the interview. Your presentations will be evaluated according to the criteria outlined in the portfolio. You will receive written feedback from your instructors.


      This December portfolio presentation is worth 20% of your final grade in all East Option courses. Presentations will be scheduled for December 12, 13, and 14, 2000.

    • In April, you will present an updated version of your portfolio to demonstrate your professional growth since the December interview and, in light of the Standards of Practice, your overall competence as a teacher. This time, you will design the format of the presentation; questions will not be provided for you. Your instructors may ask you questions during the interview, but will allow you to lead the discussion.

      This April portfolio interview is worth 10% of your final grade in all East Option courses. Presentations will be scheduled for April 10, 11, and 12, 2001.


  3. Reflective Journal
    The purpose of the Reflective Journal is to encourage you to examine your past and present experience in order to help you formulate an understanding of your practice and yourself in your journey to become a teacher. You will submit ten journal entries throughout the year. Due dates are listed on the East Option calendar (see our Option website). Note that these submissions are to be made via E-mail to your designated instructor-advisor. The criteria for this assignment are listed in the handout, "East Option Reflective Journal" (part of your East Option Registration Day package).

    Each successful entry is worth 1%. The total of your journal submissions is worth 10% of your final grade in all East Option courses.