Spring and Summer 2012 AQ Course Offerings
Fall 2012 AQ Course Offerings
Additional Qualification Courses
Special Education Part I
The Additional Qualification course: Special Education, Part I is an introductory course. It focuses on the theory and practice underpinning special education. This course explores the
exceptionalities, teaching strategies, program planning and other issues related to teaching and learning in all classrooms. Although this course will be of greatest interest to those teachers who wish to deepen their information regarding students identified as exceptional, all classroom teachers may wish to better prepare themselves for teaching students who have special needs.
Special Education Part II
Special Education, Part II extends the knowledge and skills of Part I. Critical to the delivery of special education is the ability of teachers to ensure positive learning experiences for students and provide candidates with more in depth information and practice in special education. This course focuses on developing programs based on appropriate assessment for students identified as exceptional. The course also fosters discussion on important issues that culminate in a Practical Teaching Project relevant to candidates.
Pre-requisite:
Open to members of the Ontario College of Teachers who have successfully completed AQ Special Education Part I.
Evidence of at least one school year of successful teaching experience, as certified by an appropriate supervisory officer or the appropriate supervisory official.
Special Education - Specialist
Candidates enrolled in this course have obtained the pre-requisite qualification course, Special Education, Part II and have demonstrated at least two years of successful teaching experience, of which at least one year is in Ontario in the subject area, as certified by an appropriate supervisory officer. This extends the knowledge and skills of Part II and provides candidates with more in depth information and practice in special education. As well, it focuses on leadership in the field of special education. The course continues to foster discussion on important issues that culminate in a Practical Leadership Project relevant to candidates.
Pre-requisite:
Open to members of the Ontario College of Teachers who have successfully completed Special Education Part II.
Evidence of at least two school year of successful teaching experience, including at least one school year teaching the subject, as certified by an appropriate supervisory officer or appropriate supervisory official.
Teaching Students with Intellectual Needs (Giftedness)
This course provides an opportunity for participants to understand theories of giftedness and to explore a variety of pedagogical frameworks for teaching the gifted child in regular class environments as well as in specialized settings. Participants will develop an awareness of policies, procedures and legislation relevant to gifted education and will learn how to provide a holistic and inclusive educational program that builds on learners' abilities and enables them to reach their potential. The course will also support participants' development of an awareness of current research in the area of giftedness and its impact on practice. Participants will be exposed to the variety of resources available to support gifted students and to consider the challenges involved with supporting their needs.
Reading Part I
This course is an introductory course that focuses on the relevant research evidence underpinning effective reading instruction. This course will be of interest to teachers who wish to acquire fundamental knowledge and skills in effective reading instruction. Candidates will have an opportunity to reflect, to apply their learning and to share their experiences.
The Additional Qualification Course: Reading, Part II is intended to enhance professional practice, and extend and apply knowledge and skills in the design and delivery of reading programs. It builds on the strong foundation and understanding of the underlying vision and philosophy of reading instruction gained in Part I.
It explores the theoretical foundations, the development of learners, program planning and implementation, assessment, the learning environment and ethical considerations related to teaching and learning across the divisions. This course will be of interest to teachers who wish to expand and apply their knowledge and skills of effective reading instruction. Candidates will have a variety of opportunities to reflect, to apply their knowledge and to share their experiences.
Pre-requisite:
Open to members of the Ontario College of Teachers who have successfully completed AQ Reading Part I.
Evidence of at least one school year of successful teaching experience,
as certified by an appropriate supervisory officer or the appropriate
supervisory official.
The Additional Qualification Course: Kindergarten Part I explores the theoretical foundations, the development of learners, program planning and implementation, assessment, the learning environment and ethical considerations related to teaching and learning. Critical to the implementation of this course is the modeling of a positive learning environment that reflects care, professional knowledge, ethical practice, leadership and ongoing learning.
Education Courses
EDU 251 - Children's Literature (PJI)
A survey of standards, classic and contemporary books for children, with special consideration of literature’s capacity to delight, to instruct and to shape the values and convictions of young readers. (3.0 credits)
Dr. Steve Sider has been involved with teaching at the elementary, secondary, and university levels for the last 20 years. He completed a Master of Education (2000) in Educational Leadership at Brock University and a Ph.D. (2006) in Educational Studies at The University of Western Ontario. Dr. Sider is currently a professor in the Faculty of Education at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario, where he teaches courses in special education. Previously the Director of Teacher Education at Redeemer University College, he holds a Specialist AQ in Special Education and has experience as a resource teacher in Niagara. The Special Education, Part I, AQ course taught at Redeemer University College for the last five years by Dr. Sider continues to be a popular, impactful, and eagerly anticipated AQ course.