Council of College of Teachers Releases Consultation Paper on Teacher Testing
February 09 2000
TORONTO The Council of the Ontario College of Teachers approved today the
release of the College's consultation document on the governments plan to
test teachers. The government requested the College's advice on the issue in
November 1999.
The 100-page consultation paper, which includes 22 options, will be the centerpiece
of a broad public conultation between February 14 and March 3.
We told our members and the public, when the government announced that it
would seek the College's advice on teacher testing, that we would maintain
our high standards of research and consultation, said Council Chair Donna
Marie Kennedy.
This document is grounded on solid and thorough research in Ontario, in Canada
and around the world. It provides invaluable information for our members, education
stakeholders and the public. It will enable informed comment on the governments
initiative.
The College's consultation paper addresses the five parameters set out by
the government:
- regular assessment of teachers knowledge and skills
- methodologies that include both written and other assessment techniques
- a link to re-certification
- remediation for those who fail assessment
- de-certification as a consequence if remediation is unsuccessful.
The paper reviews Ontarios legislative framework, the regulatory duties of
school principals, school boards and the Ministry of Education, as well as
the mandate of the Ontario College of Teachers. It takes an in-depth look at
how other self-regulating bodies in Ontario implement quality assurance programs
and how these programs are tied to the certification of members. It also provides
detailed information on programs in the U.S. and around the world aimed at
ensuring the competency of the teaching profession.
The paper is the core piece of the College's consultation with more than 42
stakeholder groups. It will be posted on the College's web site at www.oct.ca
on February 14, along with an electronic response form with 22 options for
consideration by members of the College and the public.
The College expects to present a full data analysis of the consultation at
a special Council meeting on April 10.
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For more information:
Denys Gigure
Media Relations Officer
416-961-8800, ext. 221
1-888-534-2222, ext. 221
