Senate Agenda - EXHIBIT II - February 15, 2002

REPORT OF THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON ACADEMIC POLICY AND AWARDS (SCAPA)

FOR APPROVAL

1. Post-Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)

Recommended: That a Post-Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) be introduced by the Faculty of Education to provide additional Professional Learning Courses for teachers, effective May 1, 2002.

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Post-Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)

Admission Requirements: All registrants must have a B average in their undergraduate work.

Group 1: Members of the OCT
Students applying for the PGCE must meet the admission requirements for individual Additional Qualifications courses as they are outlined in the current Additional Qualifications Courses for Teachers calendar.

Group 2: Non-Members of OCT
Students who are not members of OCT must have appropriate background in specific subject areas and teacher certification from a jurisdiction other than Ontario.

Group 3: Candidates without teacher certification
Those who do not hold teaching certification will be considered for admission to the program by the CTE Office on a course-by-course basis.

Program: A series of routes are possible.

A combination of any five Additional Qualifications Courses, one of which must be a specialist qualification.

A three-part Additional Qualifications Course, a single session AQ course and a combination of any four Professional Learning Courses.

An Honour Specialist course, a three-part Specialist Additional Qualifications course and any combination of four Professional Learning Courses.

Note: Additional Basic Qualification courses may not be used for the PGCE.

Background:

New conditions for professional certification in Ontario and elsewhere will require a record of regular, continuing professional education in order to maintain currency in practice. The range of providers in recognized courses will go beyond the universities, to include professional organizations as well as private, for profit institutions. It thus becomes important that the courses offered by The University of Western Ontario be not only of the highest standard, but that they be offered in ways that maximize professional/employment benefits for potential students.

Recently all courses offered in the Continuing Teacher Education program (CTE) have undergone a complete revision so that the theoretical and research components have been intensified.

The Faculty of Education has received inquiries from other jurisdictions concerning the availability of the professional courses offered. The Additional Qualifications (AQ) Specialist offerings are at present limited to members of Ontario College of Teachers (OCT). Providing a route to a university recognized certificate would facilitate opening professional learning courses including Additional Qualifications to educators from districts other than Ontario.

Only courses offered by the UWO Faculty of Education through its Continuing Teacher Education Programs can be used in seeking the award of the Post Graduate Certificate in Teacher Education (PGCE)

Note: Additional Qualifications Courses (AQ) are listed in Regulation 184/97. The Ontario College of Teachers mandates that all AQ courses are 125 hours. All AQ courses offered at The University of Western Ontario have been approved by Senate.

Professional Learning Program (PLP) courses are mandated by the Ministry of Education and regulated through the Ontario College of Teachers. Professional Learning Program courses are a minimum of 5 hours of instruction. At the Faculty of Education, Western, it is anticipated that courses will be 36 hours (.5 credit weighting) or 20 hours (.25 credit weighting).

These are essay courses.

The following new courses have been submitted to DAP and will be introduced as part of this proposal.

Professional Learning Course (PLC) - Assessment .5 credit weighting PL E 01
This course is an overview of assessment, evaluation and reporting designed to provide teachers with the knowledge and skills to link curriculum planning to assessment practice, enhance student learning, respond to varied student needs and better address issues of accountability and reporting. Strategies such as anecdotal records, self and peer assessment, portfolios will be discussed.

PLC - Classroom Management .25 credit weighting PL E 02
This course provides an overview of approaches to positive classroom interaction. It explores the relevance of instructional design to student behaviour. Strategies to develop a culture of mutual respect, effective routines, procedures and discipline approaches, with due consideration for diversity within the classroom setting, are addressed.

PLC - Early Literacy Assessment .25 credit weighting PL E 03
This course provides background research and teaching strategies to support a balanced literacy program for primary students. Teaching strategies that support diverse learners in becoming strategic readers are explored. It explores assessment practices that improve teaching practice, literacy development and reporting to parents.

PLC - Professional Teaching Portfolios: Documenting Reflective Practice .25 credit weighting PL E 04
This course provides a rationale for the development and use of professional teaching portfolios. It explores the value of reflective practice and the need to document exemplary practice. Various alternatives for developing a portfolio are explored and guidance for compiling a professional portfolio is offered.

PLC - Professional Learning Course: Action Research .25 credit weighting PL 05
This course is an overview of action research. The action research cycle from identification of question, through review of relevant literature to re-casting of practical problems will be considered. A proposal for a mini project and the identification of a critical colleague will mark the culmination of the course.

PLC: Strategies for Grade 10 Literacy .25 credit weighting PL E 06
This course is provides the theory that underpins cognitive reading strategies, presents and explains the nature of such strategies, then provides opportunities for applying them with students at the secondary school. Strategies discussed are applicable in all subject areas across the secondary school.

PLC - Teaching in a Virtual World .5 credit weighting PL E 07
This course is provides an orientation to online teaching. A brief overview of the theory of virtual teaching will be extended into an exploration of what makes an on-line learning environment effective. Strategies for promoting online interaction, course development and assessment will be introduced.

PLC: Reading Strategies .25 credit weighting PL E 08
This course is provides the theory that underpins cognitive reading strategies, presents and explains the nature of such strategies, then provides opportunities for applying them with students. Strategies discussed are applicable in all subject areas across the elementary school.

PLC: English Grammar and Language Course .25 credit weighting PL E 09
This course will include a review of the writing process, revising and editing, standard English usage, and recognizing and correcting common errors in our own language and helping others to improve their language

and grammar.

PLC - Teaching Music - JK-Grade 3 .5 credit weighting PL E 10
This course will offer practical assistance in the teaching of music in the elementary school classroom, grades JK-3. Through interactive learning, participants will receive newfound skills, materials and strategies for teaching Music in the Primary Division.

PLC - Teaching Music - Grade 4-6 .5 credit weighting PL E 11
This course will offer practical assistance in the teaching of music in the elementary school classroom, grades 4-6. Through interactive learning, participants will receive newfound skills, materials and strategies for teaching Music in the Junior Division.

2. Policy on English Language Proficiency for Admission

Recommended: That all students applying for admission whose first language is not English be required to write one of the following:

a) Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) paper-based test with a minimum score of 580 and the Test of Written English (TWE) with a minimum score of 5.0; or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) computer-based test with a minimum score of 237.

b) The Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) test with a minimum overall score of 90 with no less than 80 in any section

c) The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum overall score of 7.0 with no less than 6.0 in any section.

d) Canadian Academic English Language assessment (CAEL) a minimum score of 70.

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY

Western is an English language university and proficiency in English is required of all students. Each student granted admission to Western must be proficient in spoken and written English. Students must demonstrate the ability to write clearly and correctly. Work presented in English in any subject, at any level, which shows a lack of proficiency in English and, therefore, is unacceptable for academic credit, either will be failed or, at the discretion of the instructor, returned to the student for revision to a literate level.

To foster competence in the use of English language within their own discipline, all instructors will take English proficiency into account in the assignment of grades.

All students applying for admission whose first language is not English are required to write one of the following:

a) Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) paper-based test with a minimum score of 580 and the Test of Written English (TWE) with a minimum score of 5.0; or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) computer- based test with a minimum score of 237.

b) The Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) test with a minimum overall score of 90 with no less than 80 in any section.

c) The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum overall score of 7.0 with no less than 6.0 in any section.

d) Canadian Academic English Language assessment (CAEL) with a minimum score of 70.

Scores will be reviewed in conjunction with the applicants' high school English grades, however, test scores will not be waived on the basis of such grades. Scores obtained for any test written before April 30 of the year prior to the year in which admission is sought will not be accepted. The Admissions Office may require any applicant to write the above tests.

Registration material for English Proficiency tests may be obtained by contacting one of the organizations listed below:

TOEFL

TOEFL Services
Educational Testing Services
P.O. Box 615
Princeton, NJ 08541-6151, USA
Telephone: (609) 771-7100
www.toefl.org

MELAB

English Language Institute
Testing and Certification Division
3020 North University Building
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1057 USA
Telephone: (734) 764-2416
Email: melabelium@umich.edu
www.lsa.umich.edu/eli/melab2.htm

IELTS

The IELTS Liaison Officer
British Council
10 Spring Gardens
London, England SW1A 2BN
Telephone: (071) 389-4031
www.ielts.org

Applicants are encouraged to write the tests at the earliest possible date and preferably before March of the year in which they are seeking admission.

Background:

It has become increasingly clear that Western's shift away from publishing minimum scores for English proficiency tests has attracted students to Western whose proficiency in English is below the level required for university study. English proficiency scores stated below are comparable to other universities across the country (see Appendix 1).

This requirement will not be waived on the basis of submission of OAC English or Grade 12 English grades. The Admissions Office may admit students who have scores within the discretionary range due to standard deviance in scores; however, such applicants will be required to take remedial ESL courses as designated by the University.

Scores will be reviewed in conjunction with applicants' high school English grades; however, test scores will not be waived on the basis of such grades. Scores obtained for any test written before April 30 of the year prior to the year in which admission is sought will not be accepted. The Admissions Office may require any applicant to write the above tests.

TEST Minimum Score Discretionary Range
TOEFL Paper Based 580 560-579
TWE 5 4.5
TOEFL Computer Based 237 220-236
IELTS 7.0 6.0
MELAB 90 85-89
CAEL 70 60-69

3. Name Change: Program and Courses in "Comparative Literature and Civilization" to be changed to "Comparative Literature and Culture"

Recommended: That effective September 1, 2002, the program and courses in "Comparative Literature and Civilization" be renamed "Comparative Literature and Culture."

Background:

The name is being updated to reflect recent changes in the programs and courses offered in the Department, including increased offerings in the area of world literature and culture. "Comparative Literature and Culture" is in line with the titles of most of the existing courses in the CLC programs (e.g., Western Culture across the Ages; African and Asian Cultures across the Ages; German Cultural Studies; Culture of the Enlightenment; etc.). It therefore describes the content of the program more clearly and accurately.

The new name also reflects current terminology in Humanities fields and in comparable programs at other universities. Examples are: Comparative Studies in Literature, Art, and Culture at Carleton University (formerly "Comparative Literature"); the Department of Modern Languages and Cultural Studies at the University of Alberta; the Department of Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures at Brock University; the Interdisciplinary Program in Literature, Film, and Culture at Duke University.

All references to Comparative Literature and Civilization on transcripts and diplomas, and in course and program references would be replaced by Comparative Literature and Culture. No changes to course content or program structure are involved in this proposal.

FOR INFORMATION

1. Excellence in Teaching Award Winners

2001-2002 Winners of The Edward G. Pleva Award for Excellence in Teaching

The Subcommittee on Teaching Awards (SUTA) has chosen the following faculty members as recipients of The Edward G. Pleva Award for Excellence in Teaching for 2001-2002:

Donald Hair
Department of English
Faculty of Arts

Stephen R. Hicock
Department of Earth Sciences
Faculty of Science

John M. Howard
Department of Medicine
Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry

Mitchell McInnes
Faculty of Law

2001-2002 Winner of The UWO Award for Excellence in Teaching by Part-Time Faculty

The Subcommittee on Teaching Awards (SUTA) has chosen the following faculty member as the recipient of The UWO Award for Excellence in Teaching by Part-Time Faculty:

Mary Millard
Department of Statistical and Actuarial Science
Faculty of Science

2001-2002 Winner of The Marilyn Robinson Award for Excellence in Teaching

The Subcommittee on Teaching Awards (SUTA) has chosen the following faculty member as the recipient of The Marilyn Robinson Award for Excellence in Teaching:

Tom Stavraky
Department of Physiology
Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry

SUTA Regulations are maintained at http://www.uwo.ca/univsec/sutaregs.html and the list of Western's teaching award winners is at http://www.uwo.ca/pvp/honors/faculty/teach/index.htm

2. New Scholarships

SCAPA has approved on behalf of the Senate the following Terms of Reference for new scholarships for recommendation to the Board of Governors through the Vice-Chancellor:

John F. Rankin - Government of Ontario Graduate Research Scholarships (2) (Faculty of Graduate Studies, Business)

Awarded to full-time Masters or Doctoral students conducting research in Business at the Richard Ivey School of Business. The OGS recipients will be selected by the Province of Ontario and will be based on academic achievement. These scholarships were established by a generous donation from the estate of Travers Fox.

Value: 2 at $15,000 including 2:1 Ontario Government match
Effective Date: May 2001

These funds will qualify for a 2:1 match under the Ontario Graduate Scholarships in Science and Technology (OGSST) Program.

Raymond L. McFeetors Scholarship in Honors Business Administration (Richard Ivey School of Business)

Awarded to a full-time undergraduate student of outstanding quality entering the Honors Business Administration program at the Richard Ivey School of Business, based on academic achievement in the first two years of his/her program at Western (minimum criterion of 80% entry average). The award will be tenable in first year of the HBA program, and renewable to second year based upon the maintenance of a minimum average of 80%. The recipient will be selected by the Scholarship and Awards Committee in the Richard Ivey School of Business. This award was established by Raymond L. McFeetors (President & CEO of Great-West Life and London Life) to commemorate his term on Western's Board of Governors.

Value: $1,250
Effective Date: May 2002

Dr. P.C. (Raju) and Jyoti Shah Student Scholarship (Faculty of Information & Media Studies, Media Information and Technoculture Program)

Awarded annually to a full-time undergraduate student in first year of the Media Information and Technoculture program based on academic achievement (minimum 80% admission average). This scholarship was made possible by a generous donation from Dr. P.C. (Raju) and Jyoti Shah through Foundation Western.

Value: $2,000
Effective Date: May 2002


Senate Agenda, February 15, 2002 - EXHIBIT II, Appendix 1

Comparison of Published English Proficiency Test Scores for Admission to Undergraduate Programs across Canada

Institution TOEFL (p) TWE TOEFL (c ) IELTS MELAB CAEL
U of T* 600 5 250 6.5 70 70
Queen's 580 5 237 7.0 90 na
York 560 na 220 7.0 82 na
U of A 580 na 237 6.5 90 70
U of Cal. 560 5.0 220 7.0 na na
U of Man. 550 na 213 6.5 80 na
Carleton 580 na 237 na na 70
Waterloo 580 na 237 7.0 85 na
McMaster* 560 4 220 na na **
Brock* 580 na 237 6.5 85 na
U of Sask. 550 na 231 6.5 85 na
WESTERN 580 5 237 7.0 90 70

(p) paper-based TOEFL

(c) computer-based TOEFL

*Denotes universities using discretionary ranges slightly below minimum stated in chart