Doncrest Option, 2012 – 2013
Primary/Junior/Intermediate
The Doncrest program is a field-based program that offers teacher candidates the opportunity to participate in an integrated learning environment. As well, it is designed to develop the candidate’s instructional methods in kindergarten to grade eight classrooms in a variety of schools. These schools are affiliated with the York Region District School Board and the York Catholic District School Board.
Courses of study occur both at OISE and at Doncrest Public School in the York Region District—Bayview Ave. and Highway 7—one day per week at OISE and four days at Doncrest (some weeks there may be more days at OISE for conferences or special classes). The classes run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This dual location provides you with an opportunity to access the resources of OISE as well as to develop and reflect on experiences in a school setting and access the resources of that school and district.
Program Description
The theme of the program, which is integrative in nature, centres on becoming an Instructionally Intelligent teacher. This implies becoming a teacher who can create powerful and inclusive learning environments for students. Instructional Intelligence refers to the intersection of assessment practices, curriculum knowledge, instructional methods, how students learn, and the process of educational change. For example, the program begins with an intensive four-day institute on TRIBES (a program which is designed to build inclusion, influence, and community in the classroom). Following TRIBES, you weave in a practical and humanistic approach to classroom management.
The Doncrest Option also focuses on lenses such as brain research, motivation, multiple intelligences and gender to assist in making wiser decisions and to integrate a variety of instructional approaches (e.g., Mind Mapping, Venn Diagrams, Framing Questions and Lesson Design etc). We also emphasize Balanced Literacy, accommodations and modifications for the exceptional learner and issues of equity and diversity.
Major Projects
Most major assignments are cross-course in nature rather than assignments in a specific course. They relate to practical applications in classroom settings. Cooperative group learning is an important aspect of several assignments and all daily class work. Teacher candidates should be prepared to actively participate in group work for course classes, as well as in-class and other assignments. Teacher candidates selecting this option must be prepared to work with a variety of individuals in order to get the most out of their Doncrest Option experience.
Practicum Experience
Field experiences are interactive in nature and are based on a mentoring model, providing candidates with frequent opportunities for timely feedback and reflection. Practicum experiences are closely tied to the candidates’ classroom experiences at OISE and Doncrest. Candidates will be paired with associates who apply in their classrooms what the candidates cover in their course work – we work at fostering a collaborative and collegial culture between the schools, districts, and OISE. While many practicum schools are easily accessible via public transportation, a car is recommended.
Further Info
Contact: Marion Ahrens or Ellen Walters
Special Features: Primary/Junior; Junior/Intermediate. An off-site program. Four days a week at Doncrest P.S. for academic program (Bayview Avenue and Highway 7).
Location of Practice Teaching Schools: York Region District School Board and York Catholic District School Board.