Professional Learning Expectations and Standards

The Ontario Principals’ Council (OPC) offers a variety of professional learning opportunities including Additional Qualifications (AQ) programs that are accredited through the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) and online courses. These learning opportunities are based on the Ethical Standards and Standards of Practice that are also articulated within the Professional Learning Framework for the Teaching Profession and its guiding principles.

A combination of asynchronous and synchronous components provides a structure that is intended to recognize the demands that school leaders have on their time, while providing essential opportunities to collaborate and engage in discussions to critically reflect and solidify learning. 

Candidates/participants are expected to: 

• demonstrate honesty, responsibility and trust in the submission and representation of their academic work and related professional experiences 
• be respectful, collaborative and inclusive through their interactions, assignments, synchronous and asynchronous dialogue/discussions and any other form of communication with candidates/participants and facilitators
• be open to receiving feedback from facilitators and candidates/participants, using it constructively to improve their learning
• Engage in learning activities and complete all required tasks and assignments as outlined at the start of the course and 
• demonstrate a commitment to their own learning and growth throughout the course, actively seeking opportunities to expand their knowledge and understanding by attending all synchronous session and engage in all course dialogue / discussions.

All candidates/participants should communicate with the course facilitator(s) if there is an issue with completing coursework, attending synchronous sessions and/or meeting the expectations and standards outlined.

Academic Integrity

In alignment with promoting public trust and confidence in public education, educators must demonstrate honesty, responsibility and trust in the submission and representation of their academic work and related professional experiences. Cheating, plagiarism and misrepresentation of any kind is unacceptable and will be addressed using a progressive discipline model.

Examples of unacceptable behaviours include

• submitting forged or falsified documents
• using unauthorized aids or tools in producing academic work and
• representing an idea or work of another as one's own (i.e., plagiarism).

Individuals engaging in programs and learning opportunities offered through OPC are expected to be respectful and inclusive through interactions, assignments and any form of communication. All course materials and resources should not be copied or distributed, in whole or in part, without the express permission of the OPC.

Appeal Process

The appeal process is in place to ensure that transparent steps are in place if a candidate/participant disagrees with the assessment and evaluation within a program. These appeal procedures are transparent, based on due process and designed to ensure prompt, fair and equitable treatment of all concerned.