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 based on the OCT Professional Standards.

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.

Attendance

Attendance for onsite and online synchronous sessions are mandatory. For AQ programs, this time accounts for the required 125 hours of instruction for Ontario College of Teachers’ recognition on teaching certificates. 

Candidates who are unable to attend one of these sessions are required to complete an appropriate assignment to account for the time missed. 

Late Assignments

Candidates should submit all program/course assignments within the allotted time after the official end date (e.g., two weeks). Under exceptional circumstances where a candidate proactively shares that an extension is required after the program/course closes, they should complete the Request for Due Date Extension Form that must be approved by the Registrar. All requests must be received prior to the official course/program end date.

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. 

 Step 1 – Informal Discussion
 

Steps

Details

Informal Discussion

Initial step to potentially resolve issues of concern in discussion with the

  • candidate/participant
  • facilitator and 
  • program lead (if applicable).
 Step 2 – Appeal Panel
 

Steps

Details

Appeal Panel

If issues cannot be resolved, a formal appeal can be requested in writing outlining

  • area(s) of concern 
  • reasons why candidate believes area(s) and other information the candidate deems relevant.

 

An appeal panel will be convened consisting of the 

  • Director of Professional Learning/OPC Registrar and an
  • individual of the candidate’s choosing, who is a practising principal or supervisory officer.

 

The appeal panel will review all documentation and might also speak with individuals involved as needed for clarification.

 

The panel decision will be final and communicated in writing to all parties involved.