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Alternative Practicum - 2012-2013

Brief Overview for Host Professionals

Alternative Practicum Package 2012-2013 - To be given to the Host Professional

The package contains a Thank You letter for your Host Professional, the Education Placement Agreement form to be completed and sent back on the first day of your Alternative Practicum and, the Record of Practicum Experience form which is completed by your Host Professional(s) at the end of your Alternative Practicum placement(s).  A copy of the Record of Alternative Practicum Experience form(s) must be submitted to the Practicum Office as part of your mark for PRAC 190/191.

On-line Alternative Practicum Arrangement form

Deadline:  December 7, 2012.  For candidates who plan to go to a school in an Ontario School Board for which the Practicum Office must make the request on your behalf (EDU on Board Protocol list) for the Alternative Practicum.

Deadline:  January 18, 2013.  For candidates in all other placement settings.

The Practicum Office will need:

  • Copy of Record of Alternative Practicum Experience form for Alternative practicum
  • Education Placement Agreement - For Workers' Compensation purposes, Queen's University Environmental Health and Safety department requires all Teacher Candidates to complete and submit an Education Placement Agreement form for the Alternative Practicum on or before the first day of the placement.  This form must be signed by all parties and submitted to the Practicum Office, with a copy kept on file at the Host School or Institution.

Alternative Practicum in an Ontario School Board
Alternative Practicum in Canadian North
Alternative Practicum in a High Risk setting
Alternative Practicum Outside Canada (Bursary Information included)
Alternative Practicum in Canadian Industry or the Private Sector   

What is the alternative practicum?
The alternative practicum is an opportunity to explore an area of educational interest within a context that is different from that experienced during the three regular practicum blocks.

When is the alternative practicum?
The dates of the 3-week alternative practicum are March 11 - 28, 2013. This incorporates the March Break of all Ontario schools (March 11-15). There must be a minimum of 90 hours (30 hours per week equivalent) completed over the 3 weeks.

What can I explore during my alternative practicum?
The topic of exploration for the alternative practicum should be consistent with one of the goals of your particular program focus course (FOCI). For example, if you are in the program focus course that looks at exceptional learners, then you should be exploring a topic related to exceptional learners. Your program focus instructor will facilitate your explorations of topic and location as these instructors have past knowledge of alternative practicum placements that other teacher candidates have experienced. Your program focus instructor can also supply you with a letter of introduction that may help you in obtaining a placement. As well, an on-line database of potential locations and activities for the alternative practicum is available on the computers in B217. (An email will be sent out to the TC-L list with instructions on how to access the database.) A binder of previous placements is also available in the Practicum Office. Your program focus instructor needs to approve your topic of exploration and needs to confirm the intended location of your alternative practicum.

Certain P/J teacher candidates are not in a program focus course. In that situation, the topic of exploration should be consistent with your EDST course, your FOUN course, or a topic addressed in PROF 100 or PROF 155. Meetings for P/J candidates not in a program focus course will be scheduled. The Practicum Office can also supply you with a letter of introduction that may help you in obtaining a placement. The Practicum Manager will need to approve your topic of exploration and confirm the intended location of your alternative practicum. Most approvals can be obtained via electronic conversations without the need for a face-to-face meeting.

What forms will I need to complete for the alternative practicum?

You must complete the on-line Alternative Practicum Arrangement form with the details of your placement.  Your FOCI instructor or designate, will then access the database in which your information is recorded, and either approve or reject your setting.  You will receive an email immediately upon submission of the information, indicating receipt.  You will receive another email later, from your FOCI instructor or designate indicating whether your placement has been approved or not.  If you are requesting a placement in a District School Board in which the Practicum Office must make the request on your behalf, the approval of the FOCI instructor or designate, does not mean the placement has been approved by the District School Board.  The Practicum Office will email you directly, once confirmation from the District School Board has been obtained.

 

Off-Campus Activity Safety Policy Planning Procedure (OCASP).  Manageable-Higher Risk - This refers to an off-campus activity that has the potential to expose participants to hazards that are significantly greater than those likely to be encountered in their everyday lives.  For example:

  • Potential risks that may be associated with the activity itself, such as scuba diving, rock climbing, climbing ladders in a theatre, winter camping, etc.;
  • Any activitiy that involves travel through or to a country or region for which a travel or health advisory is in effect;
  • All international activities involving undergradate or professional student participants.

Upon completion of the Alternative Practicum, candidates must submit a copy of the Record of Alternative Practicum Experience form to both the Practicum Office, and the FOCI instructor or designate.  This form, along with the summative assessments from each of the practicum blocks, will be used to assign your mark for PRAC 190/191.   Your FOCI instructor or designate, will submit your mark for the FOCI course based on assignments, and the Record of Alternative Practicum Experience form.

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Alternative Practicum Within an Ontario School

The Practicum Office requires specific forms and information to be submitted for the Alternative Practicum prior to starting the practicum.

  1. Alternative Practicum Arrangement form - deadline December 7, 2012 for placements in Ontario School Boards - (EDU on the Board Protocol list), - deadline January 18, 2013 for all other placements.
  2. Education Placement Agreement form - completed, signed by all parties and returned to the Practicum Office on or before the first day of placement.
  3. Record of Alternative Practicum Experience form - deadline April 5, 2013

Candidates arranging the Alternative Practicum in an Ontario school (excluding private) must check and adhere to the Board Protocol for the board in which you want to arrange a placement.

Candidates wanting a placement in a board which indicates EDU as the Board Protocol must submit the request through the Practicum Office.  If a placement is requested and confirmed in an EDU board, the candidate must accept that placement.  Candidates should not request an EDU board, then arrange another placement elsewhere.  Candidates are encouraged to have a back-up plan in case a District School Board cannot accommodate the request, however if the board confirms a placement, it will take precedence.

The following boards are the only District School Boards in Ontario for which you can approach school principals directly.  Placements in any Ontario board not on the list below, must be formally requested through the Practicum Office.  There is a complete list of Ontario School Board Protocols.   Boards can change their protocol at any time so check web site frequently. 

Alqonquin-Lakeshore Catholic DSB   Limestone District School Board  
Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic DSB   London Catholic District School Board  
Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario   Ottawa-Carleton District School Board
  
Halton District School Board   Peterborough, Victoria Northumberland & Clarington Catholic District School Board
  
Hastings, Prince Edward District School Board   Renfrew District School Board  
Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board   St. Clair Catholic District School Board
 
Huron Perth Catholic District School Board   Trillium Lakelands District School Board  
Kawartha Pineridge District School Board   Upper Canada District School Board  
Lakehead District School Board   Waterloo Region District School Board  

Alternative Practicum Arrangement Form

Deadline: December 7, 2012 (for placements in Ontario School Boards - EDU on Board Protocol list)

Deadline: January 18, 2013 (for all other placements)


— This form must be completed and submitted on-line. Candidates able to submit the information during on-campus weeks are encouraged to do so. Candidates must adhere to District School Board Protocol when arranging an Alternative Practicum in an Ontario School.

Education Placement Agreement form

For liability and insurance purposes, Queen's University Environmental Health and Safety department requires all Teacher Candidates to complete and submit an Education Placement Agreement form.  This form must be signed by all parties on or before the first day of the placement and mailed or faxed to the Practicum Office, with a copy kept on file at the Associate School or Host Institution.

Record of Alternative Practicum Experience Form

A Record of Alternative Practicum Experience form must be completed by the Host of the Alternative Practicum.  This form outlines the tasks and duties completed during the Alternative Practicum as well as the number of hours completed. 

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Alternative Practicum in Canadian North

The Practicum Office requires specific forms and information to be submitted for the Alternative Practicum prior to starting the practicum.

  1. Alternative Practicum Arrangement form deadline December 7, 2012 for placements in Ontario School Board (EDU on the Board Protocol list), - deadline January 18, 2013 for all other placements.
  2. OCASP planning procedure submitted on-line to Practicum Manager.  
  3. Education Placement Agreement form - completed, signed by all parties and returned to the Practicum Office on or before the first day of placement.
  4. Record of Alternative Practicum Experience form - deadline April 5, 2013

Any candidate, regardless of location, participating in activities in which there is an elevated risk, must complete the Off-Campus Activity Safety Policy Planning Procedure.

Any placement days completed without OCASP approval will not be counted toward the fulfillment of the "PRAC" course requirements.

 

Alternative Practicum Arrangement Form

Deadline: December 7, 2012 (for placements in Ontario School Boards - EDU on Board Protocol list)

Deadline: January 18, 2013 (for all other placements)

— This form must be completed and submitted on-line. Candidates able to submit the information during on-campus weeks are encouraged to do so. Candidates must adhere to District School Board Protocol if arranging an Alternative Practicum in an Ontario School.

Off-Campus Activity Safety Policy Procedure

Candidates who arrange an Alternative Practicum in the far Canadian north or in a placement or activity that has the potential to expose you to hazards that are significantly greater than those likely to be encountered in your everyday life, must complete the on-line 'Off-Campus Activity Safety Policy' planning procedure.  The risks include limited access to medical services and/or phone/911 coverage) or regions with natural hazards such as rugged terrain or the potential for avalanches or extreme cold.

Education Placement Agreement form

For liability and insurance purposes, Queen's University Environmental Health and Safety department requires all Teacher Candidates to complete and submit an Education Placement Agreement form.  This form must be signed by all parties on or before the first day of the placement and mailed or faxed to the Practicum Office, with a copy kept on file at the Associate School or Host Institution.

Record of Alternative Practicum Experience Form

A Record of Alternative Practicum Experience form must be completed by the Host of the Alternative Practicum.  This form outlines the tasks and duties completed during the Alternative Practicum as well as the number of hours completed. 

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Alternative Practicum in a High Risk setting

The Practicum Office requires specific forms and information to be submitted for the Alternative Practicum prior to starting the practicum.

  1. Alternative Practicum Arrangement form - deadline December 7, 2012 for placements in Ontario School Board (EDU on Board Protocol list), - deadline January 18, 2013 for all other placements.
  2. OCASP form submitted on-line to Practicum Manager (for elevated risk placements).  
  3. Education Placement Agreement form - completed, signed by all parties and returned to the Practicum Office on or before the first day of placement.
  4. Record of Alternative Practicum Experience form - deadline April 5, 2013

Any candidate, regardless of location, participating in activities in which there is an elevated risk, must complete the Off-Campus Activity Safety Policy Planning Procedure (OCASP).

Any placement days completed without OCASP approval will not be counted toward the fulfillment of the "PRAC" course requirements.

 

Alternative Practicum Arrangement Form

Deadline: December 7, 2012 (for placements in Ontario School Boards - EDU on Board Protocol list)

Deadline: January 18, 2013 (for all other placements)

— This form must be completed and submitted on-line. Candidates able to submit the information during on-campus weeks are encouraged to do so. Candidates must adhere to District School Board Protocol if arranging an Alternative Practicum in an Ontario School.

 

Off-Campus Activity Safety Policy

Candidates who arrange an Alternative Practicum in a placement or activity that has the potential to expose you to hazards that are significantly greater than those likely to be encountered in your everyday life, must complete the on-line 'Off-Campus Activity Safety Policy' Planning Procedure (OCASP).  Examples of higher risk would be a placement in areas that have limited access to medical/phone/911 services; natural hazards such as rugged terrain or travel to avalanche zones; working at heights or in construction/industrial areas; environmental or health risks; working with inmates/young offenders, etc.

Education Placement Agreement form

For liability and insurance purposes, Queen's University Environmental Health and Safety department requires all Teacher Candidates to complete and submit an Education Placement Agreement form.  This form must be signed by all parties on or before the first day of the placement and mailed or faxed to the Practicum Office, with a copy kept on file at the Associate School or Host Institution.

Record of Alternative Practicum Experience Form

A Record of Alternative Practicum Experience form must be completed by the Host of the Alternative Practicum.  This form outlines the tasks and duties completed during the Alternative Practicum as well as the number of hours completed. 

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Alternative Practicum Outside Canada

Alternative Practicum Travel Fellowship

For anyone considering an international alternative practicum, there is a needs-based travel fellowship that can be used for partial financial support. Please note that funds may not be used for travel within Canada. Full details and application forms are available at http://educ.queensu.ca/fellowships/elliott.html. The first step in the process is to determine financial eligibility, and the deadline for that initial application is Tuesday, September 18, 2012. You do not need to have your placement arranged for this initial step in the process.

Below is a list of what must be done for the Alternative Practicum.  Deadlines are listed on some items whereas others will have a deadline specific to the department or facilitator.

  1. Submit Alternative Practicum Arrangement form to Practicum Office - deadline January 18, 2013
  2. Education Placement Agreement form - completed, signed by all parties and returned to the Practicum Office on or before the first day of placement.
  3. OCASP form submitted on-line to Practicum Manager.   
  4. Submit Record of Alternative Practicum Experience form to Practicum Office - deadline April 5, 2013

Even if your program focus instructor or the Practicum Manager confirms the appropriateness of your intended location for the alternative practicum, this is only the first step in a multi-step process that ends with getting approval for the location.

First, you need to check the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) website to ensure that the country and region of the country you are intending to travel to is safe. In the travel report and warning section, if the country or the region of the country is designated in either of the highlighted categories, then Queen’s will not approve the alternative practicum placement.

Exercise normal security precautions Exercise high degree of caution Avoid non-essential travel Avoid all travel
Exercise normal security precautions Exercise high degree of caution Avoid non-essential travel Avoid all travel

 

Alternative Practicum Arrangement Form

Deadline: January 18, 2013 — This form must be completed and submitted on-line. Candidates able to submit the information during on-campus weeks are encouraged to do so.  Candidates interested in an Alternative Practicum overseas in an international school are required to check with Education Careers Services (A101) before contacting such schools.

A Record of Practicum Experience form must be completed by the Host of the Alternative Practicum.  This form outlines the tasks and duties completed during the Alternative Practicum as well as the number of hours completed. 

Education Placement Agreement form

 

For liability and insurance purposes, Queen's University Environmental Health and Safety department requires all Teacher Candidates to complete and submit an Education Placement Agreement form.  This form must be signed by all parties on or before the first day of the placement and mailed or faxed to the Practicum Office, with a copy kept on file at the Associate School or Host Institution.

 

Off-Campus Activity Safety Policy Planning Procedure

Candidates who arrange an Alternative Practicum placement out of Canada must complete and submit the on-line 'Off-Campus Activity Safety Policy' Planning Procedure (OCASP) "high risk activity".  Travel to urban areas of the United States may qualify as a Low-Risk setting if the locality entails hazards no greater than those likely to be encountered by the participants in their everyday lives in Canada. In particular, there are no current, nor have there been any recent, Travel Warnings issued by DFAIT, and the DFAIT Travel Reports identify no hazards other than those which would be reasonably anticipated in urban Canada; and Travel to and from the locality of the activity does not involve passage via a “higher-risk” locality.

Once a candidate has received approval from the FOCI instructor (or designate) for a placement out of country (assuming compliance with DFAIT), arrangements can be made for travel and accommodation. It is highly recommended that candidates get cancellation insurance.  OCASP approval must still be given.

*It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure they meet all entry requirements for the country in which they plan to complete the Alternative Practicum.  For tourist Visa requirements visit:  www.voyage.gc.ca/preparation_information/tourist-visas-tourisme-eng.asp

Record of Alternative Practicum Experience Form

A Record of Alternative Practicum Experience form must be completed by the Host of the Alternative Practicum.  This form outlines the tasks and duties completed during the Alternative Practicum as well as the number of hours completed. 

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Alternative Practicum in Canadian Industry or Private Sector

The Practicum Office requires specific forms and information to be submitted for the Alternative Practicum prior to starting the practicum.

  1. Alternative Practicum Arrangement form - deadline January 18, 2013
  2. OCASP form submitted on-line to Practicum Manager (for elevated risk placements).   
  3. Education Placement Agreement form - completed, signed by all parties and returned to the Practicum Office on or before the first day of placement.
  4. Record of Alternative Practicum Experience form - deadline April 5, 2013

Any candidate, regardless of location, participating in activities in which there is an elevated risk, must complete the Off-Campus Activity Safety Policy Planning Procedure.

Any placement days completed without OCASP approval will not be counted toward the fulfillment of the "PRAC" course requirements.

 

Alternative Practicum Arrangement Form

Deadline: January 18, 2013 — This form must be completed and submitted on-line. Candidates able to submit the information during on-campus weeks are encouraged to do so. 

A Record of Practicum Experience form must be completed by the Host of the Alternative Practicum.  This form outlines the tasks and duties completed during the Alternative Practicum as well as the number of hours completed. 

 

Off-Campus Activity Safety Policy Planning Procedure

Candidates who arrange an Alternative Practicum in a placement or activity that has the potential to expose you to hazards that are significantly greater than those likely to be encountered in your everyday life, must complete the on-line 'Off-Campus Activity Safety Policy' Planning Procedure (OCASP). Examples of higher risk would be a placement in areas that have limited access to medical/phone/911 services; natural hazards such as rugged terrain or travel to avalanche zones; working at heights or in construction/industrial areas; environmental or health risks; working with inmates/young offenders, etc.

Education Placement Agreement form

For liability and insurance purposes, Queen's University Environmental Health and Safety department requires all Teacher Candidates to complete and submit an Education Placement Agreement form.  This form must be signed by all parties on or before the first day of the placement and mailed or faxed to the Practicum Office, with a copy kept on file at the Associate School or Host Institution.

 

Record of Alternative Practicum Experience Form

A Record of Alternative Practicum Experience form must be completed by the Host of the Alternative Practicum.  This form outlines the tasks and duties completed during the Alternative Practicum. 

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