Education deans sign historic agreement

UVic representatives were among the members of the Association of B.C. Deans of Education who have signed a historic agreement with the B.C. College of Teachers.

Where previously the college was responsible for reviewing and approving teacher education programs, now the two parties will co-operate in assessing graduates of programs based on the standards for the education, competence and professional conduct of educators in B.C.

"As far as we know, this agreement marks the first time in Canada that a professional body has collaborated with post-secondary institutions on the development and licensing of professionals," says Dr. Yvonne Martin-Newcombe, associate dean of education. Dean of education Dr. Budd Hall played a significant role in concluding the agreement.

The college and the association have been working since the fall of 2003 to develop the agreement following a period of strained relations. The agreement commits both parties to regular ongoing consultation to ensure that teacher education program graduates are well-qualified to begin their professional teaching careers. Teacher education programs will develop specific assessments to measure whether their graduates meet the standards and will conduct in-depth reviews of their programs every five years.

The college will audit the validity of an institution's assessments and the college and the association will appoint joint committees to appraise the reviews and approve new programs.