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Bachelor of Education

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Credential
Bachelor's Degree
Duration

4 Years

Location
Main Campus
The Program

Students who complete the Bachelor of Education degree will be well-prepared to teach in today's inclusive learning environments. Through a common set of courses, students will earn minors in both inclusive education and integrated instructional design. With practicum experiences in different contexts each year, including a full-term practicum, students gain a deep understanding of educational theory, Indigenous perspectives, and professional practice. After their First Year Studies, students choose an Early Years (K - 4), Middle Years (5 - 9), or Secondary Years (10 - 12) specialization for their curriculum focus. Four foundational principles (Relationships and Community; Foundational Knowledge; Bridging Theory to Professional Practice; and Social Responsibility and Inclusion) are emphasized throughout the program to ensure that graduates will meet the Alberta (2018) Teaching Quality Standard (TQS) and enter their teaching career equipped with the knowledge and skills to design high-quality, socially responsible, and authentic learning opportunities that meet learner needs.

Program Outcomes

At the end of this program, graduating students will be able to:

1. Identify and analyze contextual variables that affect teaching and learning, to problem solve and advance learning in a creative and constructively critical manner.

2. Integrate knowledge and strategies to build inclusive learning environments that are welcoming, caring, respectful, safe, and that embrace diversity.

3. Demonstrate interpersonal skills to build positive relationships and collaborate effectively with peers, students, educators, and community partners within various learning communities. 

4. Use information literacy, technology, and research skills with academic integrity to communicate effectively and support teaching and learning. 

5. Develop foundational knowledge of the programs of study, legal frameworks, and policies that provide the foundation for the Alberta Education system. 

6. Demonstrate the characteristics of a competent, ethical, reflective, professional teacher and lifelong learner. 

7. Identify and apply effective, research-informed pedagogical practice relating to curriculum, planning, instruction, assessment, human development, and classroom leadership. 

8. Develop and apply foundational knowledge of Indigenous ways of knowing, doing, and being for the benefit of all learners. 

9. Assess philosophical, political and social issues at international, national, provincial, and local levels and their influence on education. 

10. Exemplify a social responsibility mindset to advocate for accessible, equitable, and quality education for all learners. 

Program Content

All Bachelor of Education students will take a common set of courses, as listed below. Students will enter their specialization cohort (Early Years, Middle Years, or Secondary Years) in Year Two. Although the course outcomes remain the same, the curriculum focus (Alberta Program of Studies), strategies, and resources will be geared toward grade-level appropriate pedagogy, developing the specialization for each level. The remaining non-Education courses needed to develop a major or minor in teachable subject areas, provide students with option courses, and meet program requirements, will be provided by other Schools.

Early Years and Middle Years Specializations

(Separate cohorts starting in Year Two)

Year   Course Number Title Academic  Credits
1 EDUC 1301 Interpersonal Relationships 3
1 EDUC 1304 Inclusive Learning Environments 3
1 EDUC 1305 Child Development 3
1 EDUC 1500  The Teaching Profession 3
1 EDUC 1302 Educational Technology 3
       
1 ENGL 219 Essay Composition 3
1 ENGL 220 Literary Analysis 3
1 - Non-Ed Canadian Studies 3
1 - Non-Ed Math 3
1 - Option Option 1 3
       
2 EDUC 2311 Indigenous Ways 3
2 EDUC 2801 English Language Education 3
2 EDUC 2802 Mathematics Education 3
2 EDUC 2500 Social Equity and Inclusion 3
2 EDUC 2803 Language Learning and Literacy 3
2 EDUC 2804 Numeracy 3
2 - Non-Ed Science 3
2 - Open Option 2 3
2 - Minor 1 3
2 - Minor 2 3
       
3 EDUC 3322 Assessment in Education 3
3 EDUC 2805 Foundational Knowledge 3
3 EDUC 2312 Designing Learning 3
3 EDUC 3500 Practicum I Legal Frameworks 9
3 EDUC 3806 Social Studies Education 3
3 EDUC 3807 Science Education 3
3 - Minor 3 3
3 - Minor 4 3
       
4 EDUC 3808 Arts Education 3
4 EDUC 3809 Health and Physical Education 3
4 EDUC 3342 Designing Integrated Learning 3
4 EDUC 4500 Practicum II Professional Term 12
4 EDUC 4305 Reflective Practice 3
4   Minor 5 3
4   Minor 6 3

 

Secondary Years Specialization*

Year Course Number Title Academic Credits
1 EDUC 1301 Interpersonal Relationships 3
1 EDUC 1304 Inclusive Learning Environments 3
1 EDUC 1305 Child Development 3
1 EDUC 1500 The Teaching Profession 3
1 EDUC 1302 Education Technology 3
       
1 ENGL 219 Essay Composition 3
1 ENGL 220 Literary Analysis 3
1 - Minor 1 3
1 - Minor 2 3
1 - Minor 3 3
       
2 EDUC 2311 Indigenous Ways 3
2 EDUC 2801 English Language Education 3
2 EDUC 2802 Mathematics Education 3
2 EDUC 2500 Social Equity and Inclusion 3
2 - Teachable Major 1 3
2 - Teachable Major 2 3
2 - Teachable Major 3 3
2 - Teachable Major 4 3
2 - Teachable Major 5 3
2 - Teachable Major 6 3
       
3 EDUC 3322 Assessment in Education  3
3 EDUC 2805 Foundational Knowledge 3
3 EDUC 2312 Designing Learning 3
3 EDUC 3500 Practicum I Legal Frameworks 9
3 EDUC 3806 Social Studies Education 3
  Or    
3 EDUC 3807 Science Education 3
3 - Teachable Major 7 3
3 - Teachable Major 9 3
3 - Minor 4 3
       
4 EDUC 3808 Arts Education 3
4 EDUC 3809 Health and Physical Education 3
4 EDUC 3342 Designing Integrated Learning 3
4 EDUC 4500 Practicum II Professional Term 12
4 EDUC 4305 Reflective Practice 3
4 - Minor 5 3
4 - Minor 6 3

* Students in the Secondary specialization will choose either EDUC 3806 (Social Studies Education) or EDCS 3807 (Science Education) for their curriculum focus.                                                                        

    Admission Requirements

    Related Link: Admission requirements for specific programs will often refer to Alberta Grade 12 course groups. Visit the Admissions page for detailed group descriptions.

    Eligibility for admission to the Bachelor of Education program at Red Deer Polytechnic requires applicants to meet minimum academic and non-academic requirements. Qualified applicants who meet all minimum requirements will be offered admission, on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Academic Requirements 

    Minimum overall average of 65% with no mark below 50% in:

    1. ELA 30-1 with a mark of at least 65%
    2. Math 30-1 with a mark of at least 50% or Math 30-2 with a mark of at least 65%
    3. Social Studies 30-1 with a mark of at least 50% or Social Studies 30-2 with a mark of at least 65%
    4. 1 course from Group C
    5. 1 course from Group A, B or C or Physical Education 30

    Non-academic Requirements

    Completion of the Casper Test.

    Completion of Casper is mandatory in order to maintain admission eligibility. Applicants are encouraged to complete the Casper promptly after applying to the Bachelor of Education program as the Casper score is a factor that is considered in the admission decision process. More information about the Casper Test is provided below.

    Additional Requirements

    1. Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency in addition to the program admission requirements.
    2. Applicants with Study Permits that are admitted to a program that has a practicum or clinical placement in childcare, primary/secondary school teaching or health service field occupations must complete their Medical Authorization as required by Citizenship and Immigration Canada one month prior to the start of classes.
    3. Indigenous applicants are encouraged to review the program admission features information provided below.
    4. Students must meet high school course prerequisites for all required post-secondary courses in some majors or minors. The prerequisite courses are not required for admission but are necessary to register in the post-secondary course. High school equivalent courses are offered through Academic Upgrading at Red Deer Polytechnic.
    5. While not an admission requirement for the program, applicants are advised that they will be required to provide a current Criminal Record Check including Vulnerable Sector Check. The existence of a criminal record may prevent access to courses scheduled in schools, practicum placement, program completion, and professional licensure and therefore affect future employment prospects. Students should be prepared for expenses related to the acquisition of these documents annually.
    6. Applicants should be aware that all Bachelor of Education graduates who apply for certification as a teacher in Alberta will be subject to the following restrictions on eligibility:

              a). evidence of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency     
              b). evidence of proficiency in English or French.
              c). Except where the Minister of Education decides otherwise, the Registrar (Teacher Development and Certification, Alberta Education) shall not issue a teaching certificate to:

    1.  a person who has been convicted for an indictable offense under the Criminal Code; or
    2. a person whom the Registrar has reason to believe should not be issued a certificate.

    The Registrar shall refuse to issue a teaching certificate to any applicant possessing an indictable criminal conviction. The Registrar may refuse to issue a teaching certificate to an applicant possessing a criminal conviction of a nature deemed unsuitable for teaching children or for any other reason. Applicants may appeal the decision of the Registrar to a Certification Appeal Committee established by the Minister. Appeals must be made in writing within 30 days of being advised of the Registrar's decision not to issue a certificate.

    For additional information please contact the Registrar, Teacher Development and Certification, Alberta Education at 310.000 and then 780.427.2045 or see: https://www.alberta.ca/teacher-certification.aspx

    Casper Test

    The Casper test is a situational judgement test that provides information about applicants who are interested in people-orientated professions such as teaching. This standardized online test takes between 60 and 90 minutes and assesses the personal and professional attributes that are needed to be successful students and future teachers.

    Applicants are required to first submit their application to Red Deer Polytechnic, then register for a Casper test on the Casper website.

    Casper test results are sent directly to Red Deer Polytechnic on the applicant’s behalf and will inform the admission decision. It can take two to four weeks for Casper results to be released. Applicants with incomplete or missing Casper scores will not be considered for admission.

    Applicants are only permitted to do the Casper assessment once per annual admission cycle.  Applicants who have taken the test in previous years will be expected to retake it. 

    Taking the Casper test requires a computer with audio capabilities, a webcam, and a reliable internet connection on the selected test date.

    Further information about the Casper test is available at: https://takealtus.com/casper/.

    Continuation Requirements

    In Program Requirements:

    Admission into Bachelor of Education program specializations (Year Two) requires successful completion of 10 courses including the five required Year One Education (EDUC) courses with a minimum GPA of 2.5.

    Graduation Requirements

     

    Successful completion of all degree requirements, obtaining 120 credits with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.

    Early Years (K-4) and Middle Years (5-9) specializations:

    • 39 credits in non-Education courses (including 3 credits Canadian Studies, 3 credits Science, 3 credits Math and 6 credits in English Literature and Composition).
    • Successful completion of 21 weeks of supervised practicum; 81 credits in Education courses.

    Secondary Years (10-12) specialization:

    • 24 credits in teaching subject major and 6 credits in English Literature and Composition.
    • Successful completion of 21 weeks of supervised practicum; 72 credits in Education courses.

    A maximum of 30 credits from other recognized institutions may be transferred toward this degree.

    Related Careers

    While the focus of the proposed Education degree is preparation to teach in the K-12 sector, not everyone with a Bachelor of Education degree will seek employment as a classroom teacher in Alberta.  Labour demand data does indicate a demand for employees in other sectors that would hire employees with Bachelor of Education degrees. This can include working with community organizations, in corporate training, or in childcare, as home support workers, as education assistants, coaches, referees, or tutors.  Pursuing a graduate degree and working within a post-secondary setting are other possibilities, as is teaching in other provinces or internationally.

    Program Admission Features

    In order to facilitate greater participation of Indigenous learners in the Bachelor of Education degree program, 10% of total seats are designated for qualified Indigenous applicants. Unfilled designated seats will be released on June 1st to qualified applicants on the program waitlist, if one exists.

    In accordance with the Constitution Act, 1982, Part II, Section 35(2) the applicant must meet the definition of Indigenous as an Indian, Inuit, or Métis person of Canada, or a person who is accepted by one of the Indigenous peoples of Canada as a member of their community.

    Indigenous applicants must meet the admission requirements for the program as outlined in the Academic Calendar and qualify for a designated seat by:

    • Self-identifying as an Indigenous applicant on the Application for Admission.
    • Providing proof of Indigenous ancestry (one of the following):
      • Certified copy of a Status or Treaty card, Metis membership card, Nunavut Trust Certificate card, roll number or any other proof accepted by Inuit communities.
      •  Proof that an ancestor’s name has been entered in: the Indian Register according to the Indian Act, band list of an individual band, or the Inuit roll.
      • Written confirmation of Indigenous ancestry from Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada.
      • Statutory Declaration by an applicant attesting to Aboriginal ancestry with supporting documentation.

    Other forms of proof may also be considered at the discretion of the Registrar