CONT805: Safe and Accepting Schools

Course Schedule

Course Description

This course explores the principles, pedagogical practices, and leadership approaches that support the development of safe, inclusive, equitable, and identity-affirming learning environments in Ontario schools. Through critical reflection, collaborative inquiry, and practice-based learning, you will examine Ontario legislation and policy, anti-oppressive and culturally responsive practices, trauma-informed approaches, universal design for learning (UDL), assessment, Indigenous perspectives and reconciliation, and student well-being. Grounded in current research, Ontario educational frameworks, and the Ontario College of Teachers’ (OCT’s) ethical standards and standards of practice, the course emphasizes reflective practice, professional inquiry, and collaborative leadership. Course participants will learn to develop responsive strategies that foster belonging, inclusion, and well-being for all learners.

What You Will Learn and Do

In this course, you’ll have the opportunity to

• analyze Ontario educational legislation, policies, professional standards, and human rights frameworks to inform ethical, equitable, accessible, and inclusive practices that support safe and accepting schools
• apply anti-oppression, culturally responsive, and relevant pedagogical, and identity-affirming approaches to recognize, challenge, and disrupt systemic barriers while promoting equity, belonging, and student success
• integrate First Nations, Métis, and Inuit histories, perspectives, knowledge systems, and pedagogical approaches into professional practice in authentic, respectful ways that support reconciliation and honour Indigenous rights
• design safe, inclusive, accessible, and identity-affirming learning environments that intentionally foster student well-being, belonging, voice, agency, and positive relationships
• implement evidence-informed instructional, assessment, and evaluation practices, including UDL, differentiated instruction, and responsive assessment approaches, that reduce barriers and support the strengths and diverse needs of all learners
• respond to complex classroom and school-based situations using trauma-informed, restorative, culturally responsive, and progressive discipline approaches that uphold student dignity, human rights, and equitable educational outcomes
• collaborate with students, families, caregivers, colleagues, Indigenous communities, and community partners to strengthen relationships, support learner well-being, and contribute to safe, caring, and inclusive school communities
• demonstrate professional leadership through reflective practice, collaborative inquiry, professional learning, and school improvement initiatives that advance equitable, inclusive, and safe learning environments

Application Requirements

An OCT membership.

Course Materials

Accommodations

Applicants who require accommodations for a specific learning need (e.g., learning disability) within their AQ/ABQ course, should click here for further information and support.

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Refund Schedule