Training Parents and Teachers To Awaken the Child’s Potential
1627 West Main Street, Suite 439 Bozeman, Montana 59715
Phone: (406) 219-7266 FAX: (406) 848-9246
September 1, 2011 Early Childhood Course: Ages 2! - 6
References to AMS throughout this document are solely to indicate that those standards and requirements are being followed and in no way imply AMS affiliation at this time.
Who We Are Founded in 1980, Age of Montessori grew out of the interest and dedication of a group of educators at a private school in California. In 1979, Dr. Elisabeth Caspari, a personal friend and coworker of Dr. Maria Montessori and a teacher educator for more than twenty years, came to visit our school. She said the spirit of her beloved teacher, Maria Montessori, was alive and well there. Caspari decided to join forces with school Director Mary Ellen Maunz to launch a new training program. She moved to California from her home in Hilton Head, South Carolina, and on January 6, 1980, our teacher education program was inaugurated in conjunction with the Pan-American Montessori Society. Mary Ellen Maunz taught a total of ten courses with Elisabeth Caspari in various locations in Southern California and Georgia. In 1983, Dr. Caspari and Dr. Feland Meadows, founders of the Pan-American Montessori Society, conferred upon Mary Ellen the Master Teacher credential in dual ceremonies in Mexico City and Los Angeles. In 1991, our program became independent. Mary Ellen served as member of the Board of Directors and Commissioner for Accreditation with the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE) representing Independent Courses for the next ten years. Maunz continues to work with MACTE as an onsite evaluator. Dr. Caspari, honored by both the American Montessori Society and the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education for her lifelong contribution to Montessori education, continued as a guest lecturer at our courses until 1996. She passed away in 2002 at the age of 102. In 2007, Mary Ellen Maunz took her independent course to Saint Petersburg, Russia, where she continues to teach each summer. In 2011, we expanded from a brick and mortar training center serving students in a few select cities to an online course available to students around the world. Age of Montessori is here!
Philosophy Age of Montessori is dedicated to the proposition that Maria Montessori brought more than a method. She brought a message and that message can change the world. The message is the true nature of childhood and the unleashing of the inner potential of every child through engaging what Montessori called the “Inner Teacher.” This course places an emphasis on the spiritual nature of the child that you will not find anywhere else. It focuses on the true message of Maria Montessori, which she calls the “liberation of the spirit.” In Spontaneous Activity in Education, Montessori wrote: “I believe that the work of the educator consists primarily in protecting the powers and directing them without disturbing them in their expansion; and in the bringing of man into contact with that spirit which is within him and which should operate through him.” Even in the twenty-first century, many people do not understand the true nature of the child. A child’s work is nothing less than the building of the man or woman of tomorrow. He or she does this according to fundamental laws first recognized by Maria Montessori over ninety-five years ago. Only by understanding these laws can we assist the child in his or her development. We believe that a revolution in education is one of the keys to solving, not only the problems in schools, but worldwide problems such as illiteracy, hunger, poverty, and even war. We have faith in the child as Montessori describes him, as a “savior capable of regenerating the human race and society.” By taking this course, you can be a part of the revolution in education. Find out how you can make a difference!
But this course is not just for teachers-to-be. It is also for parents—especially home schooling parents—grandparents, psychologists, doctors, nurse practitioners, school administrators, and all who have an interest in meeting the vital needs of children. You will take home with you a wealth of practical knowledge to pass on to the children in your life. You will learn how to help them be happier, more creative, and more successful throughout their lives by taking this Age of Montessori course.
Purpose Age of Montessori was founded to provide a Montessori teacher education program, first and foremost, to meet the needs of those wishing to pursue Montessori certification. Secondly, we offer a non-credit program for varied groups such as schools and individual teachers wishing to renew and deepen their understanding, parents, interested educators, and those seeking personal educational mastery and psychological development for their own inner children. The non-certification option does not prepare students to teach. Our goal is to thoroughly prepare teachers and/or parents to understand child development as a whole, and to understand and implement the philosophy, psychology and methods of Maria Montessori in the 2!-6-year-old classroom. It is our goal to provide our students with a broad view of educational and psychological theories throughout history, as well as more recent validation of Maria Montessori’s groundbreaking discoveries in educational and psychological research.
Mission Statement Our mission is to train parents and teachers to awaken the child’s potential. Using the enlightened understanding of Maria Montessori, we serve the children of the world by preparing highly qualified individuals to unlock the excellence inherent within every child.
Objectives and Outcomes Age of Montessori aims to spread the message, not just the method, of Dr. Maria Montessori by providing a comprehensive understanding of the psychology and underlying spiritual principles she described in the context of modern and historical thought about education and child development. In addition, Age of Montessori’s goal is to specifically prepare those who take the course for credit and are preparing themselves to teach with the finest possible theoretical and practical training. In the professional sphere, it is our goal to hold a high standard of Montessori education. Our program therefore provides a period of intensive study and application before a teaching credential is awarded. We believe that only a thorough understanding of principles and intensive day-to-day demonstration of practical mastery qualifies one to receive an Age of Montessori teaching certificate.
What Does Age of Montessori Provide? Age of Montessori offers both credit and non-credit options for instruction. For-credit options include full and associate certification. Full certification requires students to have a bachelor’s degree; associate certification requires students to have a high school diploma. Upon successful completion of the Age of Montessori course, full certification students will be awarded a Montessori teaching certificate, which entitles them to teach children from the ages of 2! - 6. Associate certification students will receive an Associate Certificate, which also may permit them to teach in some Montessori schools. The non-credit option includes training for homeschoolers, parents, administrators, and anyone desiring to know more about the timeless insights of world renowned medical doctor and educator, Maria Montessori. The non-certification option only includes Step 1, Online Study. Upon successful completion of Part 1, non-credit students will receive a Certificate of Attendance.
Course Components The four-step sequence in the Age of Montessori course includes the following components of instruction, discussion, practice, and assessment. 1. Step One: Online Study - 9 months (certification and non-certification
students) Step one is comprised of nine months of online study in the philosophy and psychology that is the heart of the Montessori Method. You will be working eight to fifteen hours per week during this step. Topics you will study include: • Getting to Know Your Prepared Online Environment • Introduction to Montessori Early Childhood Teacher Education • Preparation of the Teacher, Part 1: Personal Reflection • Maria Montessori: A Short Biography • Human Tendencies, Sensitive Periods and the Brain • History of Methods: Montessori and Major Early Childhood Theorists • Stages of Development • The Prepared Environment • Liberty and Discipline • Movement, Mental Assimilation and the Work of the Child • Normalization through Work • Preparation of the Teacher, Part 2: Spiritual Preparation • Peace Education
You will also learn about the four great avenues of learning for the early childhood years (2! - 6) and the beautiful learning materials Maria Montessori designed for children’s use. The four great avenues are: • Practical Life • Sensorial Development • Development of Language • Early Preparation of the Mathematical Mind You will read assigned texts and online content, watch classroom videos, write papers, and regularly share your thoughts in online discussion forums with classmates and instructors. 2. Step Two: Intensive - Four weeks of hands-on demonstration and
practice with materials (certification students only) You will spend one month (four weeks) at a comfortable site in beautiful Bozeman, Montana, and/or additional locations, depending on student enrollment. Travel may be required for the Intensive. The dates for the Intensive are June 4-June 27, 2012. During this time, you will take a written exam on what you learned in Part 1, Online Study. You will see all of the presentations in the four major avenues and also have ample time for hands-on practice with all the materials. Regular daily attendance is required (M-F 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.). 3. Step Three: Internship - Nine months (certification students only) Step three includes nine months of on-the-job training as an assistant in a fully equipped Montessori school beginning in fall (August/September) 2012. The Internship requires attendance three hours per day for thirty weeks. You will have the opportunity to spend a full school year observing and learning how to conduct a class, present the lessons, and interact effectively with young children. During this time, you will also make teacher’s manuals that consist of write-ups on each Montessori material, make materials, give small group lessons, and assist the teacher as needed in all aspects of daily classroom life. During the Internship, you will have the opportunity to be part of the unfolding of a group of children through an entire school year, and begin the process of mastering the art and science of being a successful Montessori teacher. You will have a number of assignments to fulfill, including:
• Specific group lessons • Documentation of your practice with the materials • Documentation of lessons given to individual children • Creation of specified materials • Creation of a new lesson with full write-up • Attendance at parent conferences • Creation of your own teacher’s manuals Through a guided process of assignments in giving individual and group lessons, making materials and lesson write-ups, you will gain experience to give you confidence for your first year on your own! Internship Format There are two formats for the Internship. In both cases, representatives from Age of Montessori will observe and work with you through on-site visits. The first and highly preferred format is a Supervised Internship. In this case, you will work side-by-side with a certified Montessori teacher who observes you, assists you with on-the-spot questions, and writes periodic reports on your progress. The Age of Montessori Director or a Field Supervisor will also visit your classroom three times during the course of the Internship. The second format, permitted only where there are no viable schools in your local area, is a Self-Directed Internship. This option is for those who are starting a Montessori school. In this case, you are on your own for the majority of the year. You will still need someone to periodically observe and assist you in your progress in running a classroom. There may be additional fees to bring someone to your site for this purpose, since the Course Director or a Field Supervisor will visit your classroom six times during the course of the Self-Directed Internship. 4. Step Four: Final Practical Exam and Certification (certification
students only)
After successfully completing the first three steps, you will have a Final Practical Exam thoroughly testing your knowledge and use of the materials in the four avenues of the Montessori curriculum. You will also have at least one full day to practice for your exam. The exam will be held from June 30 – July 1, 2013 in Bozeman, Montana and/or elsewhere, depending on student enrollment. Travel may be required. You will be eligible for your Montessori teaching certificate pending a passing grade on the Final Practical Exam, favorable evaluations as an Intern from your supervising teacher, and a positive recommendation from the Age of Montessori Director.
August 16 - September 5, 2011 $50 late fee applies
By phone, web site, or email
Course Starts Step 1: Online Study
September 1, 2011
Online
Step 2: Intensive
June 4 - June 27, 2012
Bozeman, Montana and/or other locations
Step 3: Internship
Fall (August/September) 2012
Montessori school in a nearby locale
Step 4: Final Practical Exam
June 30 - July 1, 2013
Bozeman, Montana and/or other locations
Course Completion Timelines Students have up to three years of the acceptance date to complete all of the requirements, with the exception of the Internship. Students must begin the Internship within two years of the end of Step 2, the Intensive.
Accreditation The Age of Montessori certification course is not currently accredited by any agency.
Affiliations Age of Montessori maintains voluntary memberships with the following organizations: • National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) • Council for American Private Education (CAPE) • American Montessori Society (AMS)1
Transfer of Credit Policy Transfer of Age of Montessori credit to other institutions is governed by the receiving institution. Transfer of Age of Montessori credit is not guaranteed. Age of Montessori does not accept transfer credit from any other Montessori teacher education programs.
Admission Requirements The course will be given in English; therefore, all students must speak and write English fluently. In case of fluency questions, TOEFL scores may be requested.
Certification Students In order to earn full Montessori teacher certification, a bachelor’s degree is required from an accredited four-year university or foreign equivalent. Students with a high school diploma, but without a bachelor’s degree, may enroll for associate certification. Upon graduation, they will receive an Associate Certificate that will allow them to teach in some Montessori schools. Non-Certification Students Students taking Part 1, Online Study, for non-credit are required to have at least a high school diploma. Non-credit students are not eligible for certification or to teach. They take the online portion of the course for informational purposes only. Technology Requirements All students must have appropriate technology and basic computer literacy in order to successfully complete the course. Although we use online educational
1 Membership does not signify Age of Montessori affiliation with AMS.
software for our online study program, the technical specifications are typical. In fact, most computers made in the last few years will meet the requirements, which are listed below. A Windows, Macintosh or Linux Computer with: • Sound card / speakers • Video / graphics card • Email access • Word Processing Program • High speed Internet access – 768Kb/second or faster. If you are using a
dial-up connection or equivalent, the course quality may be less than optimal.
• Current anti-virus software (such as AVG, McAfee or Norton) • The following additional software is required and can be obtained from the
listed websites: o Adobe Acrobat Reader (get.adobe.com/reader/) o Flash Player (http://www.adobe.com/products/flashplayer/)
Browser Requirements Firefox 3 or higher is highly recommended and preferred. However, Internet Explorer 8 or higher is another alternative. Other browsers may be used, but may not support all functionalities in Moodle. We recommended that you remain updated with the latest versions of web browser software. All browsers should have Cookies, Java, and Pop-ups enabled (i.e., do not block Pop-ups). Computer Literacy Requirements In order to complete the Age of Montessori program, you need to be comfortable and confident using your computer. If you can do the following, you have the necessary skills for online course work. Verify that you are able to do each of the following: • Connect to the Web using a browser • Navigate the Internet • Send and received e-mails using the e-mail system of your choice • Do basic word processing, including cutting and pasting • Open, save and manage files • Use basic Windows or Macintosh features (open and close programs, scroll
up and down) • Watch online videos and listen to online audios
Course Registration Students may register for the September 1, 2011 course between July 19 and August 15, 2011. Late registration may be completed by September 5, 2011, for an additional $50 fee. Registration may be completed by: • Phone: 406-219-7266 • Email: [email protected]
Application Procedure Application requires submission of the following forms and fees. Certification Students • Age of Montessori application • Application fee of $100 • An official transcript of your highest college degree (bachelor’s or higher), if
seeking full certification. If seeking an Associate Certificate, an official transcript from your high school is required.
• Two letters of reference from current or previous employers or teachers with whom you have worked
• Work experience relevant to childhood education and/or development, listing the most recent experience first
• An essay of 300 words or more on why you desire a Montessori education • Tuition contract for payment of course tuition ($5,600)
Non-Certification Students (Part 1, Online Study only) 1. Age of Montessori application 2. Application fee of $100 3. Tuition contract for payment of the course fee for Part 1, Online Study
($1,800)
Acceptance Policy The Course Director will notify students of acceptance into the program within two weeks of the course start date, if all required documentation and fees have been submitted. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Course Cancellation Policy If, for any reason, the course is cancelled, you will be notified by the course start date.
Tuition and Fees Certification Students Tuition and Fees- $5,600 (does not include the $100 application fee) • Part 1: Online Study - $3,000 • Part 2: Intensive - $1,600. Travel, room, and board during the onsite
Intensive vary and are the responsibility of the student. Every effort will be made to assist students to find housing for minimal rates.
• Part 3: Internship - $1,000. If a student lives in an area where no existing Montessori schools or Age of Montessori field personnel live, travel fees will be added accordingly for on-site visits. Travel fees will also be added for self-directed Internship visits fifty or more miles from the field supervisor. Students are responsible for their own room and board. Most schools hire Interns as classroom aides and pay them accordingly.
• Final Practical Exam: There are no fees for this part of the course. However, the exam may be held in a location that requires certification candidates to travel. The location(s) of the exam will be determined by student enrollment and will be announced during Part 1, Online Study.
Payment Information • All funds must be rendered in U.S. currency. Foreign bank drafts, including
those from Canada, must account for currency differences. • A non-refundable application fee of $100 is due with the application. • A deposit of $2,000 (the first payment) must be submitted by August 15,
2011, or the candidate’s place will be lost. • Payment of full tuition may be made, which entitles the student to a 5%
tuition discount. Payment Plan (based on $5,600 tuition) Plan # of payments Schedule A. 1 One payment with a $10% tuition discount ($5,020 vs. $5,600) B. 4 Initial $2,000 deposit, plus three equal quarterly payments of $1,200 C. 9 Initial $2,000 deposit, plus 9 monthly payments or
automatic deductions of $400 Alternate Payment Plan Age of Montessori may, at its discretion, break larger credit card tuition payments into smaller amounts without additional charges to the student. We
may be able to create custom payment plans on request; contact us at 406-219-7266 to discuss your needs. Non-Certification Students Non-certification students can take Part 1, Online Study. You are not required to do reading, writing, or presentation assignments, nor are you required to participate in discussion forums. You are, however, encouraged to participate in any or all of the above. The more you read and participate, the more you will get out of the course. Non-certification students are not required to take final exams. They may not attend the Intensive or internship.
Tuition for Part 1 (Online Study) • A payment of $1,800 is required for those auditing Part 1: Online Study.
This fee does not include the $100 application fee. • August 15, 2011, is the cut-off date for payment. Payment Information • All funds must be rendered in U.S. currency. Foreign bank drafts, including
those from Canada, must account for currency differences. • A non-refundable application fee of $100 is due with the application. Plan # of payments Schedule A. 1 One payment of $1,800 (due by August 15) B. 2 Two equal monthly payments of $900 (first
payment due by August 15; second payment due by November 15) Refund Policy • Upon receipt of the student’s written request, a full tuition refund less a $25
handling fee will be granted within six weeks of the postmarked submission date of the student’s application/contract.
• A refund of tuition will be made for withdrawals or dismissals during the first six weeks of classes.
• Withdrawals or dismissals after the first six weeks of classes will not receive a tuition refund.
• If unforeseen circumstances require a student to postpone or cancel the Intensive or Internship, those fees may be held until a later date when the student is able to attend, or a refund will be given.
• Certification students have up to three years of the acceptance date to complete all requirements, with the exception of the Internship. Students must begin the Internship within two years of the end of Part 2, Intensive.
Time of Withdrawal or Dismissal Percentage of Refund During the first week of class 95% During the second week of class 75% During the third week of class 65% During the fourth, fifth, and sixth week of class 40%
Financial Aid Financial aid (grants, loans, scholarships, etc.) is not offered through Age of Montessori.
Attendance Policy Students are expected to maintain regular attendance and full participation with work submitted on time. Attendance of 90% for all program components is required. The total number of clock hours in attendance is documented by records of online participation and study during Part 1 (Online Study). It is documented by records of onsite attendance during Part 2 (Intensive), Part 3 (Internship), and Part 4 (Final Practical Exam). If absences exceed 10% of all required clock hours, whether excused or unexcused, students will be required to make up classes on their own time with the instructor’s permission. The clock hours for all make-up classes must be identical to those of the sessions missed. Excused absences may include those caused by illness and family emergencies. If absences are not made up, the student will receive an Incomplete. Students who do not complete Part 1 (Online Study) and Part 2 (Intensive) may return for a later course in order to complete the portions they missed.
Placement Services Age of Montessori does not offer placement services for graduates or currently enrolled students; nor does it guarantee job placement, advancement, salaries, or benefits.
Termination Policy Student enrollment may be terminated under the following circumstances: • When the student submits a written notification of withdrawal • If the student is dismissed. Documented evidence for any dismissal will be
provided to the student. Dismissal may occur on the following grounds: o Abuse of materials and/or facilities o Substance abuse o Felony conviction
o Instructor recommendation based on just cause o Absence of cooperation o Failure to pay fees o Consistent use of profanity o Plagiarism o Violation of the Student Code of Conduct o Failure to meet attendance requirements o A gap of longer than six weeks between enrollment and assignment
submission, or between one assignment submission and the next o Disrespect towards instructors or other students.
• In the event of dismissal on any grounds, a description of the causes will be noted on the student’s permanent record.
Readmission Policy Readmission is not offered in cases of substance abuse or felony conviction. Students dismissed for other reasons may submit a written request for readmission, along with a $25 readmission fee, to the Age of Montessori Board of Directors for a decision.
Facilities and Equipment Age of Montessori inspects the completeness and suitability of all facilities and equipment used in Step 2, the Intensive, prior to the event. Adult size tables and chairs, as well as a full complement of Montessori materials and furnishings, are provided at the Intensive.
Student Rights and Responsibilities Student Rights Students have the right to: • Attend all lectures and activities of the course and to use appropriate
materials in the Intensive • Receive the full course, as advertised, provided the student’s responsibilities
are met • Be treated professionally, with fairness and respect in all matters • Be informed of unacceptable performance or any problem that interferes
with potential graduation prior to the time of the Final Practical Exam • Have access to instructors for professional and student-focused
consultation • Receive refunds if withdrawing, as stated in the Tuition Contract • Confidentiality in all course work and personal interactions • The opportunity to make up work due to illness or family emergency, as
determined on a case-by-case situation by the instructor
Grievance Procedures Grievances may include, but are not limited to, complaints regarding fees, academic preparation, internship supervision, grades and evaluations, dismissal procedures, instructors, and post-graduate support. If a disagreement occurs, students should first speak to the teacher and attempt to resolve the difference. Grievances that cannot be resolved directly between student and teacher should be submitted in writing to the Course Director no later than twenty-one days from the date of the grievance. If an agreement is not reached, written grievances may be submitted to the Board of Directors of Age of Montessori. Responses to grievances will be provided within twenty-eight days from receipt of the grievance. Statement of Nondiscrimination Age of Montessori admits students of any race, color, national origin, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, or any of its school-administered programs. If any student or applicant has a question or concern about compliance with this policy, he or she may direct the query to the Course Director or use the student grievance procedure. The Right to Privacy and FERPA The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) was enacted in 1974 and applies to all schools receiving funding through the Department of Education. FERPA provides legal guidelines on student right to access, confidentiality, and institutional responsibilities. Although Age of Montessori does not receive Department of Education funds and is therefore not legally required to abide by this law, we uphold the confidentiality of students’ educational information in agreement with FERPA policy. Per FERPA, information relating to a student record will not be released to a third party without written or authorized electronic consent via a FERPA release form, judicial order, or a lawfully issued subpoena. Students will be required to sign an information release form if a need arises to release this information. Support Services Student support services include academic advising, and referrals for non-academic counseling and health care. Academic advising is provided by the Course Director and individual instructors. The links below are online resources for non-academic counseling and health.
Non-Academic Counseling • Time Management - www.timemanagementhelp.com/tips.htm • Stress - http://stresshelp.tripod.com/ Health Note: These resources are not a substitute for a doctor. See a doctor in your local area when necessary. • Medical information
o www.mayoclinic.com/ o www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ o www.medicinenet.com o www.wrongdiagnosis.com/
• Doctors and hospitals - www.healthgrades.com/ • AIDS - National AIDS Hotline: 800-342-AIDS (2437) • Cancer - Cancer Information Service: 800-422-6237 • Mental Health - National Mental Health Association: 800-969-6642 • Suicide or Emotional Distress - National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-
273-2355 • Substance Abuse
o Al-Anon: 1-800-356-9996 o American Council on Alcoholism Helpline: 1-800-527-5344 o Cocaine Hotline: 1-800-Cocaine o National Institute on Drug Abuse Helpline: 1-800-843-4971
• Other Crisis Hotlines - www.allaboutcounseling.com/crisis_hotlines.htm Student Responsibilities Students are responsible for: • Having adequate computer systems as well as the technical know-how to
complete all online activities. (Training in MOODLE is available online through www.Lynda.com for a nominal fee of $25.)
• Abiding by the guidelines in the Student Code of Conduct • Participating with academic honesty and integrity, without taint of
plagiarism or academic dishonesty • Satisfying all financial obligations to the program • Being aware of and abiding by all policies and requirements of the course • Initiating appropriate grievance/problem!solving procedures • Fulfilling all course requirements; including timely and proactive completion
of assignments, attendance, projects, material-making, and manuals • Completing all of the course requirements within three years of the
acceptance date, with the exception of the Internship. • Beginning the Internship within two years of the end of Step 2, the Intensive • Displaying initiative and follow-through in Internship site selection
• Fulfilling all duties and obligations listed in the agreement with the Internship site
• Fulfilling all Internship assignments and requirements, such as seminars, observations, and student teaching
• Notifying the Course Director if opportunities for learning in the specified areas are not being provided at the Internship site
Student Code of Conduct Age of Montessori adheres to high standards of equitable treatment in the relationship of students and faculty to the institution. These include honesty, fairness, confidentiality, integrity, and ethical behavior in personal and professional situations and roles. We believe it is incumbent on all who work directly and indirectly with children to uphold a strong moral standard with utmost respect for all individuals and their unique qualities and situations. Students are expected to conduct themselves ethically and honestly, and to demonstrate mutual respect and civility in academic and professional discourse in order to foster a pleasant and effective learning environment. Age of Montessori students therefore accept an obligation to abide by basic standards of respect and good will towards faculty, staff, and fellow students, and to observe the Harassment Policy. They also agree to observe scrupulous academic integrity as explained in the Academic Integrity Guidelines. Harassment Policy Age of Montessori requires that the educational environment, both online and face-to-face, be free from all forms of improper, offensive or unlawful behaviors, topics and communications. These include, but are not limited to, behaviors, images, and messages that are: • Disrespectful or offensive, including slurs, jokes, or ridicule based on race,
ethnic or national origin, religion, age, gender, or disability • Sexually harassing, including unwelcome physical contact and sexually
explicit images or words, jokes, comments, or innuendo Academic Integrity Guidelines Age of Montessori asks its students to abide by guidelines of academic integrity when completing assigned work. Written work is a large part of our evaluation strategy. You will write lengthy papers and participate in significant discussions throughout the course. It is therefore important to abide by the course guidelines governing honesty and intellectual property. When submitting your work, you must use your original words and images. Copying the words or images of others—of other students, books, articles, or web sites, or other sources—and representing them as your own without citing the sources is considered plagiarism. Plagiarism is a form of cheating and an
academic offense. It may also violate copyright and trademark laws. To avoid plagiarism, use quotation marks around direct quotes and paraphrase other material in your own words. Sources must also be cited. Plagiarism will not be tolerated and is subject to a variety of sanctions. These may include a warning, earning a zero for the assignment, or dismissal from the course. Violations of the Student Code of Conduct Alleged violations of the Student Code of Conduct shall be forwarded in writing to the Course Director for fair and impartial investigation. An alleged violation may result in removal from class while the issue is under investigation, a warning letter, or counseling. If an offense is found to have occurred, a student shall be given ten days to submit a written response. Failure to respond or clear evidence that no violation has occurred may result in suspension. Online Resources Policy Age of Montessori’s online resources (Moodle, website, email, etc.) are used for delivering curriculum and related resources, conducting online classes, and communicating between students, faculty, and staff. They are a privilege to the student, provided as an educational service. Users of Age of Montessori online resources will respect the following guidelines: • Be truthful and accurate in personal identification • Maintain the security of their Age of Montessori user accounts, including
passwords and login information. o Only the enrolled student may log into his or her online course room. o Family members or friends may not log in to communicate with the
instructor or to access a student’s information. o The same student who registers must participate in and complete the
course, and receive the academic credit. • Respect the rights and privacy of others
o Not include another member’s personal information (home address, e-mail address, or phone number) without his or her consent.
o We may share your name and contact information with appropriate individuals under proper legal circumstances.
• Create messages that are civil and always related to the particular discussion
• Not upload viruses or corrupt files to ensure the security of electronic resources. Questions regarding viruses or corrupt files should be addressed to Tech Support.
• Apply all policies stated in this document to Age of Montessori online resources.
Archival and Removal of Class Forum Posts Age of Montessori archives all class forum posts. While a class is in progress, the Course Director may, if necessary, delete student posts that are inappropriate or violate the Student Code of Conduct. Students can also remove their own posts within thirty minutes of the posting time. It is best practice for all students to double-check their class forum posts to make sure that their post: • Was indeed submitted • Contains the intended information • Conforms to appropriate standards for spelling and grammar • Conforms to Student Code of Conduct
