B.C.'s Ministry of Education states that "the goal of the BC school system is to support the intellectual development of all students, including those with special needs." According to the ministry, enabling all students to achieve their human, social, and career development goals is a responsibility shared by schools, families and the community.
School boards in B.C. are required by the School Act to make educational programs available to all school age children and youth who live in their district. A Ministerial Order requires the integration of students with special needs into regular classrooms with other students, in most circumstances. The ministry defines students with special needs as those who have disabilities of an intellectual, physical, sensory, emotional, or behavioral nature, or have a learning disability or exceptional gifts or talents.
The ministry's Special Education Division establishes policies, procedures and guidelines, which together constitute the Special Education Policy Framework for B.C.
What are BCACL's key concerns?
For more information on BCACL's work on inclusive education, see our Education section.