The government is committed to the provision of equitable access to learning, but we recognize that a full range of services and specialized expertise may not be readily available in all areas of the province or may not be available in a timely way. Innovative methods must be used to ensure that students in remote rural areas can access the services more readily available to their peers in urban areas. We must be innovative to meet this challenge - using the technology available in creative ways, and sharing resources among districts when possible. To work more effectively within current funding limits, we must work together. Parents, teachers and other personnel in the school, administrators and community members all bring knowledge and skills that we need in providing the best possible education for all students.
Parents play a fundamental role in the education of their children.
Their knowledge about their children should inform planning for their children's education. We have dedicated teachers who have introduced a range of innovative practices to the classroom. The policy framework outlines orderly ways to support the work of teachers through school-based teams, good assessment practices and good planning at the district level. It also clarifies the circumstances in which alternate placements are appropriate for students, and the need for regular review and for returning students to their neighbourhood school classroom with their age and grade peers as soon as it is feasible. I believe that the people of British Columbia share a common goal - a truly inclusive education system where all students can learn and grow to their full potential.