Government has completed regulations arising from Bill 22, the Education Improvement Act, to strengthen consultative requirements around how every school class in the province is organized.

The regulations outline clear requirements for school principals to consult teachers, and corresponding duties for teachers to consult and advise principals about the organization of all classes in the school and the placement of students with special needs in those classes.

Previously, consultation was only required in cases where there were more than three students with special needs in a given class and/or when a grades-4-to-12 class exceeded the 30-student limit.

The changes will benefit every student because the dynamics of how classrooms are organized will be part of an ongoing and constructive dialogue between principals and teachers, and these kinds of discussions will happen frequently - instead of only at the beginning or end of the school year as is currently the case.

The $195 million Learning Improvement Fund and corresponding regulation, which came into effect on April 14, supports these consultations on class organization and helps address complex needs in classrooms. The regulation sets out teacher eligibility for additional compensation in instances where class size does exceed 30 students.

Compensation can take the form of additional preparation time, professional development funding, classroom supplies or equipment, additional pay, or some such combination. The regulation also prescribes which classes are not subject to the 30-student limit, such as choir and drama, where larger groups are desirable.

Quotes:

Education Minister George Abbott -

"The changes we're bringing in are already happening in good schools, where there is broad collaboration and consultations between principals and teachers on how to support all students - not just students with a label."

"The requirement to consult and collaborate makes it clear that we are relying on the professionalism and advice of teachers and principals in determining what's best for all students in all classrooms."

Learn More:

View BC's Education Plan and find out how you can get involved at: www.bcedplan.ca

View Bill 22, the Education Improvement Act, at:

www.leg.bc.ca/39th4th/3rd_read/gov22-3.htm

A backgrounder follows.

Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963

BACKGROUNDER

April 23, 2012 Ministry of Education

• Amendments to School Act regulations - These changes clarify the role of school principals regarding the organization of classes in the school and their requirement to consult with teachers assigned to a school regarding the organization of classes in the school.
• Class size and compensation regulation - This comes into effect on July 1, but schools are organizing classes as if it is in effect now. The regulation maintains existing class size limits so that kindergarten classes cannot exceed 22 students and grades-1-to-3 classes cannot exceed 24 students under any circumstances.

The 30-student limit on grades-4-to-12 classes may only be exceeded if the principal and superintendent agree, after consulting with the affected teacher and, where advisable, with students and the parent advisory council, that the class is appropriate for student learning.

• Learning Improvement Fund regulation - This sets out the consultations required prior to the submission of district spending plans for Learning Improvement Fund grants. Principals or vice-principals must consult with teaching staff, staff committees, and/or a staff representative and must provide them with reasonable opportunities to engage and respond.

Superintendents are also required to make reasonable efforts to reach agreement with local teacher union presidents. Principals and superintendents may also consult with school and district parent advisory councils.

The Learning Improvement Fund regulation requires boards of education to use the funds in accordance with the approved spending plans, and boards must not reduce the expenditures they would have made to address classroom needs if they had not received the additional funding.

Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963