Q: What resources on inclusion are available?

There are many supports and resources available to help with inclusion. The following online resources can help in making inclusive classrooms and inclusive schools. Online resources can be found at:

• Ministry of Education Inclusive Education Resources and Aboriginal Education Resources
• InclusionBC
• SOGI 123
• Changing Results for Young Children
• Provincial Outreach Program for Early Intervention
• Provincial Outreach Program for Autism and Related Disorders
• Provincial Outreach Program for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
• BCTF
• Learning Assistance Teachers’ Association of BC
• BC Council of Administrators of Special Education
• Canadian Parents for French
• The Inclusive Education Library

Q: What professional development opportunities can I access with respect to inclusion and diversity?

There are many opportunities available to teachers:

• Sharing best practices with other teachers
• Mentorship programs
• Ongoing professional development for pre-service and in-service teachers
• Collaboration with professionals in other districts
• Specialized training sessions
• Provincial Outreach Program for Autism and Related Disorders (POPARD)
• Provincial Outreach Program for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (POPFASD)
• Provincial Outreach Program for Early Intervention (POPEI)

Q: How can I provide support for a child with learning challenges in my classroom?

You can start by reading the student’s file and talking to the student’s former teachers to learn about past supports and strategies that worked.

Make sure to talk with the student and the family to learn more about the student. (You can find a list of conversation starters Listen on this website.)

Ask for your district’s policy on supporting students in French education programs. (i.e., services available, response to intervention, considerations for psychoeducational assessments, etc.)

Connect with the Learning Services Support Teacher in the school for suggested strategies, resources and potential support. Try collaborating with other school staff, including the Teacher Librarian and School Counselor.

If the child continues to face learning challenges despite ongoing in-class supports, you could connect with the family and refer the student to the School-Based Team. The School-Based Team is a collaborative group of school personnel that works to recommend strategies, programming, services and resources to help students meet their learning goals.

Q: When and how can I bring my concerns to the school-based team?

Each school district has its own process to bring forward a concern to a school-based team. Generally, there is a form for the teacher to complete to refer a student. Often, the process begins with reading the student file, making in-class interventions, and talking with the family before a making a formal referral to the school-based team. Be sure to connect with your Student Services Learning Team and/or school principal to determine the exact process and refer to the Special Education Policy Manual.

Q: If a student’s program is primarily life and social skill development, could the student access a French education program?

All students should be welcome in French education programs. The Ministry of Education encourages opportunities for all students to learn languages. Just like in any other education program, districts can establish individual education plans (IEP) and/or provide adaptations and/or modifications to ensure students are well supported and successful in French education programs.