Parent and Guardian Rights in Education
BC Children and youth and their parents/guardians have rights in the K-12 education system. These are outlined in the BC School Act, Orders in Council, Ministerial Orders, and policy.
School Act
Under the School Act, as parents and guardians you are entitled:
(*The number is the section in the School Act)
"*Special Needs" Student Order of The Minister of Education:
A “student with special needs” is a student who has a disability of an intellectual, physical, sensory, emotional or behavioural nature, has a learning disability or has exceptional gifts or talents.
An administrative officer (principal, vice-principal, or director of instruction) must offer to consult with a parent of a ‘special needs’ student regarding the placement of that student in an educational program.
A school board must provide a ‘special needs’ student with an educational program in a classroom where that student is integrated with other students who do not have special needs, unless the educational needs of the ‘special needs’ student or other students indicate that the educational program for the ‘special needs’ student should be provided otherwise.
*Note that the term ‘special needs’ is used here as it still exists in the language in these legal documents.
People with disabilities broadly dislike the use of this term, and the Ministry of Education and Child Care is now using ‘students with disabilities and diverse abilities’ as their current practice.
Orders in Council
Parents
“Parents have the right and responsibility to participate in the process of determining the educational goals, policies, and services provide for their children.
They have the primary responsibility to ensure that children are provided with the healthy and supportive environment necessary for learning.
They have a responsibility to help shape and support the goals of the school system and to share the task of educating their young.”
[Statement of Education Policy Order, Order in Council 1280/89]
By Family Support Institute of BC & BCEdAccess
