Page 18 - Ontario Schools: Kindergarten to Grade 12

Acting Today, Shaping Tomorrow: A Policy Framework for Environmental Education in Ontario Schools (2009) www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/teachers/enviroed/ShapeTomorrow.pdf
Main page on the ministry website:
www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/teachers/enviroed/education.html
1.4 Equity and Inclusive Education
The Ontario education system is based on a vision of an equitable and inclusive system where all students, parents, and other members of the school community are welcomed and respected; where every student is supported and inspired to succeed in a culture of high expectations for learning; and where all staff and students value diversity and demonstrate respect for others and a commitment to establishing a just, caring society.
All school boards are required to implement and monitor an equity and inclusive education policy in accordance with the requirements set out in PPM No. 119,
in the policy document Realizing the Promise of Diversity: Ontario’s Equity and Inclusive Education Strategy, and in the document Equity and Inclusive Education in Ontario Schools: Guidelines for Policy Development and Implementation. Ontario’s equity and inclusive education strategy is designed to recognize diversity and promote inclusive education in all Ontario schools. It calls for upholding human rights by identifying and eliminating discriminatory biases and systemic barriers to students’ learning and development, to enable all students to succeed to their highest potential and contribute to society.
School boards are required to embed the principles of equity and inclusive education in all aspects of their operations, including policy development, programming, and practices related to research, curriculum resources, instruction, and assess- ment. Schools are expected to provide students and staff with authentic and relevant opportunities to learn about diverse histories, cultures, and perspectives and to enable students and other school community members to see themselves represented in the curriculum, resources, programs, and culture of the school. Students need to feel engaged in and empowered by what they are learning, supported by teachers and staff, and welcomed in their learning environment.
16 ONTARIO SCHOOLS, KINDERGARTEN TO GRADE 12