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The Ministry of Education promotes the establishment of a resource-rich learning environment through the evaluation of educationally appropriate materials intended for use by teachers and students. The media formats include, but are not limited to, materials in print, video, and software, as well as combinations of these formats. Resources that support provincial curricula are identified through an evaluation process that is carried out by practicing teachers. It is expected that teachers will select resources from those that meet the provincial criteria and that suit their particular pedagogical needs and audiences. Teachers who wish to use non-provincially recommended resources to meet specific local needs must have these resources evaluated through a local district approval process.
The use of learning resources involves the teacher as a facilitator of learning. However, students may be expected to have some choice in materials for specific purposes such as independent reading or research. Teachers are expected to use a variety of resources to support learning outcomes at any particular level. A multimedia approach is encouraged.
Some selected resources have been identified to support cross-curricular integration. The ministry also considers special needs audiences in the evaluation and annotation of learning resources. As well, special-format versions of some selected resources (braille and taped-book formats) are available.
Learning resources for use in British Columbia schools fall into one of two categories: provincially recommended materials or locally evaluated materials.
All learning resources used in schools must have recommended designation or be approved through district evaluation and approval policies.
Provincially Recommended Materials
Materials evaluated through the provincial evaluation process and approved through Minister's Order are categorized as recommended materials. These resources are listed in the Catalogue of Learning Resources.
Locally Evaluated Materials
Learning resources may be approved for use according to district policies, which provide for local evaluation and selection procedures.
A Note on Authorized Materials
Authorized status will no longer exist as new learning resources are evaluated and selected for all new provincial curricula and courses. Those existing authorized resources that meet the needs of new curricula and courses are given recommended status.
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Revised: January 26, 1999
