Learning Resources
Provincially recommended learning resources are defined as information, represented or stored in a variety of media and formats,
that assists student learning as defined by provincial or local curricula. This includes, but is not limited to, materials in print, video, and software formats, as well as combinations of these formats intended for use by teachers and students.
Provincial Learning Resource Evaluations
The ministry promotes the establishment
of a resource-rich learning environment through the evaluation of a wide variety
of educationally appropriate materials to meet the needs of all learners. Resources are identified to support provincial curricula through an evaluation process carried out using practising teachers as evaluators. It is expected that teachers will select resources from those that meet the provincial criteria and that suit their particular pedagogical needs and audiences.
The use of learning resources involves the teacher as facilitator of learning. However, students may be expected to have some choice in materials for specific purposes such as independent reading or research. It is expected that a variety of resources will be utilized to support learning outcomes at any particular level. A multimedia approach integrating materials and media 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.
Status of Learning Resources
Learning resources for use in British Columbia schools will fall into one of three categories:
- Provincially Recommended Materials:
materials evaluated through the provincial evaluation process, approved through Minister's Order, and purchased using targeted learning resource funds. These resources are listed in the Catalogue of Learning Resources.
- Provincially Authorized Materials:
materials selected prior to 1989 by
curriculum committees and are purchased through the Credit Allocation Plan.
These resources are listed in the Catalogue of Learning Resources.
- Locally Evaluated Materials:
materials evaluated through local (district/school) evaluation processes and approved for use according to district policy.
All learning resources used in schools must either have recommended or authorized
designation or be approved through district evaluation and approval policies.
Appendix B of this Integrated Resource Package (IRP) includes a list of relevant resource titles and an abbreviated description to clarify the main function of each resource. Resources are organized by curriculum organizer followed by grade. More detailed descriptions of each resource are available in annotation sets regularly distributed by the Ministry of Education, Skills and Training.
These annotation sets are detailed
descriptions of learning resources, including grade levels, lists of components, teaching comments, cautions, ordering information, and other details.
Resources often have application to more than one curricular or topic area. Obvious connections are identified in annotations, but teachers will make many more connections as they work with materials in the spirit
of integration. The index in each annotation document will help teachers organize
resources by topic and cateogory.
Local Resource Evaluation
As previously indicated, districts that choose to evaluate materials locally must have a district evaluation policy in accordance with section 182 (2) (e) of the School Act as outlined in Minister's Order #143. Users at the local level may select provincially recommended or authorized resources, or they may choose resources that are not on the ministry's list. There is also an option to develop materials at the local level to support provincial or locally developed curricula.
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©Copyright 1996All Rights Reserved. Curriculum Branch.
Maintained by: Mathematics Coordinator
Revised: October 20, 1997
BC Ministry of Education