Ministry Policy Site

Frequently Asked Questions: Other Topics

  • HOMEWORK

The Ministry of Education has no policy regarding homework, as this is a school board matter. Please visit the BCSTA website to examine individual school board policies.

  • PARENT INVOLVEMENT

The Ministry of Education has no formal policy on the topic of parent involvement. However, various sections of the School Act [50KB] concern parent involvement, including: sections 7 to 11, which describe various parental rights and duties, as well as parent advisory councils and school planning councils; and, section 85 (2)(c)(5), which concerns school board authority for making rules concerning volunteer services. In addition, the Statement of Education Policy Order [25KB] (Mandate for the School System) describes the duties, rights, and responsibilities of parents. For additional information, please refer to the Parent Volunteer Legislation web page on the Ministry of Education website.

In addition, individual Boards of Education may have policies concerning parental involvement, please visit the BCSTA website to examine individual school board policies.

  • SCHOOL CHOICE

The Ministry of Education has no formal policy on the topic of school choice.

However, sections 2 and 74.1 of the School Act [50KB] address open boundaries within the public school system.

The Statement of Education Policy Order [25KB] (Mandate for the School System) describes diversity and choice among the general policies for the BC school system.

In addition, individual Boards of Education may have policies concerning school choice. Please go to the BCSTA website to examine individual school board policies.

  • SCHOOL SAFETY

The Ministry of Education has no formal policy on the topic of school safety. However, various sections of the School Act [50KB] concern aspects of school safety, including: section 11, which deals with appeals of decisions that significantly affect the health or safety of students; sections 88 to 92 concerning health and other support services for schools; and, section 177, which deals with maintaining order in schools and at school functions. The School Regulation [52KB] sets out the duties of teachers and administrators, including duties related to student supervision and discipline, and codes of conduct.

In addition to the legislation, topics related to student safety are covered in the Personal Planning K to 7 and Career and Personal Planning 8 to 12 curricula, which all students must take. The Government of British Columbia established a Safe Schools Task Force to make recommendations on improving school safety, in response to which the Ministry announced a Safe, Caring and Orderly Schools Strategy. And the Ministry of Education supports the Institute for Safe Schools of British Columbia, which helps to foster a safe and supportive learning environment for all students.

Individual Boards of Education may have policies concerning school safety. Please visit the BCSTA website to examine individual school board policies.