New graduation requirements coming into effect
Did you know graduation requirements are changing for students who are currently entering Grade 11?
The Ministry of Education has introduced a new, Indigenous-focused graduation requirement, which is intended to support lasting and meaningful reconciliation. There is no change to the total number of credits required to graduate (80), nor is there any change to the adult graduation program. Students in SD83 will be supported over the next two years to meet this new graduation requirement.
What are the Required Courses for Graduation Beginning in 2024?
- A Language Arts 10 (4 credits)
- A Language Arts 11 (4 credits)
- A Language Arts 12 (4 credits)
- A Social Studies 10 (4 credits)
- A Social Studies 11 or 12 (4 credits)
- A Mathematics 10 (4 credits)
- A Mathematics 11 or 12 (4 credits)
- A Science 10 (4 credits)
- A Science 11 or 12 (4 credits)
- Physical and Health Education 10 (4 credits)
- An Indigenous Focused course (4 credits)*
- An Arts and/or an Applied Design, Skills/Technologies 10, 11, or 12 (4 credits)
- Career Life Education (4 credits)
- Career Life Connections (4 credits)
- Total of at least 80 credits between Grades 10 and 12
Why is There a Change?
One of the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission is to:
“Make age-appropriate curriculum on residential schools, Treaties, and Aboriginal peoples’ historical and contemporary contributions to Canada a mandatory education requirement for Kindergarten to Grade Twelve students.”
Chelsea Prince, SD83’s Director of Instruction (Indigenous Education) explains British Columbia has been ahead of the curve in Canada in implementing this specific Call to Action. Every curriculum area, Kindergarten to Grade 12, includes Indigenous content and worldviews, and now the Ministry of Education is taking this one additional step toward reconciliation, mandating a required 4 credit course between Grade 10 and 12 with an Indigenous focus.
“Graduation requirements are a reflection of what our society believes students should know, do, and understand by the time they exit the K-12 educational system. For example, we believe that students should have excellent literacy and numeracy skills, so English Language Arts to the Grade 12 level, and Math to the Grade 11 level are both requirements. We also believe that students will become responsible and contributing citizens in our communities, so there are two 4 credit Career Education courses also required for graduation. Because we believe that students should develop deeper understandings of the experiences, cultures, and histories of Indigenous people in Canada, the Ministry of Education is implementing this new Indigenous focused requirement. “
How Can Students Meet this Requirement?
She adds there are three ways students can meet this requirement:
- There are several courses developed by the Ministry of Education that are focussed on Indigenous content. SD83 already offers two of these popular courses at two of our secondary schools and in our Education Outreach Program – English First Peoples 12 and BC First Peoples 12. English First Peoples 12 may also count as the English Language Arts 12 requirement, and BC First Peoples may also count as the Social Studies 11 or 12.
- Some First Nations, working with the Ministry of Education, have developed language courses at the Grades 10-12 level.
- Some school districts, working with local Indigenous communities, have created locally developed Board Authority Approved courses that are focussed on Indigenous content and knowledge.
To begin with, School District 83 will be supporting students to meet the requirement by taking either English First Peoples 12 or BC First Peoples 12.
This is a phased in requirement, allowing students who are graduating in 2024 two full school years to take the required course. SD83 high schools which currently don’t offer either of these programs will be supported to implement them by next September.
Where Can I Find More Information?
In addition, please feel free to reach out to Chelsea Prince, Director of Instruction – Indigenous Education for School District No. 83 at cprince@sd83.bc.ca.