ACA*-R-1: Multiculturalism and Anti-racism - Regulation

COMMUNITY

The Board of School Trustees (the “Board”) values dialogue with all parent, student, and community groups.  The collaboration is important for the creation of effective educational policies, programs, and services.  The Board recognizes that special efforts may be needed to involve parents because of differing cultural assumptions related to education. Additionally, the Board recognizes the need to create a hospitable environment in which all parents and students from various linguistic and cultural backgrounds feel welcome.

The Board is committed to providing opportunities for diverse communities in order to develop equity in education and create an environment free from racism and shall:

• facilitate discussions with diverse communities and provide translation and interpretation as needed to facilitate these discussions;
• provide opportunities for all communities to enhance their awareness, knowledge, and understanding of racism;
• ensure that Aboriginal and Multicultural Support Staff continue to provide services according to community needs;
• maintain the Race Relations Advisory Committee.

LANGUAGE

The Board recognizes the role of language in learning.   The Board values language learning opportunities and affirms the importance of the learner's first language.

The Board is committed to creating a climate of respect for the linguistic diversity of the community and shall:

• continue to recognize and value the importance of first language(s) and prior educational experiences of students;
• support the development and implementation of additional language programs;
•  develop communication strategies that will assist and inform parents in their first language about their children's progress.

CURRICULUM

The Board recognizes that curriculum must present a global view of society that includes the experiences and achievements of culturally diverse groups.   The perspectives of all cultural groups must be included to enable all students to develop pride in their own heritage and appreciation for the cultural heritage(s) of others.

Examination and modification of existing curricula are required to eliminate racial, ethno-cultural, and religious discrimination.  An effective curriculum development process is one that is collaborative and supportive of educational equity.

The Board is committed to developing and implementing racism-free curricula and shall:

• support equitable access to quality programs for all learners;
• develop and implement new inclusive curricula designed to eliminate racism;
• select learning resources for racism and negative cultural bias;
• select learning resources that reflect the experiences and contributions of our diverse society.

ASSESSMENT, EVALUATION, AND PLACEMENT

The Board recognizes that the assessment and evaluation process must be multi-faceted in order to provide a comprehensive understanding of what students are capable of achieving.  The previous experiences, knowledge, and cultural and linguistic background of all students must be considered.

All staff members share the responsibility for creating a welcoming environment which honours and respects all students.   The district and school-based reception process needs to support assessment and evaluation procedures that are appropriate for each student.

The Board is committed to developing, implementing, and evaluating processes for assessment, evaluation, and placement that accommodate cultural differences and shall:

• examine practices in assessment, evaluation, placement, and tracking of students and eliminate practices that do not support the principles of Multicultural and Anti-Racism Education;
• ensure that parents are adequately informed about assessment and evaluation procedures and involved in placement decisions.

STAFF DEVELOPMENT

The Board recognizes that staff development on Multicultural and Anti-Racism Education is fundamental to creating organizational change.  All staff members need the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to understand and accommodate diverse learning and communication styles.  An effective staff development program on Multicultural and Anti-Racism Education will promote the academic, social, and emotional growth of all students.

The Board is committed to providing in-service training opportunities for all employees to enhance their sensitivity and competence in working effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and shall:

• offer staff and professional development programs to all employees that heightens understanding of the racial, ethno-cultural, linguistic, and religious diversity of the community;
• implement staff development programs that promote the principles of Multicultural and Anti-Racism Education;
• support the integration of Multicultural and Anti-Racism Education into existing and new staff development programs.

RACIAL, ETHNO-CULTURAL, AND RELIGIOUS HARASSMENT

The Board recognizes that every individual has the right to freedom from harassment in the workplace and educational environment.  A positive environment protects and promotes the dignity, worth, and human rights of every person and supports mutual respect and co-operation among individuals.  Racial, ethno-cultural, or religious harassment in any form by employees or students is unacceptable.

The Board is committed to supporting an environment free from intentional or unintentional racial, ethno-cultural, or religious harassment for all students, employees, and trustees and shall:

• provide opportunities for employees, students, and trustees to acquire the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes to identify and respond effectively to harassment;
• develop and implement procedures for resolving incidents of racial, ethno-cultural, and religious harassment;
• monitor and investigate reported incidents of racial, ethno-cultural, and religious harassment.

EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES

The Board recognizes that effective employment practices remove barriers to fair and equitable hiring, promotion, and training opportunities.   Employment practices, consistent with Multicultural and Anti-Racism Education, would eliminate prejudice, stereotyping, ethnocentrism, racism, and discrimination.

The Board is committed to developing employment practices that are consistent with the principles of Multicultural and Anti-Racism Education and shall:

• provide equitable access to employment opportunities and fair treatment in the workplace;
• develop recruitment, interview, selection, training, and promotion practices and procedures that identify and remove barriers.

DMT Responsibility: AS-LS