Action complete
Highlights
The Ministry of Education and Child Care implemented a new graduation requirement in the 2023/24 school year to ensure all students complete Indigenous-focused coursework before they graduate from B.C.’s K-12 education system. Over 45,000 graduates have completed at least one Indigenous-focus course since implementation of the new requirement.
All students must now complete at least four-credits of Indigenous-focused coursework to obtain a B.C. Certificate of Graduation. Prior to implementation, fewer than 5% of graduates had taken any Indigenous-focused courses at the secondary school level. Since implementation, over 45,000 graduates have completed at least one Indigenous-focused course.
Recent ministry efforts have focused on supporting educators in delivering the various courses that fulfill the graduation requirement. In the 2024 fiscal year, professional development sessions were provided to train educators across B.C. including a dedicated session for Francophone educators. Additionally, individual First Nations can now participate in the ministry’s External Credential Program and have their respective language and culture programs count for graduation credit, as well as fulfilling the Indigenous-focused graduation requirement.
Previous years’ progress
Highlights
The Ministry of Education and Child Care (ECC) implemented a new graduation requirement in the 2023/24 school year to ensure all students complete Indigenous-focused coursework before they graduate from British Columbia’s K-12 education system. The new requirement will impact approximately 40,000 students graduating this school year.
How are we working together?
ECC engaged with First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) to co-develop resources in support of the graduation requirement. With the support of ECC, FNESC offered a number of professional development sessions to support the effective implementation of this initiative.
Are there challenges?
Risks and obstacles have been overcome; the work is complete. Previous challenges related to communications, specifically around building awareness and understanding of the importance of the new graduation requirement among teachers and school staff, students, families and the general public; and providing classroom teachers with access to resources and professional development opportunities to build their competence and confidence in delivering the provincial courses that meet the new requirement.
Highlights
Put into effect on July 1, 2023, the new graduation requirement will ensure B.C. students have a deep understanding of Indigenous Peoples, their histories and cultures. The Ministry of Education and Child Care co-developed all Indigenous-focused graduation requirement materials with the First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC). Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) reviewed and provided input on materials. Local B.C. First Nations involvement and sign-off is required for development of local courses that can meet the new graduation requirement. Co-construction with FNESC has been a priority for all resource development and curriculum implementation activities.
Indicators
- Training sessions held: Ongoing professional development workshops supporting the implementation of the Indigenous-focused graduation requirement.
- Implementation project underway: Ministerial Order drafted to implement mandatory bundle of credits in July 2023.
How are we working together?
Invitations were sent to each First Nation in B.C. and to MNBC to invite input into the new graduation requirement. Regular meetings continue to be held with FNESC and other as-required meetings with partners. Resources related to the graduation requirement have been developed collaboratively with FNESC.
Are there challenges?
This action item was identified as having no challenges at time of reporting. Further Annual Report updates may change this action’s challenge icon status indicator.