Curriculum 

Between 2013 and 2019, the Ministry of Education, in consultation with other educational stakeholders, revised the BC K-12 curriculum. Teams of teachers appointed by the BC Teachers’ Federation (BCTF), the Federation of Independent School Associations BC (FISBC), and the First Nations Schools Association (FNSA) worked collaboratively, with Ministry staff facilitating, to update the curriculum. 

In general, the revisions were intended to make the curriculum more manageable for teachers, and to provide more opportunities for teachers and students to focus on particular topics of interest in their schools and communities. The learning outcomes in several subject areas have been reduced, providing more time and flexibility to explore topics in depth. There has also been a significant shift in focus from students learning content to instead learning processes outlined in the Core and Curricular Competencies. The Ministry finalized the Core Competencies in September 2019.

Aboriginal content interwoven

The BCTF strongly supports inclusion of Aboriginal content and understandings across the curriculum. This long-overdue development builds upon work the Federation has already done in supporting employment equity, enhancement agreements, and changes to teacher training programs. Following on the landmark Truth and Reconciliation Commission report, now is an important time to focus on education for reconciliation.

The future

The BCTF continues to monitor the implementation of the revised curriculum. The Federation continues to advocate for additional supports, new funding for in-service and teaching resources, and the time teachers need for successful implementation.  

The Ministry of Education has indicated that future curriculum review processes will be of a more minor nature. The Ministry will start a consultation process in 2020 to determine the process to be followed for future curriculum reviews.

BCTF resources

• TeachBC
• Provincial Specialist Associations
• 2017 Curriculum Change and Implementation Survey
• Guiding Principles for Education Change  

Ministry curriculum and resource links

• BC K-12 Curriculum Documents
• Core Competencies
• Indigenous Education Resources
• Elementary Student Health Resources
• Secondary Student Health Resources  

Ministry orders and policy related to curriculum

• Educational Program Guide Order
• Required Areas of Study in an Educational Program Order  

Thank you

Thank you to the hundreds of BCTF members who were involved in the 2013-19 curriculum revision process.