Diversity in BC Schools: A Framework - Racial Equity Tools

Provincial Policies, Strategies and InitiativesSocial Responsibility in BC SchoolsThe BC Performance Standardsprovide a broad framework toassist in monitoring andevaluating a variety of schooland classroom programs that aimto enhance how students getalong and develop responsiblebehaviours (e.g., anti-bullying,multiculturalism, anti-racism,cooperative learning).BC Performance StandardsSocial Responsibility –A FrameworkBC Ministry of Education (2001)Social ResponsibilityRating ScaleValuing Diversity andDefending Human RightsFully Meets Expectations:K to Grade 3The student is increasinglyinterested in fairness; treatsothers fairly and respectfully.Grades 4 to 5The student treats others fairlyand respectfully; often showsinterest in correcting injustice.Grades 6 to 8The student usually treatseveryone fairly and respectfully;tries to be unbiased; shows somesupport for human rights.Grades 8 to 10The student is respectful andfair; increasingly willing to speakup or take action to supportdiversity and defend humanrights.Human and social development is one of the goals of theBritish Columbia public school system. This broad goal specifies thatstudents are expected, among other things, to develop a sense ofsocial responsibility, and a tolerance and respect for the ideasand beliefs of others. The public school system’s responsibility forachieving this goal is shared with families and communities.Socially responsible individuals show “community-mindedness”in their responses to school, local, national and global issues andevents. This attitude is the basis of a fully functioning andflourishing democratic society.In school, students have a wide range of opportunities to observe,model, discuss and demonstrate socially responsible behaviour. Socialresponsibility is sometimes the primary focus of activities (e.g.,learning problem-solving steps for conflict resolution; addressingcommunity issues; learning about human rights), but more oftenit is a secondary focus of other school activities.BC Performance StandardsSocial Responsibility – A FrameworkThe BC Performance Standards for social responsibility provide aframework that schools and families can use to focus and monitortheir efforts to enhance social responsibility among students andimprove the social climate of their schools. They provide educators,students and families with a common set of expectations for studentdevelopment in four areas:1. Contributing to the Classroom and School Community- sharing responsibility for their social and physicalenvironment- participating and contributing to the class and tosmall groups2. Solving Problems in Peaceful Ways- managing conflict appropriately, including presenting viewsand arguments respectfully, and considering others’ views- using effective problem-solving steps and strategies3. Valuing Diversity and Defending Human Rights- treating others fairly and respectfully; showing a senseof ethics- recognizing and defending human rights4. Exercising Democratic Rights and Responsibilities- knowing and acting on rights and responsibilities (local,national, global)- articulating and working toward a preferred future for thecommunity, nation and planet – a sense of idealismBC Ministry of Education 17