WHEREAS physical literacy is crucial to the inception of positive lifelong activity patterns and healthy lifestyles in children; however the social well-being of children may be affected if they are not able to access all school programs and facilities; AND WHEREAS the Lets Play Program in association with the Rick Hansen Foundation is an example of a success story of integrating seamless access into school programs for all students regardless of physical ability: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM lobby the Province to implement a provincial adaptation to curricula that will encourage: 1 inclusive physical activities in all grades, particularly in physical education; 2 adaptation of wording in provincial curricula that will reflect seamless inclusion for all students; 3 promotion of input and awareness in the development of resources and services or programs that will enhance inclusive physical activity; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that UBCM encourage BC post-secondary institutions to adapt and enhance their curricula where relevant to teach and reflect inclusive physical activity through sport and recreation, healthy living, education and other related programs.
Ministry of Education Inclusive physical activities in all grades, particularly in physical education: British Columbia is committed to improving school health outcomes and encouraging more students to adopt healthy lifestyle habits. British Columbia also promotes an inclusive education system in which students with special needs are fully participating members of a community of learners. Adaptation of wording in provincial curricula that will reflect seamless inclusion for all students: The current Physical Education PE curriculum, mandatory from Kindergarten to Grade 10, is designed to provide opportunities for students to develop knowledge, movement skills, and positive attitudes and behaviours that contribute to a healthy, active lifestyle. Since September 2008, all British Columbia students including those with physical disabilities have been expected to meet the requirements of the Ministry of Educations Daily Physical Activity DPA program. DPA requires Kindergarten to Grade 7 students to participate in at least 30 minutes of activity per day during school hours; students in Grades 8 and 9 are required to participate in 30 minutes of activity per day during school hours or 150 minutes of activity per week in or out of school hours; Grades 10-12 students need to participate in 150 minutes of activity per week, in or out of school hours. Promotion of input and awareness in the development of resources and services or programs that will enhance inclusive physical activity: With regard to the resolutions comments about the Lets Play Program, there are certainly a number of resources available to help educators work with students to increase activity levels and promote healthy lifestyles. Local boards of education and independent school authorities are responsible for selecting the learning resources or programs they use. This allows them to select or develop resources that address the specific needs of their own school, students and communities. Adaptation and enhancement of post secondary education to teach and reflect inclusive physical activity through sport and recreation, healthy living, education and other related programs: The Ministry of Education has no plans to undertake the revision of any curriculum in advance of the personalized learning transformation efforts underway. However, the concept of inclusion can be considered as part of the personalized learning curriculum projects over the next few years.