Edmonton Public Schools
Board Policies and Regulations

The board believes all students can learn and is committed to meeting the schooling needs of all students in Edmonton Public Schools through the provision of a range of programs and instructional options to accommodate their differing needs and interests. The board believes that program implementation should provide continuity and flexibility for student learning.

1. PROGRAMS AND COURSES

   1. The board reserves to itself the authority to approve the establishment of new programs, locally developed courses, the optional implementation of provincial courses, and the deletion of programs and courses. The board shall be informed of all new mandatory course offerings.

   2. When considering the addition or expansion of programs and locally developed courses, the administration shall address factors such as:

      • rationale for program or course, including a description of unique features
      • degree of demand
      • availability of staff and instructional resources
      • impact on financial and human resources, and facilities
      • impact on current course and program offerings
      • consistency with sound educational theory and practice
      • consistency with board policies and administrative regulations
      • consistency with the School Act, Alberta Learning's policies and its Mission and Mandate for Education

   3. When considering the deletion or consolidation of programs and locally developed courses, the administration shall address factors such as:

      • degree of demand
      • student achievement
      • impact on financial and human resources, and facilities
      • availability of staff and resources

2. ALTERNATIVE PROGRAMS

   The board, as advocate of choice, will consider alternative programs which emphasize a particular language, culture, religion, subject-matter, or uses a particular teaching philosophy. Such programs will be offered only in designated district centres.

   1. Language and Culture

      1. The board supports the continued offering of French Immersion and Awasis and of the following bilingual programs: American Sign Language, Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), German, Hebrew, and Ukrainian.

      2. The board will consider the provision of language courses for students who wish to acquire or maintain proficiency in languages other than Canada's official languages.

   2. Subject Matter

      The board supports the continued offering of the following alternatives: Academic Alternative, Arts Core, Edmonton Public Professional School of Ballet, and International Baccalaureate.

   3. Teaching Philosophy

      The board supports the continued offering of the following alternatives: Caraway, Cogito, International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program, Logos, Nellie McClung, Sports Alternative, Summit, and the Traditional School.

   4. Religion

      1. Any religious instruction, religious exercises, or alternative programs based on religion shall be:

         1. of a non-proselytizing nature, e.g., instruction about a religion or religions rather than inculcation

         2. based on a general faith such as Christianity, Judaism, or Islam, rather than emphasizing or promoting a particular denomination or division of a given faith.

      2. The board allows schools to conduct religious exercises of a non-denominational or non-proselytizing nature that are acceptable to parents.

3. SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS

   1. The board is committed to providing programs and services which make it possible for exceptional students to receive an education appropriate to their abilities and needs. Changes to the curriculum, staffing, instructional and evaluation strategies, materials and resources, facilities or equipment may be required to address the needs of exceptional students.

   2. The board supports the concept of providing educational programs for students with special needs in both neighbourhood schools and in district centres. The neighbourhood school is a guaranteed point of entry for all students, and the regular classroom shall be the first option considered. District centres provide alternate program options.

   3. Parents and students shall be provided with information about the program options available.

4. OUTREACH PROGRAMS/TRANSITION PROGRAMS

   Recognizing that not all students are successful in traditional school settings, the board will provide senior high outreach programs and junior high transition programs. These programs are located in non-traditional school settings, and provide opportunities for students to develop the skills and knowledge required to make the transition back to more traditional school settings. Students may complete their schooling in non-traditional settings.