B.C.’s Ombudsperson, Jay Chalke, is investigating concerns of students in public schools being asked or told to not attend schools. The investigation will assess whether these practises are fair for students, particularly those with diverse learning abilities.
The Ombudsperson wants to hear directly from K-12 educators that offer direct support to students – for example, educations assistants, Indigenous support workers, child and family support workers, early childhood educators and Strong Start facilitators, etc.
As frontline workers who students depend on for support every day, your input will be very important to the Ombudsperson’s investigation.
They want to hear from you about:
- the challenges you face in supporting students with diverse needs
- what is working well – your success stories and best practises
The Ombudsperson is asking K-12 school support workers to complete an online questionnaire.
CLICK here for the education professionals questionnaire
The Questionnaire is voluntary and confidential. It should take about 10 minutes of your time, and you can skip questions or stop at any time. You can also participate by calling the Ombudsperson directly at 1-800-567- FAIR (3247) or visit bcombudsperson.ca.
Your responses are confidential. The Ombudsperson will not share your name, your identity, or the identity or any students you mention with the Ministry of Education, any school district, or anyone else.
Under section 16 of the Ombudsperson Act, you are protected from retaliation for participating. If you believe you’ve faced negative consequences because you took part in this questionnaire or shared information with the Ombudsperson, you are asked to contact their office at 1-800-567- FAIR (3247).
This is an important opportunity to share your experiences, insights and expertise. As frontline workers your input is crucial. Among other things, the questionnaire asks school support workers:
- what are the biggest challenges to providing inclusive education?
- what supports and practises do you think are most helpful in providing an inclusive education?
- what the supports do you feel are needed in schools?
- if you’ve had safety concerns at work, and how they’ve been addressed by administrators?
We know you have invaluable insight into these questions. We are encouraging you to participate today.
The Ombudsperson also wants to hear directly from students and families.
