Dear Minister Singh,
Subject: Neurodiverse Training in Public Education
At the British Columbia School Trustees Association’s 2024 annual general meeting, our
members representing all 60 boards of education in B.C. passed the following resolution:
“That the BCSTA request the Ministry of Education and Child Care to fully fund
neurodiverse awareness training for employees currently working in the education
system and that they work with the Provincial Government, and the Ministry of Post-
Secondary Education and Future Skills, ensuring post secondary institutions are
including neurodiverse awareness training into the curriculum for education professions.”
This resolution highlights a crucial step in enhancing our education system’s capacity to support
all students. By increasing neurodiverse awareness training availability for teachers, support
staff and early childhood educators, and ensuring that training is embedded in post-secondary
education programs for future educators, we can build a more inclusive and understanding
environment in our schools where every student can succeed without the need to conceal their
differences. Ensuring neurodiverse students feel understood and accepted requires that all
school staff be equipped with the knowledge and skills to support neurodiverse learners
effectively.
In May, we had a productive discussion with the staff at the Ministry of Education and Child
Care about the importance of this resolution. We appreciate the ministry’s recognition that
workforce training focused on neurodiverse awareness is vital. As part of our discussions, we
elaborated on the importance of highlighting to deans of teaching institutions across the
province the importance of integrating this training into future programs, and we are copying
them to this letter accordingly, along with Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future
Skills Lisa Beare. While boards of education desire for this training to be fully funded, we do
understand that access to additional funding may be limited, and other possible opportunities for
training were explored as part of our discussions. These options include potential collaboration
with the BC Teachers’ Council and CUPE BC to include expanded professional development
and training programs in the area of neurodiversity awareness.
We look forward to continuing our collaboration on this important issue and appreciate your
ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive education system across the province.
Sincerely,
Carolyn Broady
President
British Columbia School Trustees Association
[Sent September 9, 2024]