Skip to main content

Inclusive Education

The Kootenay-Columbia School District (KCSD) is committed to fostering inclusion and ensuring equitable access to learning for all students. We recognize diversity and intersectionality as sources of enrichment, strength, and belonging within our school communities. Our schools strive to create welcoming learning environments where every student feels valued, respected, and connected.

 

KCSD is dedicated to providing equitable access to education through inclusive practices that are student-centered, flexible, and focused on improving educational outcomes. We believe that every student can learn and thrive when provided with the appropriate supports and opportunities.

 

Inclusive education is supported through a continuum of services and supports designed to meet the diverse needs of learners. Students are supported through a tiered system of support:

 

  • Universal Supports (Tier 1): Foundational strategies and practices that are embedded in every classroom to support the success of all learners.
  • Targeted Supports (Tier 2): Additional interventions and supports for students who require more than universal strategies. These may include targeted skill development, small-group instruction, or short-term interventions.
  • Intensive Supports (Tier 3): Highly individualized supports and interventions designed to address the unique strengths and needs of specific students.

 

School teams work collaboratively to provide classroom-based supports through School-Based Teams (SBTs), with additional expertise and guidance available from District Specialists within the Learning Services Team. Our Learning Services Team is comprised of a District Psychologist, Teacher of the Visually Impaired, Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Speech Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, Inclusion Coordinators/Mentors, and English Language Learning Teachers. Together, these teams help ensure that students receive the supports they need to achieve success and experience a strong sense of belonging in their school community.