Terms+to+Know

This is a list of terms that you may come across in Ontario Education documents or on this webpage. Feel free to input additional terms that may be useful to others.


 * Safe Schools Initiative:** The Ministry of Education has committed itself to establishing safe and inclusive school environments. They have taken this initiative because they realize the importance of this for ensuring success of students both academically and non-academically. To reach these goals, the Ministry is putting new stresses on areas such as anti-bullying and promotion of diversity. Retrieved from Safe Schools.


 * Inclusive Education**: Inclusive education or inclusion of all students by accepting students' needs and allowing them to have equal opportunities to succeed and participate in all educational experiences. Retrieved from Inclusion


 * Equity**: Equity does NOT refer to treating each student the exact same. Instead, we recognize that students may have special needs. These students may require accommedations or modifications in order to be successful. Therefore, we define equity is providing each student with an equal opportunity for success. Retrieved from Ontario's Equity and Inclusive Education Strategy.


 * Diversity**: There is a lot more to diversity than people often initially think of. Diversity includes differences in genders, culture, ethnicity, language, physical and intellectual ability, religion, sexual orientation and socio-economic status. These are a large range of qualities and attributes with each being accepted in our classroom. Retrieved from Ontario's Equity and Inclusive Education Strategy.

I plan to support a learning environment that allows for equity among all diverse groups. I would like students to be proud of their ethnicity and culture and encourage students to express these qualities that make them unique. I will also work hard to eliminate discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender. It is important that students do not use words or phrases in class that cause another student to be uncomfortable. In class, we will avoid stereotypes of typical gender roles. For example, when completing labs, all students should have an opportunity to use all laboratory equipment regardless of gender. There is no "man's job" or "woman's job".