Legislature Relevant to Inclusion
Charter of Rights and Freedoms : Section 15(1) states that, “Every individual is equal before and under the law and has the right to the equal protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination and, in particular, without discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability” (Canadian Heritage, n.d.).
The Alberta Teachers Association Code of Professional Conduct: In Relation to Pupils #1 : “The teacher teaches in a manner that respects the dignity and rights of all persons without prejudice as to race, religious beliefs, colour, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical characteristics, disability, marital status, family status, age, ancestry, place of origin, place of residence, socioeconomic background or linguistic background” (Alberta Teachers Association, 2004).
The Alberta Teachers Association Statement of Educational Policy #12: “All children have the right in a public education system to an education that will develop their individual potentialities” (Alberta Teachers Association, 2010).
Alberta Education School Act: Right of Access to Education : Section 8(1)(a) states that, “Every individual, who at September 1 in a year is 6 years of age or older and younger than 19 years of age is entitled to have access in that school year to an education program in accordance with this Act” (Alberta Education, 2011).
From these legal documents, it appears that inclusion is mandated in the province of Alberta. After viewing these documents, it seems very clear that teachers have no choice but to adopt instructional methods and techniques based on inclusion. While the necessity of inclusion seems very concrete in writing, some may argue that implementation is not consistent throughout the province.