The State of Education in British Columbia: Excellence vs. Ideology
British Columbia’s education system is undergoing a quiet transformation...
These changes—ranging from shifts in curriculum to a new approach to grading—are being framed as progressive and student-focused. But in practice, they are raising serious concerns among educators and parents alike. As someone who comes from a family of teachers and deeply values the work of dedicated educators, I want to shed light on what these changes mean for students and why many of the best teachers in BC are quietly resisting them to ensure students achieve real success.
The NDP’s Curriculum Overhaul: An Experiment on Our Children?
Curriculum changes under the NDP have moved education away from traditional academic rigor and toward a model that emphasizes competency-based learning. This approach is meant to provide students with broader skills and adaptability, but many argue it sacrifices foundational knowledge in key subjects like mathematics, sciences, and literacy. While critical thinking is essential, so too is a strong knowledge base. The best teachers understand that a balance is necessary, yet the current government seems more interested in ideological reshaping than ensuring students leave school with a competitive edge.
A growing body of research highlights the superiority of structured, knowledge-rich curricula over vague competency models. While some education theorists have long advocated for fact-based instruction, critics point out that excessive focus on memorization can come at the expense of critical thinking and adaptability. Others emphasize that while phonics-based reading instruction and structured mathematics are essential, successful education systems integrate direct instruction with strategic feedback and formative assessment. Reports analyzing various international models further confirm that minimally guided discovery-based approaches tend to underperform, particularly among students lacking a strong foundational knowledge base. These findings reinforce the importance of maintaining clear, structured academic expectations while incorporating proven strategies that foster independent learning and adaptability.
The Grading System Shift: No Winners, No Losers?
One of the most contentious changes is the NDP government’s overhaul of BC’s grading system. Traditional letter grades are being replaced with vague proficiency scales. Instead of clear, concrete assessments that help students understand where they stand and what they need to improve, the new system embraces ambiguity.
A National Post report highlights growing parental frustration over the changes, with many concerned that the removal of letter grades makes it harder for students to track their academic progress. Critics argue that this approach lacks accountability and transparency, leaving students unprepared for post-secondary education and workforce expectations.
Additionally, a Fraser Institute analysis points out that BC parents are increasingly confused and frustrated by the government’s new descriptive grading system. The shift away from traditional grading methods has led to uncertainty about their children’s performance and whether they are meeting key academic milestones. The report argues that removing letter grades eliminates an essential feedback mechanism that helps students, parents, and educators work together to address learning gaps and improve academic performance.
The Vancouver Sun further underscores these concerns in a recent op-ed, explaining how the BC government’s changes to student testing deprive parents of rankings and crucial performance data. By reducing standardized testing and limiting access to school performance metrics, the government is effectively removing one of the key tools parents use to assess school quality and advocate for their children’s education. Critics argue that this move lacks transparency and accountability, making it harder for families to make informed choices about their children’s schooling.
Supporters claim these changes will reduce student stress and promote well-being. In reality, they undermine accountability and excellence. Without measurable benchmarks, how do students—or their parents—know if they are excelling or struggling? How do they prepare for university admissions that still rely on traditional grading? Many top teachers in BC see these changes as a disservice to their students, and they are working behind the scenes to maintain high academic standards despite government mandates.
Numerous education studies underscore the necessity of clear academic standards and transparent grading. Findings consistently show that objective assessments drive higher levels of performance and engagement. Research tracking student motivation and achievement highlights that maintaining structured expectations—rather than adopting ambiguous assessment frameworks—leads to stronger long-term academic and economic outcomes. Nations with high-performing education systems continue to emphasize clear grading standards while also supporting student well-being, proving that excellence and care are not mutually exclusive.
Fraser Institute’s School Rankings: A Reality Check
The Fraser Institute annually ranks schools in BC based on standardized testing and performance metrics. While critics argue these rankings don’t capture the full picture of education quality, they do provide an important measure of scholastic achievement. Under the NDP, we’ve seen many schools decline in these rankings, particularly in public education.
To explore the rankings click here —> School Rankings for BC
Meanwhile, private and independent schools continue to excel. Why? Because they retain traditional teaching methods, clear grading standards, and an emphasis on academic excellence. This should serve as a wake-up call. If progressive education policies were truly better for students, why are the schools that reject them consistently producing higher-performing graduates?
Reports examining the impact of structured education models confirm that emphasizing core knowledge and rigorous assessment leads to stronger long-term student success. Comparative international education studies reinforce that systems prioritizing academic content and high expectations for all students—not identity-based initiatives—consistently outperform others in literacy, math, and science.
Political Interference in Education: The Victoria School Board Firing
Education policy is not just about curriculum and grading—it’s also about governance and leadership. The recent firing of the entire Victoria School Board, reported by CBC News, underscores the growing tensions between local school boards and the provincial government. The Victoria board was dismissed by the Ministry of Education, a move that raises concerns about political overreach and government control over local education decisions.
The provincial government’s justification for the firing remains controversial, with some arguing it was necessary due to dysfunction, while others see it as an attempt to centralize power and push forward an education agenda with less resistance. Regardless of one’s stance, this decision highlights the broader struggle over who controls education policy in BC—the educators, the parents, or the government.
Real Excellence Comes From Great Teachers, Not Government Policy
Despite the shifting tides in BC’s education system, good teachers—many of whom I know personally—are refusing to let politics get in the way of student success. These educators are working hard to ensure their students master critical skills, achieve their academic goals, and gain entry into top post-secondary programs. They are not discarding proven teaching methods in favor of experimental ideologies. They know that real success comes from structure, discipline, and academic rigor—values that are being quietly eroded by the government’s policies.
The best teachers in BC don’t just follow government directives. They challenge their students, push them to excel, and help them achieve their dreams using traditional measures of scholastic excellence. These are the educators who inspire and empower future generations—not bureaucrats in Victoria pushing untested theories.
Conclusion: A Call for a Return to Excellence
British Columbia’s education system should be one of the best in the country, but recent policy shifts are steering it in the wrong direction. We must resist the push toward vague assessments and diluted curriculum standards. Parents, educators, and students deserve better. Excellence in education should not be sacrificed for ideology.
The path forward is clear: trust our best teachers, uphold rigorous academic standards, and ensure that students are given every opportunity to succeed. British Columbia’s future depends on it.