In 2016, British Columbia rolled out a redesigned English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum, one that is centered on teaching that “questioning what we hear, read, and view contributes to our ability to be educated and engaged citizens”.
In 2016, British Columbia rolled out a redesigned English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum, one that is centered on teaching that “questioning what we hear, read, and view contributes to our ability to be educated and engaged citizens".
In Ontario, media components are included throughout the Healthy Active Living Education curriculum, especially within the Healthy Living Strand:
Media Education in the English Language Arts Curriculum, Grades 10-12
Media outcomes are integrated throughout the English Language Arts 10-12 curriculum. In addition to including media texts as part of listening and speaking, reading and writing, and viewing and representing outcomes, the curriculum broadens and more clearly defines text and context to reflect media culture.
The following excerpts from English Language Arts (Senior High) (2001) details this broadened definition:
Broadening the Definition of “Text”
According to the 2023 Elementary English Language Arts and Literature curriculum, “Language is a uniquely structured system that forms the basis for thinking, communicating, and learning.” The curriculum is built around the six strands of language learning: reading, writing, listening, speaking, viewing, and representing, with each strand touching on aspects of digital media literacy. The K-6 curriculum notes that English Language Arts and Literature “[helps] students develop deep understandings of others and themselves, build and strengthen interpersonal relationships, and engage in responsible citizenship,” integrating digital citizenship within citizenship education. To that end, digital media literacy education is integrated into elements of ethical citizenship, critical analysis of literature, differentiation of fact from opinion, access of information, and citation of sources.
“Students require an understanding of self as the basis for making healthy choices, having healthy interactions with others and using resources wisely, as well as for lifelong career development. They also require information, planning tools and processes to make decisions and develop action plans for effective life management.” Career and Life Management
In the Alberta Health and Life Skills K-9 Framework, media literacy is highlighted under the heading Program Rational and Philosophy in the section Responsible, Healthy Choices:
Many curricular expectations in B.C. English Language Arts courses relate to media and digital literacy. Media and digital literacy skills and concepts can be found in the Core Competencies of Communication, Thinking and Personal & Social, as well as many of the Big Ideas, Curricular Competencies and specific course content.
In the Northwest Territories Health Education, media literacy outcomes for are included under the broader categories of Mental and Emotional Well Being; Nutrition; Safety; Responsibilty; Family Life; and Alcohol and Other Drugs.
The expectations in the compulsory courses of the English curriculum are organized in four strands, or broad areas of learning: Oral Communication, Reading and Literature Studies, Writing, and Media Studies. The program in all grades is designed to develop a range of essential skills in these four interrelated areas, built on a solid foundation of knowledge of the conventions of standard English and incorporating the use of analytical, critical, and metacognitive thinking skills.