Chapter 2
How to Obtain & Review Lesson Plans
Overview:
Canadian parents do not have broad, automatic rights to review lesson plans. Access depends on whether teaching materials are classified as official school board records under provincial freedom of information legislation. However, all provinces recognize parental involvement through school councils/boards and consultation duties embedded in education statutes, which can be used to push for greater transparency.
Legal Framework:
Unlike the United States, there is no federal legislation in Canada that directly grants parents a statutory right to inspect or access their child’s lesson plans or teaching materials. Instead, transparency and access are governed by provincial education statutes and freedom of information and protection of privacy (FOIP/ATIP) laws, which vary by province and territory.
-
Ontario
Education Act (R.S.O. 1990, c. E.2) sets out parental rights to be consulted and informed about programs and curricula.
Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) allows parents to request access to records held by school boards, which can include lesson plans if they are maintained as part of official records.
British Columbia
School Act (R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 412) provides parents with rights to be informed and consulted about their child’s education.
Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) governs public access to school district records; lesson plans may be accessible if retained by the district.
Alberta
Education Act (S.A. 2012, c. E-0.3) emphasizes parental involvement in education.
Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP) governs record access; parents may request instructional materials if they are official records.
Quebec
Education Act (R.S.Q., c. I-13.3) requires school service centres to involve parents through governing boards and consultation processes.
Act respecting Access to documents held by public bodies and the Protection of personal information provides transparency obligations, though “teaching notes” may be exempt if deemed personal working documents.
Manitoba
Public Schools Act (C.C.S.M. c. P250) recognizes parental rights to participate in school community councils.
Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) allows requests for school division records, subject to exemptions.
Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland & Labrador, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Territories
Each jurisdiction has an Education Act outlining parental consultation rights, and corresponding FOI laws (e.g., Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act in NL, Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act in NS, Right to Information and Protection of Privacy Act in NB, etc.).
In general, lesson plans are only accessible if the school board/district has retained them as part of its official records, not if they are considered teachers’ “personal working notes.”
Steps:
1. Check local policy first
See if your school board posts curriculum documents or lesson plans online. Many boards publish general curriculum outlines, and provincial Ministries of Education publish the official curriculum for each grade and subject.
2. Submit a written request
If you want access to lesson plans, submit a written request to the school board under the relevant provincial/territorial Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP, FOIPPA, FIPPA, ATIPPA, etc.).
Each province/territory has its own legislation governing public access to records held by school boards.
-
Address the right person - Usually the school principal, curriculum coordinator, or district office.
Identify yourself clearly - Include your name, your child’s name, grade, and school.
State your request simply - Say you are exercising your right as a parent to review instructional materials.
Be specific if possible - List the subject, class, or type of material (e.g., “6th grade social studies curriculum” or “reading list for English class”).
Ask about the process - Request information on how and when you can review the materials.
Keep a record - Submit in writing (email or letter) and save a copy.
If no response in 10 business days, file a public records request.
Review alignment to state standards and note any missing materials.
-
Subject: Request to Review Instructional Materials
Dear [Principal/Administrator],
I am the parent of [Child’s Full Name], who is a [grade level] student at [School Name].
I am writing to request access to review the instructional materials used in [subject/class].
Please let me know the process for reviewing these materials and a convenient time to do so.
Thank you for your assistance.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name][Contact Information]
3. Clarify the scope of your request
Specify that you are requesting lesson plans, teaching materials, or other instructional documents as maintained by the board or school.
Be precise—ask for specific grades, courses, or subject areas.
Note that Canadian FOI law generally covers documents in the custody or control of the institution (board), not necessarily every teacher’s personal notes unless they are officially part of the record.
4. Indicate format for access
State your willingness to review materials:
In person (at board office)
Online (if published)
Electronic copies (via email or USB)
5. Timeline for response
Under provincial FOI laws, the school board must respond within 30 calendar days to acknowledge and either grant access, deny with reasons, or extend the deadline (extensions can apply if the request is complex).
What to look for:
Are standards clearly mapped?
Are supplemental materials identified (not just the core textbook)?
Are controversial/opt-out units flagged with alternative lessons?
Are there potential biases or gaps?
What to do if your request is denied:
File a formal complaint with the district superintendent
File a public records request
Contact The Lawfare Project
