VANCOUVER - Parts of the legislation that ended a limited teachers' strike in B.C. mean teachers and principals must consult each other on how classes are organized and where special needs children are placed.

Up to now, such consultation wasn't required unless there were more than three special needs students in a class and/or when a Grades 4 to 12 class exceeded the 30-student limit.

The Education Ministry says class composition will now be part of ongoing discussions between principals and teachers, not just at the beginning and end of the school year.

Education Minister George Abbott says the requirements are already in effect in good schools, where teachers and principals consult and collaborate on how to support all students.

The Education Ministry says the changes are part of a $195-million Learning Improvement Fund and that eligible teachers will be compensated when there are more than 30 students in a class.

Compensation may include more preparation time, professional development funding, classroom supplies, extra pay or a combination of these, although typically larger classes such as drama and choir aren't included.