The Community
Press Joy to the World
Volume 114, Issue 24
Wednesday, December 15, 2021
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Alberta Education walks back from rolling out full curriculum this fall Moush John Staff Reporter
Brett Brett Kissel Kissel surprise surprise anthem anthem singer singer at at Wheat game Wheat Kings Kings game ALLY ANDERSON PHOTO
Canadian Country Music star Brett Kissel was a surprise guest at Fridayʼs Wheat Kings game against the Lac La Biche Clippers. Kissel arrived early and spent some time with fans in the lobby before slipping away to visit with the players pre-game, then opened the game with the national anthem.
Alberta’s government is being guided by input from Albertans on the draft Kindergarten to Grade 6 (K-6) curriculum and is taking significant steps to address feedback from parents, teachers, and subject matter experts, says Education Minister Adriana LaGrange. LaGrange said on Monday, Dec. 13, that Albertans’ feedback is informing ongoing curriculum renewal, with adjusted implementation timelines, changes to the design of the Social Studies curriculum, and more opportunities for engagement in the new year. “Our government committed to a transparent and open review process for curriculum and we are keeping that promise,” said LaGrange. “We have listened to the valuable insights provided by parents, education stakeholders, teachers, and Albertans and are making significant content and implementation changes to reflect this. “The steps we are taking now will ensure our students are learning from an updated curriculum that prepares them for the future.” One of the major changes announced was that new curriculum in just three subjects – English Language Arts and Literature, Mathematics, and Physical Education and Wellness – will be implemented in September 2022. The province says to help set the course for successful implementation for other curriculum changes, Alberta Education will seek advice from an advisory group of education and curriculum implementation experts early in 2022. The group will also provide recommendations on implementation strategies for the remaining K-6 subjects. LaGrange said the members of the advisory group would be announced at a later date. She said, “The COVID-19 pandemic has added unique pressures on students, their families and teachers. Recognizing this, Alberta’s government is making changes to curriculum implementation timelines. “The pandemic has had many impacts
on students, including learning disruptions, particularly in the early years where building strong foundational reading, writing, and numeracy skills are critical,” LaGrange added. “Providing strengthened English and Mathematics curriculums for the upcoming school year will further help young students catch up.” President of the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) Marilyn Dennis further stated, “The Association is appreciative that the government has listened to stakeholders, including our membership. “ASBA has advocated for a delay and a phased approach to curriculum implementation and recognizes that government responded with some changes announced today. “ASBA looks forward to working with government and our membership on the implementation plan and sharing the feedback of our members as they continue to represent their communities.” A new draft design blueprint addresses substantive feedback received related to age and developmental appropriateness of the Social Studies curriculum and lays out a plan to make curriculum content changes. The blueprint and further engagement will inform a new draft that continues to ensure students learn historical content, build civic skills, explore First Nations, Métis and Inuit, and Francophone perspectives and learn about different cultures and communities. The draft is available now at alberta.ca. In addition, this round of content changes in four subject areas will address the specific feedback that Albertans, as well as piloting school authorities, have provided to date, LaGrange says. She added “Changes have been made to English Language Arts and Literature, Physical Education and Wellness, Fine Arts (Music), and Science curriculums to add clarity, strengthen content, as well as expand key topics such as positive body image, climate change, and learning about dinosaurs.” In January and February there will be See CURRICULUM P13