Why is a New Curriculum Needed in Alberta?
Much of Alberta’s current curriculum is 20-35 years old with the most recent changes occurring in Social Studies and Mathematics (2007). Our world has changed significantly during this time, as has our understanding of the learning progression of children. New curriculum provides an opportunity for education to reflect modern changes in knowledge. A new curriculum also allows us the opportunity to reflect the dynamic and varied backgrounds and stories of our students, to celebrate diversity and learn about the various cultures that make up our society.
A Brief History of Current Draft Curriculum Development in Alberta
- August 2020 - Ministerial Order on Student Learning (#028/2020) released.
- December 2020 - Guiding Framework for the Design and Development of K-12 Provincial Curriculum released.
- March 29, 2021 - Draft K-6 Curriculum released by Alberta Education.
- September 2021 - Classroom Piloting for participating school authorities began.
- December 2021 - Alberta Education announced K-6 New Curriculum Implementation for English Language Arts, Mathematics and Physical Education & Wellness will occur in September 2022. Grades 7-12 Curriculum Implementation will be sequenced accordingly in the years to come.
- March 10, 2022 - Alberta Education announced that new curriculum will be rolled out into classrooms in a balanced, measured approach to better prepare students for future success. This will be done in phases:
- September 2022
- K-3 mathematics and English language arts and literature
- K-6 physical education and wellness
- September 2023
- Grades 4-6 mathematics and English language arts and literature
- September 2022
- April 13, 2022 – Alberta Education released the new Mathematics, English Language Arts and Literature, and Physical Education and Wellness curriculums, for Kindergarten through Grade 6.
By September 2024, it is anticipated that all remaining subjects will be implemented in Kindergarten to Grade 6.
Sturgeon Public Perspective
In Fall 2020, the Alberta Government asked school districts to pilot the new draft curriculum. Sturgeon Public Schools chose not to participate in piloting program.
In Spring 2021 - A Curriculum Review Committee along with 40 teachers analyzed the released draft Curriculum, to better understand the proposed curriculum, implications for teaching and learning, and to provide actionable feedback to Alberta Education. A total of 18 meetings were hosted by the Associate Superintendent of Education Services and the Director of Curriculum and Instruction with over 80 breakout sessions to cover the core subjects of English Language Arts, French Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies
Sturgeon Public Schools Review of the Draft Alberta K-6 Curriculum
(released on March 29, 2021)
Highlights of the Review
Less is more. Reduce.
- the volume of simple facts or isolated topics and include outcomes which connect students with knowledge across subjects or grade levels.
- the focus on building a static body of subject knowledge and instead provide outcomes that allow students to evaluate information and synthesize or create new solutions to problems or challenges.
- the pace of introducing concepts across grade levels for numeracy.
- the French Language Arts outcomes that are mechanics based and include outcomes that are focused on language acquisition.
Look at Outcomes, Engagement, and Inclusivity.
- Include outcomes that promote collaboration, meaningful communication and critical thinking in students.
- Align outcomes and expectations with current research on physical and neurological development in children.
- Promote the engagement of scientific inquiry instead of rote memorization of scientific approaches.
- Integrate computer science skills across subject areas and build financial literacy skills through approaches that respect the different social and economic realities across the province.
- Respectfully include Indigenous ways of knowing and understanding at all grade levels. Encourage students to engage in Indigenous approaches and experience learning in traditional ways.
- Rewrite the Social Studies curriculum to positively recognize the diversity in our classrooms, and to respectfully build greater awareness of self, others, and our communities in a strong, pluralistic Alberta.
Parent Survey
In Fall 2021 - Parents of Sturgeon Public School Division had the opportunity to participate in a survey on the Draft Alberta K-6 Curriculum and a summary report was presented to the Board of Trustees and later shared with the Alberta School Boards Association.
Sturgeon Public Schools Parent Engagement Survey (Alberta Draft Curriculum)
Next Steps
Continue to share Alberta Education new curriculum updates with staff, students and parents.
2021-2022 Kindergarten to Grade 6 Staff Professional Development:
- Understand Draft Curriculum Architecture and Design
- Examine Draft Curriculum Content (what’s new, what are we already doing, preparing for student learning gaps, gathering resources, assessment and reporting)
- Continue with Numeracy and Literacy learning focused on current understanding of best practices as it aligns with the new curriculum.
- Learning Coaches working with elementary teachers to support creating lesson plans and reviewing new.LearnAlberta.ca supports and resources.
Planning for new K-6 curriculum in September 2022:
- Collaboration time for teachers as they prepare to support students in the shift of curricular expectations from the current curriculum to the new curriculum.
- Exploration of resources that can support new curriculum and shifts in curricular expectations.
Piloting French Language Arts for French Immersion in Kindergarten to Grade 4
- Sturgeon Public Schools will be piloting the French Language Arts curriculum for Kindergarten to grade 4 at École Morinville Public School in September 2022. The teachers and leadership at EMPS will benefit from the supports that will be provided by Alberta Education, and have a greater voice in determining the best curriculum for students. By piloting, they will have greater access to a network of French Immersion teachers, which is a great benefit to our small, but mighty team!
What's New for September
April 13, 2022, Adriana LaGrange, the Minister of Education, announced the new Mathematics, English Language Arts and Literature, and Physical Education and Wellness curriculums, for Kindergarten through Grade 6, are now finalized and Kindergarten to Grade 3 will be implemented this fall.
During her announcement, Minister LaGrange also indicated the province will ensure supports and resources are available on new.LearnAlberta.ca to assist elementary teachers teaching the three new programs of study in classrooms this fall. In the coming weeks, Sturgeon Public Schools, along with school divisions across the province, will work closely with Alberta Education to undertake the planning necessary for the implementation in September 2022. (All Sturgeon Public Kindergarten to Grade 6 teachers and Learning Coaches will be working together on the Professional Development Day Tuesday, April 19th, to review the resources and supports and begin planning units and lessons to address the new curriculum and bridge students to successfully address the new learning outcomes).
By September 2024, it is anticipated all remaining subjects will be implemented at the elementary level. Up to that point, we will continue to carefully assess the materials, provide constructive feedback to Alberta Education and advocate for the best interests of Sturgeon Public students. The Division encourages all families to continue reviewing the draft curriculum in the remaining elementary subjects, and to share their thoughts and suggestions with Alberta Education. Over the coming weeks and months, the province will provide more information about the curriculum implementation, piloting of subjects and engagement opportunities at alberta.ca/curriculum.
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On March 10, 2022 the Alberta Government announced a move forward with implementing the new curriculum in September, 2022. The curriculum will be rolled out into classrooms in a balanced, measured approach to better prepare students for future success. This will be done in phases:
- K-3 mathematics and English language arts and literature in September 2022
- K-6 physical education and wellness in September 2022
- Grades 4-6 mathematics and English language arts and literature in September 2023
The government advisory group will make recommendations by May 2022 on piloting and implementation strategies for the remaining K-6 curriculum: fine arts, science, social studies, French first language and literature, and French immersion language arts and literature.
Town Hall
Minister LaGrange will be hosting a telephone town hall to engage with parents directly on current initiatives within Alberta’s education system, including K-6 curriculum renewal, reforming teacher profession discipline, the spring education agenda, and more.
Event details
Date: Wednesday, April 20, 2022
Time: 6:30-8:00 pm
Pre-registration details
Registration link: https://extranet.gov.ab.ca/opinio6//s?s=EDUC_TTH_APR20
Pre-registration deadline: April 20, 2022 at noon