Committed to Alberta’s Students
Alberta's Kindergarten to Grade 12 students are benefiting from an exceptional education system that will pave the way for their future success and lifelong learning. At Alberta Education, we are proud of our education system and offer a few highlights to illustrate our commitment to educating Alberta's students.
Language Learning - A majority of Alberta's 62 school authorities offer second language programming, with a wide array of programs and a variety of program entry points. In Alberta, we have over 20 languages that are taught in Kindergarten to Grade 12 classrooms, and over 30 languages are taught in community settings. Learning a second language is truly a skill for life.
Bullying prevention campaign - In November 2007, government launched the third phase of its three-year, province-wide campaign to make communities safer for our children. A new PSA themed on the concept of Reverse it be better than bullying was shown in movie theatres across the province and has since migrated to television. New material was also added to the campaign’s three websites - www.teamheroes.ca for children (3-11 years), www.b-free.ca for youth (12-17 years) and www.bullyfreealberta.ca for adults. Additionally, a 24-hour helpline - 1-888-456-2323 - provides information on bullying prevention and intervention, referrals to local counselling and bullying prevention services. It is our belief that Alberta's students, in addition to being lifelong champions of the anti-bullying message, should be contributing members of a democratic society.
Alberta Initiative for School Improvement (AISI) - AISI is a unique province-wide funded initiative that allows local authorities to decide how to improve student learning by supporting projects that address local needs and circumstances. Teachers, parents, students and administrators work together to exchange information and ideas that are translating into improvements, and making a difference for students in the classroom each day.
Mathematics - A new math curriculum is being phased in to Alberta schools starting the 2008/09 school year. The new curriculum will ensure students develop a strong conceptual understanding of mathematics, with an increased focus on number sense and problem solving.
Early Childhood Services (ECS) - Alberta Education has extended funding available for preschoolers enrolled in a recognized program to access more English as a Second Language (ESL) programming and programming for students attending Francophone schools who do not have sufficient French language skills to succeed in school (Francisation programming) to eligible children as young as 3 1/2 years old starting in September 2007. $7 million has been provided to school jurisdictions to help build language skills for children through (ECS) programming including Kindergarten and HeadStart. This is one initiative in support of the Minister of Education's priority to explore options to provide children with access to early learning opportunities.
Outreach programs - help junior and senior high school students who may struggle in traditional schooling to finish their education in a setting tailored to their individual needs. Typically, students attending outreach programs include teen parents, working students and at-risk students. There are currently 127 outreach programs operating throughout the province, at a total investment of more than $7 million this year.
Allergy Anaphylaxis Informational Response resource - Allergy and Anaphylaxis Informational Response (AAIR) resources were distributed to all Alberta schools to increase awareness about allergy causes, effects, and treatments among educators, parents and other care providers. The AAIR resource is part of the Alberta School Boards Association’s policy advisory that was developed by the Anaphylaxis Committee in fall 2007. Alberta Education provided a grant for the initiative to assist school boards in providing secure and caring places for children to learn.
Excellence in Teaching Awards - Since 1989 the Excellence in Teaching Awards Program has recognized the innovative and outstanding teaching that takes place every day in classrooms across Alberta. This program provides Albertans with a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the many contributions teachers make to student learning. This year, 23 finalists will be honoured at a dinner and awards ceremony on May 10, 2008 in Calgary.
