Connection: Information for Teachers (January 2010)

  • Curriculum and Resource Updates

    • Career and Technology Studies (CTS)

      Program Development
      Communication Technology:  Communication Technology has undergone further revisions since the drafts were posted last March on the Alberta Education Web site.  A number of courses have been added to accommodate Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) pathways, courses that specifically deal with the two types of graphic standards used in the industry:  vector and raster.  A new prerequisite for all Communication Technology courses has been added—COM1005:  Visual Composition.  This new course focuses on foundational skills that students will need for all courses in the Communication Technology area.  Printing courses have been updated and Client Service courses have been added to provide more flexibility for students and schools to offer more possible pathway choices.  Revised drafts for Communication Technology are scheduled to be posted on the Alberta Education Web site by the end of January.

      Learning and Teaching Resources
      Recently Authorized Resources:  Review new CTS resources authorized between October 8, 2009, and January 11, 2010:

      Business, Administration, Finance & Information Technology
      Computing Science
      Financial Management

      Health, Recreation & Human Services
      Cosmetology
      Foods
      Health Services
      Legal Studies
      Tourism

      Media, Design & Communication Arts
      Communication Technologies
      Design Studies
      Fashion Studies

      Natural Resources
      Agriculture
      Energy and Resources
      Environmental Stewardship
      Wildlife

      Trades, Manufacturing & Transportation
      Fabrication

      Business, Administration, Finance & Information Technology (BIT) and Trades, Manufacturing & Transportation (TMT):  The collection of authorized learning and teaching resources for the BIT and TMT clusters has been reviewed to ensure that all courses are supported with quality resources.  Published resources to enhance the BIT and TMT collection are currently under review and will be authorized by March 2010.  All authorized learning and teaching resources for the BIT and TMT clusters are listed in the Authorized Resources Database and are available for purchase from the Learning Resources Centre.  Please check often as resources are authorized on a monthly basis.

      Health, Recreation & Human Services (HRH), Media, Design & Communication Arts (MDC) and Natural Resources (NAT):  Learning and teaching resources for the HRH, MDC and NAT clusters were reviewed in August 2009, are currently undergoing validations for social consideration, safety standards and technical compliance and are expected to be authorized by March 2010.  All authorized learning and teaching resources for the HRH, MDC and NAT clusters are listed in the Authorized Resources Database and are available for purchase from the Learning Resources Centre.  Please check often as resources are authorized on a monthly basis.

      LearnAlberta.ca:  The BIT and TMT clusters of the revised CTS program are now posted at LearnAlberta.ca and are being populated with digital resources as authorized.  Digital resources can be searched for by key terms or by programs of study.  Teachers who had previously logged on to LearnAlberta.ca received an e-mail notice advising of a password change for the 2009–2010 school year.  Please contact your administrator if you did not receive a password.

      Distributed Learning Resources:  View details regarding new CTS distributed learning courses that are available or are in development. 

      CTS Learning and Teaching Resource Review Centres
      The establishment of the CTS Learning and Teaching Resource Review Centres is the result of collaboration between Alberta Education and the Calgary Board of Education and between Alberta Education and the Red Deer Public Board of Education.  Both the Calgary and Red Deer review centres have a mandate to:

      • function as a provincial access point for CTS teachers to view resources
      • work with the Alberta Regional Professional Development Consortia (ARPDC) to support implementation
      • provide opportunity for CTS teachers to develop sustainable professional communities of practice.

      Calgary: An open house for the CTS Learning and Teaching Resource Review Centre located in Calgary was held on November 25, 2009, celebrating the official launch of the Centre. CTS teachers are now able to view the collection of resources authorized for the BIT and TMT clusters.  Resources will be acquired for the HRH, MDC and NAT clusters after the implementation date of September 2010.

      The CTS Learning and Teaching Resource Review Centre – Calgary is located at:
      Juno Beach Academy / Lord Shaughnessy High School
      2336 – 53 Avenue SW
      Calgary, AB

      Contact: Deborah MacFadyen (damacfadyen@cbe.ab.ca, 403–777–7971, Ext. 2345)

      Red Deer: The CTS Learning and Teaching Resource Review Centre located in Red Deer is currently reviewing published resources and is working on plans to support implementation of the HRH, MDC and NAT clusters.  This Centre is expected to be open prior to June 2010 and will house the complete collection of resources for all clusters of the CTS program.

      Paving Health Pathways
      Ten jurisdictions are completing the first semester pilot of the new Health Services courses.  Teachers, curriculum leaders and administrators from the jurisdictions participating in the pilots have provided input regarding course content, strategies for successful implementation and opportunities for professional development.  As a result, the Health Services occupational area will be divided into four new occupational areas: Human and Social Services, Recreational Leadership, Health Services and Community Care Services.  Courses within these occupational areas are scheduled for provincial implementation in September 2010.   A revised draft of the Health, Recreation & Human Services cluster of the CTS Program of Studies is scheduled to be available on the Alberta Education Web site by the end of January.

      Professional Development Opportunities
      As a result of grants from Alberta Education to support implementation of the revised CTS program, professional development opportunities are being provided by the Alberta Regional Professional Development Consortia (ARPDC).  Contact the consortium in your region for information on learning opportunities (e.g., workshops, conferences, webinars, videoconference sessions) that can support your professional growth plan and implementation.

      CTS Conference 2010
      The annual CTS Conference, hosted by the Alberta Teachers' Association, is scheduled for April 22–24, 2010, in Banff.  This year's conference theme is "Alberta's Future."  The conference will feature speakers, workshops and round table discussions in all five clusters of the CTS program and will focus on introducing pathways to the future.  For more information, and to register for the conference, visit the CTS Conference Web site.

      Skills Canada Alberta
      The WorldSkills Calgary 2009 event has left a lasting imprint, with the Equipment Legacy Program and a Skills Movement that encourages all students to become involved in skills at local, regional or provincial events.  View details regarding opportunities available through Skills Canada Alberta and consider signing up for Skills Canada Alberta's monthly e-newsletter.

      Contact
      For more information regarding CTS, contact Corrinna Burdek at 780–644–2960.  To be connected toll-free inside Alberta, dial 310–0000.

      Note:  Links to other sites are provided as sources of information to users on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind.  Alberta Education is not responsible for maintaining these external sites.

      Search for authorized CTS resources. 

    • Distributed Learning
      The Distributed Learning Branch (DLB) of Alberta Education provides Learn EveryWare resources for the development and delivery of distributed learning in Alberta's educational institutions.  DLB's Learn EveryWare resources reflect current distributed learning philosophies and can be used at any time, in any place and at any pace.  Learn EveryWare resources can be used by students in a variety of different learning environments—distance learning, classrooms, homeschooling and outreach—and the resources are available in print and online formats to best meet student needs.  As well, Learn EveryWare resources can be used by Alberta educators in the development of their own lessons, print or digital, and/or in preparing for upcoming courses.

      New Distributed Learning Resources
      Several new distributed learning resources are available or are in development, including resources for CTS, mathematics and social studies.  To view details regarding these resources, click the relevant link below.

      How to Obtain DLB Resources
      DLB print resources are available for purchase from the Learning Resources Centre (LRC).  Most of our resources are available free of charge to Alberta teachers at LearnAlberta.ca.  This site provides online courses and multimedia segments and digital versions of print-based resources.  In addition to the resources for students, the site also includes teacher resources, assignments and answer keys.

      For a complete listing of DLB resources, check Resources Available on the Tools4Teachers Web site.

      Professional Development Opportunities
      As a result of grants from Alberta Education to support the implementation of distributed learning, professional development opportunities are being provided by the Alberta Regional Professional Development Consortia (ARPDC).  Contact the consortium in your region for information on learning opportunities (e.g., workshops, conferences, webinars, videoconference sessions) that can support your professional growth plan and implementation.  

      Contacts
      To be connected toll-free inside Alberta to any of the following contacts, dial 310–0000.   

      • For information regarding mathematics and science distributed learning resources, contact Grant Arnold at 780–674–8701.
      • For information regarding humanities distributed learning resources, contact Merlin Flock at 780–674–8757.
      • For information regarding CTS distributed learning resources, contact Tammi Wicks at 780–427–4159.
      • For information on collaborative project development and/or distributed learning development, contact Lori Ristoff at 780–674–8719.

      Note:  Links to other sites are provided as sources of information to users on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind.  Alberta Education is not responsible for maintaining these external sites.

    • Early Childhood Services
      Resource Update
      New language and literacy resources are available for teachers and parents of young children.  To view these resources, look under Other Resources on the Early Childhood Services–Grade 3 Web page.

      Early Childhood Services Fact Sheets
      New Early Childhood Services Fact Sheets are available through the Special Education section of the Alberta Education Web site.  Included are the following:

      Contact
      For more information regarding Early Childhood Services, contact Natalie Prytuluk at 780–422–6537.  To be connected toll-free inside Alberta, dial 310–0000. 

    • English as a Second Language (ESL)
      ESL Proficiency Benchmarks

      A field-test draft of the Alberta K–12 ESL Proficiency Benchmarks is available through the ESL section of the Alberta Education Web site or on LearnAlberta.ca (keyword ESL).

      Section 2 of the benchmarks resource, which includes tracking sheets and sample ESL report cards related to the benchmarks, is scheduled to be available in February 2010 in the ESL section of the Alberta Education Web site.

      Teachers are encouraged to provide feedback on the benchmarks.  An online response guide will be posted in the ESL section from February until March 31, 2010.  Feedback will be used to inform revisions to the benchmarks.

      For more information on the ESL benchmarks and ESL programs and resources, contact Jennifer Bushrod at 780–422–0624 or Mike Ettrich at 780–644–8195.  To be connected toll-free inside Alberta to either of these contacts, dial 310–0000.

      Search for authorized ESL resources.   

    • French as a Second Language (FSL)

      Recently Authorized Resources
      Review new resources authorized between October 8, 2009, and January 11, 2010:

      Three-year Program
      Grade 10–Grade 12 

      Nine-year Program
      Grade 5
      Grade 6
      Grade 8
      French 10-9Y
      French 30-9Y       

      Professional Development through the ARPDC

      As a result of grants from Alberta Education to support the implementation of French as a second language, professional development opportunities are being provided by the Alberta Regional Professional Development Consortia (ARPDC).  Contact the consortium in your region for information on learning opportunities (e.g., workshops, conferences, webinars, videoconference sessions) that can support your professional growth plan and implementation.

      Contact
      For more information on FSL programs and resources, contact Lisa Caouette at 780–422–7792.  To be connected toll-free inside Alberta, dial 310–0000.

      Note:  Links to other sites are provided as sources of information to users on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind.  Alberta Education is not responsible for maintaining these external sites.  

    • French Immersion
      Professional Development Opportunities

      As a result of grants from Alberta Education to support the implementation of French immersion, professional development opportunities are being provided by the Alberta Regional Professional Development Consortia (ARPDC). Contact the consortium in your region for information on learning opportunities (e.g., workshops, conferences, webinars, videoconference sessions) that can support your professional growth plan and implementation.

      Note:  Links to other sites are provided as sources of information to users on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind.  Alberta Education is not responsible for maintaining these external sites.  

    • Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
      Professional Development Opportunities

      As a result of grants from Alberta Education to support the implementation of ICT, professional development opportunities are being provided by the Alberta Regional Professional Development Consortia (ARPDC).  Contact the consortium in your region for information on learning opportunities (e.g., workshops, conferences, webinars, videoconference sessions) that can support your professional growth plan and implementation.

      Note:  Links to other sites are provided as sources of information to users on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind.  Alberta Education is not responsible for maintaining these external sites.  

      Search for authorized ICT resources. 

    • Interdisciplinary

      Recently Authorized Resources
      Review new resources authorized between October 8, 2009, and January 11, 2010, that can be used to infuse Aboriginal perspectives across subject areas at all grade levels.

      Search for authorized interdisciplinary resources.   

    • Knowledge and Employability Courses

      Professional Development Opportunities
      As a result of grants from Alberta Education to support the implementation of knowledge and employability, professional development opportunities are being provided by the Alberta Regional Professional Development Consortia (ARPDC).  Contact the consortium in your region for information on learning opportunities (e.g., workshops, conferences, webinars, videoconference sessions) that can support your professional growth plan and implementation.  

      Note:  Links to other sites are provided as sources of information to users on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind.  Alberta Education is not responsible for maintaining these external sites. 

    • Languages Update

      Language Teacher Bursary—February 10, 2010, Deadline
      Teachers are reminded to meet their school authority procedures and deadlines for the Language Teacher Bursary Program.  Applications are to be forwarded by the school authority by February 10, 2010.

      Two opportunities exist:

      • Elders/teachers/instructors of FNMI languages in grades 1–12 who plan to take a credit course at a Canadian university focusing on language, culture and/or pedagogical development, e.g., Canadian Indigenous Languages and Literacy Development Institute (CILLDI), may be interested in the Language Bursary Program for Teaching FNMI Languages. 
      • Teachers of languages other than English who plan to take a summer program abroad in a language/language teaching methodology other than English may be interested in the Language Teacher Bursary Program.

      Bursary recipients will be chosen by a selection committee, with decisions based on the applicant's statement of program, course rigour, school authority endorsement and the potential benefit for both the applicant and the school authority.  Applicants will be advised of the outcome of their application by mid-April 2010.

      Professional Development Opportunities
      As a result of grants from Alberta Education to support the implementation of languages, professional development opportunities are being provided by the Alberta Regional Professional Development Consortia (ARPDC).  Contact the consortium in your region for information on learning opportunities (e.g., workshops, conferences, webinars, videoconference sessions) that can support your professional growth plan and implementation.

      Note:  Links to other sites are provided as sources of information to users on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind.  Alberta Education is not responsible for maintaining these external sites.

      Search for authorized international languages resources.

    • Literacy

      Family Literacy Day
      Family Literacy Day is on January 27, 2010.  Family Literacy Day was created by the ABC CANADA Literacy Foundation and Honda Canada in 1999 to promote the importance of reading and learning together as a family all year round.  Every year on January 27, families and communities across Canada celebrate this special day at literacy-themed events coordinated by literacy organizations, schools, public libraries and families.  There are 43 events occurring across Alberta; information regarding these events is available through the Alberta Advanced Education and Technology Web site.

      More details regarding Family Literacy Day are available through the ABC CANADA Literacy Foundation Web site.  A planning guide to help you organize your own Family Literacy Day event, teen magazines, print advertisements, logos, banners, promotional posters, bookmarks and videos—all the tools you’ll need to promote Family Literacy Day—are available at the site.

      Professional Development Opportunities
      As a result of grants from Alberta Education to support the implementation of literacy initiatives, professional development opportunities are being provided by the Alberta Regional Professional Development Consortia (ARPDC).  Contact the consortium in your region for information on learning opportunities (e.g., workshops, conferences, webinars, videoconference sessions) that can support your professional growth plan and implementation.

      Note:  Links to other sites are provided as sources of information to users on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind.  Alberta Education is not responsible for maintaining these external sites.

       

    • Mathematics

      Senior High School Mathematics Institutes
      The first senior high school mathematics institute, Seeing the World Mathematically! Math for All Students, is being held in both English and French on Monday, January 25, 2010, at locations across Alberta (via videoconferencing and face-to-face interaction).  The focus of the day is on the implementation of Mathematics 10C and Mathematics 10-3, which will begin in September 2010.  A second institute, tentatively planned for June 24, 2010, will continue the discussion begun in January.  Senior high school mathematics teachers are encouraged to attend all of the institutes.  These opportunities are sponsored by the Alberta Regional Professional Development Consortia and are being made available at no cost to participants.  Please register through your local consortium.

      Standards Documents for Mathematics 10C and Mathematics 10-3
      Draft standards documents for Mathematics 10C and Mathematics 10-3 are scheduled to be available through the Mathematics section of the Alberta Education Web site in February 2010.

      Digital Resources
      The development of several digital resources has been delayed.  In particular, the Grade 10 mathematics glossary, Grade 11 standards documents and grades 3, 6 and 9 planning guides will not be available as originally planned. Final release dates are still to be determined.

      Distributed Learning Resources
      View details regarding new mathematics distributed learning resources that are available or are in development.

      Contacts
      For information regarding K–12 mathematics programs (English), contact Christine Henzel at 780–415–8958.  To be connected toll-free inside Alberta, dial 310–0000. 

      For information regarding K–12 mathematics programs (French), contact François Lizaire at 780–422–7992.  To be connected toll-free inside Alberta, dial 310–0000.

      Note:  Links to other sites are provided as sources of information to users on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind.  Alberta Education is not responsible for maintaining these external sites. 

      Search for authorized mathematics resources.

    • Safety

      Professional Development Opportunities
      As a result of grants from Alberta Education to support the implementation of safety initiatives, professional development opportunities are being provided by the Alberta Regional Professional Development Consortia (ARPDC). Contact the consortium in your region for information on learning opportunities (e.g., workshops, conferences, webinars, videoconference sessions) that can support your professional growth plan and implementation.

      Note:  Links to other sites are provided as sources of information to users on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind.  Alberta Education is not responsible for maintaining these external sites. 

    • Science

      Physics and Chemistry Professional Development Opportunities
      Intensive one-day professional development workshops for senior high school physics and chemistry teachers are being expanded to the following locations because of the positive response received from participants at earlier sessions. Workshops include new program highlights, classroom-ready hands-on activities, assessment strategies and opportunities to network with other science teachers.

      Date

      		Subject Location(s)
      January 29 Physics Red Deer, Calgary
      March 8 Physics Lethbridge
      March 9 Chemistry Lethbridge
      March 15 Chemistry Red Deer, Calgary

      For more information on these workshops, or to register, contact the professional development consortium in your area.  Please register early as spaces are limited. 

      Video Encyclopedia of Physics Demonstrations
      View details regarding the availability of this new resource, an authorized library of over 600 video clips that illustrate particular principles of physics for Physics 20–30 and Science 20–30.

      Contacts
      For information about K–12 science programs (English), contact Wes Irwin at 780–422–2928.  To be connected toll-free inside Alberta, dial 310–0000.

      For information about K–12 science programs (French), contact François Lizaire at 780–422–7992.  To be connected toll-free inside Alberta, dial 310–0000.

      Note:  Links to other sites are provided as sources of information to users on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind.  Alberta Education is not responsible for maintaining these external sites.  

      Search for authorized science resources.

    • Social Studies

      Kindergarten to Grade 12 Resources Update
      Recently Authorized Resources:  Review new resources authorized between October 8, 2009, and January 11, 2010:

      Grade 9
      Social Studies 10-1/10-2
      Social Studies 20-1/20-2
      Social Studies 30-1
      Social Studies 30-2 

      Senior High School Digital Resources: One Grade 11 and two Grade 12 digital resources by The Image Works have received final authorization and are posted on LearnAlberta.ca:  Perspectives on Nationalism (20-1 ExCite), Perspectives on Ideology (30-1 ExCite) and Understandings of Ideologies (30-2 ExCite).  These three digital resources support aspects of the four related issues and general outcomes from Social Studies 20-1, 30-1 and 30-2 and accompany Oxford University Press's authorized related teaching resources for these courses. Students critically explore videos and sources from multiple perspectives and examine issues around the world through four main interactive activities. Students/teachers will need to sign in using their school jurisdiction LearnAlberta.ca passwords to access all aspects of these resources.

      Distributed Learning Resources:  View details regarding the Social Studies 30-1 and 30-2 distributed learning courses that are being developed. 

      Contacts:  For more information regarding social studies resources (English language), contact:

      • Corinne Sperling at 780–422–8906 (Social Studies Kindergarten–Grade 12 and Knowledge and Employability publishers' resources)
      • Ann Marie Lyseng at 780–422–0820 (Social Studies Kindergarten–Grade 12 and Knowledge and Employability publishers' resources)
      • Karen LaRone at 780–422–5231 (Social Studies LearnAlberta.ca digital resources and Alberta Order of Excellence)
      • Rita Lheureux at 780–644–5141 (Social Studies LearnAlberta.ca digital resources)
      • Merlin Flock at 780–674–8757 (Social Studies distributed learning resources).
      For more information regarding K–12 social studies resources (French language), contact Keith Millions at 780–422–1899.

      To be connected toll-free inside Alberta to any of these contacts, dial 310–0000.

      Professional Development Opportunities
      Professional development opportunities to support implementation of the new social studies program can still be accessed through the Alberta Regional Professional Development Consortia (ARPDC).  Contact the consortium in your region for information on sessions (in English or French).

      For information regarding the social studies curriculum, contact Cheryl Przybilla at 780–422–3282 (K–12 English-language program) or Keith Millions at 780–422–1899 (K–12 French-language program).  For more information regarding social studies implementation support, contact Jim Rubuliak at 780–644–7139.  To be connected toll-free inside Alberta to any of these contacts, dial 310–0000.

      Note:  Links to other sites are provided as sources of information to users on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind.  Alberta Education is not responsible for maintaining these external sites.

    • Wellness

      Program Update
      Alberta Education has completed the review of wellness-related programs of study (K–9 Health and Life Skills, K–12 Physical Education, and Career and Life Management) and has developed the Framework for Kindergarten to Grade 12 Wellness Education.  The framework is now available online in English and French.

      The framework, based on research and consultation, responds to the growing concern for the health of children and youth in today's society and outlines the significant role that curriculum can play in improving student learning and health outcomes.  The purpose of the framework is to outline fundamental concepts and inherent values and to provide guidance for the future development and implementation of K–12 wellness-related programs of study in Alberta.  The framework is holistic and student-centred, and it meets the needs and priorities of Alberta students living and learning in the 21st century.

      Revisions to the current K–12 programs of study will begin at the senior high school level with the development of the Health and Physical Education (HPE) 10–20–30 Program of Studies.  Many of the concepts from the current CALM Personal Choices general outcome and the four general outcomes of physical education will be considered in the development of HPE 10–20–30.

      Planning is also under way to ensure that concepts related to career education, financial literacy, community engagement and volunteerism will continue to be addressed in the Kindergarten to Grade 12 curriculum.  Stakeholders will have an opportunity to provide input in this phase of the planning process. More information about these opportunities will be shared when it is available.

      Implementation of senior high school programming is scheduled to begin in 2014–2015, followed by K–9 in 2015–2016.  Further information about K–12 Wellness Education can be found by visiting the Wellness section of the Alberta Education Web site or by contacting Karen Fetterly (English) at 780–422–5079 or Alan Chouinard (French) at 780–422–1983.  To be connected toll-free inside Alberta to either of these contacts, dial 310–0000. 

      Career and Life Management (CALM)
      Free Resources from Service Alberta to Support CALM:  Alberta Education has authorized the following resources for CALM.  These resources can be accessed for free through the Service Alberta Web site.

      • Changing Faces was created by the Government of Alberta and the Edmonton Police Service to educate Albertans on how to spot and prevent identity theft.
      • Reality Choices is an online consumer resource for young adults who are moving away from home for the first time.  It consists of five modules:
        • Dealing with Credit
        • You and Your Money
        • A Roof Over Your Head
        • In the Driver's Seat
        • Shopping for Satisfaction

      Alberta Youth Consumer Champions on Facebook:  In order to help young Albertans become informed consumers, the Alberta Youth Consumer Champions Facebook group was created by Service Alberta.

      Every year, the Youth Consumer Poster Competition is a category promoted in the Alberta Consumer Champion Awards (ACCA).  This poster competition encourages young people to learn about their consumer rights and responsibilities and to protect themselves from the risks of identity theft, renting a place of their own, consumer contracts, Internet shopping and buying a car.  Service Alberta would like to encourage your students to participate in next year's competition.  

      For more information, contact Service Alberta's Consumer Awareness Coordinator at 780–643–1820 (dial 310–0000 for toll-free connection inside Alberta), visit the Service Alberta Web site or check us out on Facebook. 

      Recently Authorized Resources:  Review new resources authorized between October 8, 2009, and January 11, 2010.

      Health and Life Skills
      Recently Authorized Resources:  Review new resources authorized between October 8, 2009, and January 11, 2010:
      Kindergarten–Grade 3

      Physical Education
      Recently Authorized Resources:  Review new resources authorized between October 8, 2009, and January 11, 2010:
      Kindergarten–Grade 2
      Grade 3–Grade 6

      Professional Development Opportunities
      Professional development opportunities are being provided by the Alberta Regional Professional Development Consortia (ARPDC) to support wellness education.  Contact the consortium in your region for information on learning opportunities (e.g., workshops, conferences, webinars, videoconference sessions) that can support your professional growth plan.

      Influenza Prevention and Care
      The Government of Alberta has published a pocket-sized resource booklet entitled It's In Your Hands:  How to Care for Yourself and Others with Influenza.  This resource gives valuable information on seasonal influenza, pandemic influenza, how to prevent influenza, how to help yourself and others when influenza happens, and when to seek medical care.  For copies of this resource, call 780–427–7164 or e-mail health.ahinform@gov.ab.ca.

      For more information about influenza, visit the following Web sites: 

      Note:  Links to other sites are provided as sources of information to users on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind.  Alberta Education is not responsible for maintaining these external sites.

      Search for authorized CALM, health and life skills, and physical education resources.

  • Provincial Testing

    Professional Development Sessions for Senior High School Science Courses
    Along with sessions on interpreting results and writing effective assessment items, staff in the sciences area of the Diploma Examinations Branch have put together workshops on building classroom activities (labs, hands-on tasks, performance assessments, formative and summative assessments) that complement the new sciences programs of study.  These workshops are available through your local professional development consortium.

    View further information about these sessions/workshops through the Alberta Regional Professional Development Consortia Web site.

    Note:  Links to other sites are provided as sources of information to users on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind.  Alberta Education is not responsible for maintaining these external sites.

  • Special Education

    • Setting the Direction for Special Education in Alberta—Update

      In late November, the Minister of Education released a video message that provided his perspectives on the next steps for Setting the Direction.  The message reinforced the Minister's personal commitment to the project and indicated that the work continues to be a priority for the ministry.

      The message provided details on work that has been happening to prepare for the government response to the proposed framework.

      Highlights include the following:

      • The Stakeholder Working Group and Steering Committee have reconvened and continue to champion the Setting the Direction initiative.  They will support the Project Team in the development of future government work that is identified for the implementation of Setting the Direction.
      • The Project Team has engaged in conversations with other ministries that work with children and youth to ensure that we pay particular attention to the collaborative nature of this work.  These conversations have also taken place at the Assistant Deputy Minister and Deputy Minister levels.
      • Following the government response, the Setting the Direction Advisory Committee will be responsible for developing the structures, processes and policies to support the contents of the government response to the proposed framework.  This committee will be in a position to support and move forward with an implementation plan that will include short-, medium- and long-term implementation time lines.  This will begin with a true shift in culture and practice that you will be able to see starting in September 2010.

      The Minister also identified that while he works with his cabinet and caucus colleagues, the Setting the Direction Steering Committee and Project Team will continue working with Albertans to discuss the implications of the proposed framework and what this means for communities across the province.  These meetings will generally be scheduled through stakeholder associations and relevant conferences.

      More information on Setting the Direction, including the Minister's latest video message and e-mail updates, can be found online through the Setting the Direction Web site.  You can also follow Setting the Direction on Twitter by following SpecialEdAB.

       

    • Students with Vision Loss Initiative

      Vision Education Alberta Web Site
      The Vision Education Alberta Web site is an invaluable resource if you have a student in your classroom with vision loss.  The Web site offers information, resources and online training modules for equipment you can borrow from the Learning Resources Centre (LRC).  Check out the new section on resources for students with multiple disabilities.  Under the Training tab, look for new online training modules, including a series on the Mountbatten Learn System, and information and registration details for workshops offered through the Vision Resource Centres in Calgary, Edmonton and Lethbridge.

      Upcoming Workshop
      Dr. Christine Roman-Lantzy, a world-renowned expert on cortical visual impairment, will be presenting a two-day workshop in Calgary on March 1 and 2, 2010.  Dr. Roman-Lantzy will cover the latest assessment techniques, intervention strategies and literacy programs for students who have CVI and multiple disabilities.  This workshop will benefit classroom teachers, educational assistants, vision specialists, occupational therapists and other professionals who work with students who have vision loss and additional disabilities. 

      View further information on this workshop, and access the registration form.

      Travelling Low Vision Clinic
      The next travelling low vision clinic will be held in Red Deer on March 16, 2010.  Please contact Pam Rannelli for more information about the low vision clinics in southern Alberta.

  • First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) Updates
    Professional Development Opportunities

    As a result of grants from Alberta Education to support the implementation of FNMI educational initiatives, professional development opportunities are being provided by the Alberta Regional Professional Development Consortia (ARPDC).  Contact the consortium in your region for information on learning opportunities (e.g., workshops, conferences, webinars, videoconference sessions) that can support your professional growth plan and implementation.

    Note:  Links to other sites are provided as sources of information to users on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind.  Alberta Education is not responsible for maintaining these external sites.  

  • Career Initiatives

    • ApplyAlberta: Tips on How to Use the Province's New Post-secondary Application System

      Students applying for undergraduate studies at Alberta's public post-secondary institutions can now use ApplyAlberta—the province's new application and transcript transfer system.

      Whether students start their application on a post-secondary institution's Web site or through ApplyAlberta at www.applyalberta.ca, the process is the same.  Students will be directed to a secure government site where they will fill out a password-protected profile with their personal and academic information.  This profile will form the basis of every application they submit, saving them time and effort.

      As part of the new application process, students will also authorize an institution(s) to request the transfer of their Alberta Education high school transcripts or post-secondary transcripts from participating institutions.  Students will not have to pay for transcripts transferred through ApplyAlberta.

      On the ApplyAlberta Web site, students will find links to:
      • the province's post-secondary institutions where they can search for information on programs, application deadlines and admission requirements
      • Students Finance, for information on financial assistance
      • the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS)
      • the Alberta Council on Admissions and Transfer, for information on transfer credits.

      The ApplyAlberta Web site has a short video tutorial to help introduce the new application process to students.

      Note:  Links to other sites are provided as sources of information to users on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind.  Alberta Education is not responsible for maintaining these external sites.

       

    • Videos Give Students a Real Look at Occupations
      Want to show your students what it's like to work in a specific occupation?  ALIS has more than 150 occupational videos showing real people in real jobs.  Each 6-minute video shows students what a typical day on the job is like, featuring:
      • an interview and on-the-job scenes with an Alberta professional
      • an overview of the occupation
      • educational requirements
      • personal characteristics
      • the benefits and challenges of the occupation
      • opportunities related to the occupation.

      You can search for videos in a variety of categories, from Agriculture, Finance and Food to Health, Technical and Transportation.  Be sure to check out our latest occupational videos:

      Get ALIS Updates
      Subscribe to the ALIS RSS and eNewsletter to find out what's new on the ALIS Web site and to learn about new and updated products.

      Note:  Links to other sites are provided as sources of information to users on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind.  Alberta Education is not responsible for maintaining these external sites.

  • Learning Resources Centre (LRC)

    LRC Update 

    Source for Learning Resources
    As the strategic delivery arm of Alberta Education for learning, teaching and classroom support resources, the Learning Resources Centre (LRC) provides a wide array of customer support and online access services, including an established series of Education Standing Offers (ESOs) for technology products; e.g., electronic whiteboards, data projector technology.  The LRC also provides specialized services for Alberta students with visual impairments.

    Early Order Discount (EOD) Program
    In cooperation with national educational publishers, the LRC has launched the EOD Program 2010.  Now in its 9th year, the EOD enables schools to save an additional 10% on all eligible EOD learning and teaching resources purchased from January 1 to May 15, 2010.  Schools are encouraged to take advantage of the additional savings that can be achieved by ordering their resources during the EOD period.

    Since 2001, schools have saved almost $8 million on their purchases of EOD-eligible resources.  In 2010, approximately 6000 resources are eligible for the EOD discount.  View further details regarding the LRC's  EOD Program.

    EOD Catalogue 2010
    An EOD 2010 online catalogue is available on the LRC Web site through the Find a Resource section.  This catalogue enables you to view the EOD resources in one easy-to-manage location and simplifies your resource purchase planning for the 2010–2011 school year.  English and French editions are available.  

    For more information on the EOD Program 2010 or the EOD catalogue, contact Victor Hoyle.

    New Resource: Video Encyclopedia of Physics Demonstrations
    Preview accounts for The Video Encyclopedia of Physics Demonstrations (VEPD) Online were extended until January 22, 2010, and orders will be accepted until January 29, 2010.  The VEPD is an authorized library of over 600 video clips that illustrate particular principles of physics for Physics 20–30 and Science 20–30.  For additional information, including special negotiated pricing, visit the LRC Web site.

    Learning Resources Credit Allocation (LRCA) Update
    Alberta school authorities may still have 2009–2010 LRCA monies available.  The LRCA is a credit allocation administered by the LRC to assist eligible Alberta school authorities in enhancing learning programs for grades 1–12 students.  Eligible schools can apply the LRCA and save 25% on their purchases at the LRC.  To assist authorities and schools, the LRC provides summary and detailed information on the status of the LRCA when users log in at the LRC Web site.

    The 2009–2010 LRCA began on April 1, 2009, and expires on March 31, 2010.  School orders must be placed by March 31, 2010, to maximize usage of the 2009–2010 LRCA.

    For more information, contact Toby Donovan at 780–427–5290.  To be connected toll-free inside Alberta, dial 310–0000. 

  • International Education

    New Professional Development Workshop to Be Unveiled
    The emphasis on global citizenship in Alberta schools has opened the eyes of students to global inequity, and many students feel compelled to help those in developing countries. It is not uncommon for Alberta classrooms or schools to sponsor a child, fundraise to build a water well or send educational supplies to under-resourced schools abroad.

    Beyond Good Intentions:  Partnering with Schools in Developing Countries is a workshop for educators who are interested in initiating a partnership or project with a school or community in the developing world.  The workshop encourages participants to reflect upon their assumptions of developing countries and consider how these assumptions shape international partnerships and projects.  The workshop also highlights principles that, when applied, can maximize the positive impact of international partnerships and projects.  Through the workshop, teachers are given time to consider how they can move partnerships or projects beyond acts of charity to transformative, curriculum-based learning experiences.

    The workshop will be available to schools this winter.  More information will be posted on the Alberta Teachers' Association (ATA) Web site.  Interested teachers or schools will be able to book the workshop through the ATA.

    Note:  Links to other sites are provided as sources of information to users on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind.  Alberta Education is not responsible for maintaining these external sites. 

  • Other News
    Professional Development Opportunities—High School Completion 

    As a result of grants from Alberta Education to support the implementation of the high school completion initiative, professional development opportunities are being provided by the Alberta Regional Professional Development Consortia (ARPDC).  Contact the consortium in your region for information on learning opportunities (e.g., workshops, conferences, webinars, videoconference sessions) that can support your professional growth plan and implementation.

    Note:  Links to other sites are provided as sources of information to users on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind.  Alberta Education is not responsible for maintaining these external sites.