Connection: Information for Teachers (October 2008)

  • Curriculum and Resource Updates

    • Career and Technology Studies (CTS)

      Curriculum Update
      Review of Natural Resources (NAT) and Health, Recreation and Human Services (HRH) Clusters:  Review of the Natural Resources (NAT) and Health, Recreation and Human Services (HRH) clusters is presently under way.  Focus groups have been assembled and occupational areas, including Energy and Mines, Forestry, Legal Studies, and Wildlife, are now under review.  If you would like to provide suggestions on improving the Legal Studies or Forestry occupational areas, contact Peter Gallagher at 780–422–3211.  To provide suggestions for the Energy and Mines or Wildlife occupational areas, contact John Nedd at 780–415–4508.  To be connected toll-free inside Alberta to either of these contacts, dial 310–0000.

      Validation of New and Revised HRH Courses:  Invitations to nominate teachers for the validation committees of the new and revised HRH courses have been sent to superintendents.  For information on the validation committees in Heath Services (Community Health), Foods, Cosmetology, Tourism, Agriculture or Fashion, contact Norma Clark at 780–422–5819.  To be connected toll-free inside Alberta, dial 310–0000.

      Middle Years/Junior High Curriculum Update:  Development of Alberta Education’s new middle years/junior high practical arts curriculum is under way.  Implementation for the new curriculum is scheduled for September 2011.  If you have any questions regarding the new curriculum, contact Peter Gallagher at 780–422–3211 or John Nedd at 780–415–4508.  To be connected toll-free inside Alberta to either of these contacts, dial 310–0000.

      New Format for Program of Studies:  Please check the Alberta Education Web site at the beginning of November 2008 to preview the 1-credit courses in Trades, Manufacturing and Transportation (TMT) and Business, Administration, Finance and Information Technology (BIT).  Courses in the new format will be in draft form and may not be used as curriculum until implementation in September 2009.  To provide feedback on these courses or the new format, send comments to Mike Dumanski at 780–422–4124, Norma Clark at 780–422–5819,  Peter Gallagher at 780–422–3211 or John Nedd at 780–415–4508.  To be connected toll-free inside Alberta to any of these contacts, dial 310–0000.

      Resource Update
      Learning and teaching resources for the revised CTS program will be acquired and/or developed and available concurrent with the program implementation schedule.  The current focus is on the Trades, Manufacturing and Transportation (TMT) cluster and the Business, Administration, Finance and Information Technology (BIT) cluster, which are scheduled for provincial implementation in September 2009.

      Resource Authorization:  The evaluation phase of the resource authorization process was completed in August 2008. Selected learning and teaching resources are now undergoing validations, including a safety validation that has been initiated as a new strategy to ensure that authorized resources are safety compliant.  Authorized resource lists are scheduled to be published in April 2009.

      Resource Development:  All resources to support program implementation will be correlated with the revised CTS programs of study and will be available through LearnAlberta.ca.

      • A new assessment model and tool kit has been developed and is currently being piloted at urban, rural and online schools.  The tool kit includes performance tasks, rubrics, checklists, exemplars and templates.
      • A facilitator’s guide and supporting student resources to address the career component of CTS are in development.
      • Development work to address the safety component of CTS has been initiated.
      • The CTS Manual is being revised, including the addition of a section specific to new teachers of CTS.

      Recently Authorized Resources:  Review new resources authorized between May 7, 2008, and October 2, 2008:
      Energy and Mines
      Enterprise and Innovation
      Foods

      New Digital Resources on LearnAlberta.ca:  Several new digital resources for CTS are available on LearnAlberta.ca.  View details regarding these resources.

      Contacts:  For more information regarding CTS learning and teaching resources (English), contact:

      • Corrinna Burdek at 780–644–2960 (resource development, resource implementation, resource reviews) 
      • Shirley Joly at 780–427–3465 (resource reviews) 
      • Steve Makowski at 403–297–5026 (resource reviews and resource implementation)
      • Deborah MacFadyen at 403–297–4374 (resource reviews and resource development) 
      • Connie Stasiuk at 780–427–3588 (resource development).

      For information regarding CTS learning and teaching resources (French), contact Ernest LeFebvre at 780–422–1984. 

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

      Merit Contractors Association Career and Technology Studies in Construction Award
      The Merit Contractors Association Career and Technology Studies in Construction Award recognizes individual achievement, promotes construction as a career and encourages cooperation between education and industry.

      The purpose of the award is to encourage students to achieve excellence in construction-related courses offered in Alberta’s senior high schools.  To date, more than 120 Alberta senior high schools are participating in this award program. 

      The award consists of a certificate of achievement and $300 for the top Grade 12 CTS (construction) student.   

      To qualify for this award, a student must:

      • achieve top standing in a Grade 12 construction-related class
      • demonstrate high interest in construction CTS courses 
      • demonstrate leadership qualities in the classroom 
      • demonstrate a cooperative attitude with fellow students and teachers. 

      CTS staff is requested to review and select the winner on the basis of the above criteria.

      This award is to be presented to the recipient by CTS staff, on behalf of Merit Contractors Association, at your school’s annual award ceremony.

      Request Process:  Three weeks in advance of your award ceremony, submit the following information by e-mail to trose@meritalberta.com or by fax to 780–455–2109:

      a)   name of recipient
      b)   date of award ceremony
      c)   school name, address, telephone/fax numbers, e-mail and contact person

      The cheque and certificate will be forwarded to the school prior to your award ceremony.  The following description of our organization may assist with your presentation:

      “Merit Contractors Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing innovative human resource solutions to the construction industry and is very proud to support outstanding youth in their educational endeavours.”

      For more information, contact Tracey Rose, Training Coordinator, at 780–455–5999 (toll-free at 1–888–816–9991).

      Search for authorized CTS resources.

    • Distributed Learning

      Alberta’s Distributed Learning Strategy—Discover Phase Update
      Since April 2008, the project team, expert working groups and steering committee for Alberta’s Distributed Learning Strategy have been involved in a comprehensive public involvement process to gather information on:

      • the current state of distributed learning in Alberta 
      • perceptions and emerging trends in this area 
      • possible futures for distributed learning in Alberta. 

      Overall, the public involvement activities included the following: 

      • Online surveys (English and French) were accessed by 1774 respondents.  Participants and respondents were contacted through open invitations to school jurisdictions that encouraged involvement of current distributed learning stakeholders as well as non-users. 
      • There were 28 focus groups.  These groups included teachers; principals; home educators; Treaty 6, 7, 8 First Nations educators; school authority technology contacts; high achieving students; and representatives of the College of Alberta School Superintendents (CASS), Francophone school authorities, industry, private schools and an institutional program for students at risk.
      • There were 21 site visits spanning all six zones in the province.
      • Sixty-seven interviews were conducted as follows: 21 parents, 5 technology vendors, 16 professional development providers, 12 post-secondary professors/administrators and 13 experts in the area of distributed learning from across Canada.  The experts included representatives from the National Research Council – Institute for Information Technology and from education ministries in Prince Edward Island, British Columbia, the Northwest Territories, Ontario and Yukon.  They also included researchers from the University of Manitoba, Mount Royal College, La Cité collégiale and the Centre for Distance Learning & Innovation in Newfoundland/Labrador.

      Preparations are now underway for the Alberta ECS-12 Distributed Learning Forum, to be held online from October 20 to November 3, 2008, and live in various locations across the province on November 4, 2008.  View the Alberta ECS-12 Distributed Learning Forum brochure.  Interested participants are encouraged to register for the November 4 forum and to participate in online discussions through the Distributed Learning Forum Online Community.

      Details regarding information collected during the Discover Phase will be made available on an ongoing basis, prior to the Distributed Learning Forum, through the Distributed Learning Forum Online Community.

      For more information regarding Alberta’s Distributed Learning Strategy, contact Hélène Fournier at 780–674–8700.  To be connected toll-free inside Alberta, dial 310–0000.

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

      For more information regarding Alberta Education’s distributed learning resources, including details on how to obtain these resources, refer to the May 2008 edition of Connection.

      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.

    • English as a Second Language (ESL)

      Recently Authorized Resources
      Review new resources authorized between May 7, 2008, and October 2, 2008:
      Grade 10–Grade 12       

      For more information regarding ESL resources, contact Jennifer Bushrod at 780–422–0624.  To be connected toll-free inside Alberta, dial 310–0000.

      Search for authorized ESL resources.

       

    • Fine Arts
      Music
      The Share the Music student basic and authorized teaching resources for grades 1 to 6 are being discontinued by the publisher, McGraw-Hill Ryerson.  At this time, the CD packages are no longer available from the Learning Resources Centre (LRC) or the publisher as the content licences have expired and will not be renewed.  Teachers who wish to purchase Share the Music print resources are advised to do so prior to August 2009.  A replacement series is currently undergoing a review. 

      For more information, contact Natalie Prytuluk at 780–415–8192.  To be connected toll-free inside Alberta, dial 310–0000.

       

    • French as a Second Language (FSL)

      Upcoming Conferences
      The Second Languages and Intercultural Council of the Alberta Teachers’ Association will be holding its annual conference in Edmonton at the Sutton Place Hotel on October 24 and 25, 2008.  View further details.

      An assessment conference for FSL teachers will be held in Calgary on January 29 and 30, 2009, at the Greenwood Inn.  For more information, contact the Calgary Regional Consortium.

      The Canadian Association of Second Language Teachers (CASLT) is holding its annual conference in Edmonton from May 21 to 23, 2009, at the Mayfield Inn Conference Centre.  Further details are available through the CASLT Web site.

      New Resource Kits
      L’Alberta, ma province, a Grade 6 kit for the nine-year program of studies, is available and can be directly ordered from the Learning Resources Centre (LRC).  

      Tool kits for grades 4–6 are in the final stages of development for the field of experience "Four Holidays and Celebrations."  A tool kit for each grade is being developed and will be made available later in the school year.

      Guides to Implementation
      In August 2008, the French as a Second Language Nine-year Program of Studies Guide to Implementation—Grade 7 to Grade 9 was sent to all junior high schools in the province.  Additional copies may be purchased from the LRC.  Please note that the audio and video segments cited in the document are available only in the PDF version.

      Interim copies of the senior high school nine-year and three-year guides to implementation are also available online.  Content will be added to these guides as it is developed, and completed documents will be sent to schools later in the school year.

      Course Withdrawals
      Please note that French 13 is no longer available.  Senior high school students who have no prior experience in French, or who have had limited exposure in elementary and/or junior high school, are to register in French 10-3Y. 

      The 1991 course sequence of French 13, 10, 20 and 30 is being phased out one year at a time.  See the Guide to Education (page 47) for the sequence phase-out schedule.

      Recently Authorized Resources
      Review new resources authorized between May 7, 2008, and October 2, 2008:
      Nine-year Program: Grade 10–Grade 12 

      Contact
      For more information regarding FSL, 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. 

      Search for authorized FSL resources. 

    • Knowledge and Employability Courses

      Program Implementation
      Knowledge and Employability Social Studies Grade 9 and Social Studies 20-4 were implemented in September 2008.  Social Studies 26 and all remaining Integrated Occupational Program (IOP) courses, with the exception of Agricultural Production 36, Natural Resource Services 36, and Fashion and Fabric Services 36, were withdrawn effective September 2008.  Course codes for senior high school courses are reflected in the Guide to Education.

      New Provincial Achievement Tests
      Three new achievement tests that reflect the Grade 9 outcomes in new knowledge and employability programs of study have been developed.  The knowledge and employability English language arts, mathematics and science achievement tests are to be provincially implemented in 2008–2009.  These achievement tests will be administered according to the same schedule as the regular Grade 9 achievement tests.  View more details regarding the Grade 9 Knowledge and Employability Provincial Achievement Tests.

      Resource Update
      Recently Authorized Resources:  Review new resources authorized between May 7, 2008, and October 2, 2008.

      New Digital Resources on LearnAlberta.ca:  New digital resources for knowledge and employability are available on LearnAlberta.ca.  View details regarding these resources.

      Knowledge and Employability Symposium (2009)
      Planning is under way on Linking to the World of Work, a Knowledge and Employability Symposium to be held in 2009.

      Contact 
      For more information regarding knowledge and employability, contact Dan Antoniuk at 780–422–3244.  To be connected toll-free inside Alberta, dial 310–0000. 

      Search for authorized knowledge and employability resources.

    • Languages Update

      Programs of Study
      The following new programs of study have been posted on the Alberta Education Web site:

      Guides to Implementation
      The Speak Globally:  International Languages Support Resources CD–ROM includes guides to implementation, assessment materials and other resources and links to support international languages.  A copy of the CD–ROM is scheduled to be distributed to all school jurisdictions this fall.

      The final version of the Italian Language and Culture 10-3Y, 20-3Y, 30-3Y Guide to Implementation is scheduled to be available for purchase from the LRC and for downloading from the Italian Web page later this fall.

      Recently Authorized Resources
      Review new resources authorized between May 7, 2008, and October 2, 2008.

      Authorized Resource Lists
      Learning and teaching resources for the Chinese, German, Japanese, Punjabi and Spanish language and culture nine-year programs, grades 7–8–9 have been authorized.  Updated authorized resource lists are now available through the International Languages Programs Web pages. 

      Elementary Spanish language arts resources have been realigned to the program of studies.  An updated authorized resource list is scheduled to be available later this fall on the Spanish Web page.

      Contacts
      For more information regarding programs of study, contact the Curriculum Branch at 780–427–2984.  For more information regarding guides to implementation and authorized resources, contact James Hamilton (Italian, Japanese, Punjabi) at 780–644–5058, Wai-Ling Lennon (Chinese, German) at 780–427–6158 or Xenia Bubel (Spanish, Ukrainian, Blackfoot) at 780–422–0594.  To be connected toll-free inside Alberta to any of these contacts, dial 310–0000.

      Search for authorized international languages resources.

    • Literacy

      Literacy Forum
      Alberta Education and Alberta Advanced Education and Technology cohosted a Literacy Forum entitled Literacy:  Never Too Early, Never Too Late on April 14–15, 2008, in conjunction with the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC) Pan-Canadian Interactive Literacy Forum.  Alberta Education partnered with Literacy Alberta, the Community Learning Network and the Edmonton Regional Learning Consortium to provide Alberta stakeholders with the opportunity to discuss literacy issues that affect all Albertans.

      From the Forum, Alberta Education and Alberta Advanced Education and Technology have produced two documents:  A Literacy Framework for Alberta and the Summary of Input on a Literacy Framework for Alberta.  Both of these documents were sent out electronically to interested education stakeholders in June 2008 for feedback and further input.  Both documents are available on the Literacy Web site (Alberta Site).

      If you were unable to attend the forum, you can view the keynote addresses as well as the opening and closing remarks on CMEC’s Literacy Web site.  This site will be updated frequently and will include local content from each forum host site. 

      K–12 Literacy Discussion Paper
      Alberta Advanced Education and Technology is leading the development of the provincial literacy framework and is working on a consultation plan.  Alberta Education is working on a plan for literacy for K–12 to align with the provincial framework. As part of this plan, Alberta Education is developing a literacy discussion paper for K–12 and planning provincial consultations to improve the literacy of K–12 students.    

      Contact
      For more information regarding literacy, contact Shelley Magnusson at 780–422–3259.  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.

    • Mathematics

      Implementation of Revised K–9 Program of Studies
      The revised Mathematics Kindergarten to Grade 9 Program of Studies is available.  Provincial implementation of Kindergarten and grades 1, 4 and 7 began in September 2008.  English-language and French-language resources are available to support provincial implementation.  Optional implementation of grades 2, 5 and 8 also began in September 2008. English-language resources are available to support these grades, and French-language resources will be available in the spring of 2009 in preparation for provincial implementation in September 2009.

      The second Mathematics Summer Institute (MSI), held on July 7–9, 2008, in Edmonton, was a huge success.  Almost 300 teachers participated in large- and small-group sessions to look closely at the vision, philosophy and outcomes of the revised program and at impacts on their teaching.  Topics included “Building Conceptual Understanding” and “Thinking Algebraically.”  Planning is under way for the 2009 MSI for grades 3, 6 and 9.

      Grades 10–12 Mathematics
      The revised Mathematics Grades 10–12 Program of Studies received ministerial approval in June 2008.  Provincial implementation of the program begins in September 2010, starting with the 10-level courses.  The University of Alberta has indicated that it will accept Mathematics 30-2 as a prerequisite for STAT 141 and MATH 153, thereby increasing post-secondary options available to students choosing Mathematics 30-2.  Decisions regarding the acceptance of the mathematics course sequences are anticipated well in advance of the first graduates of the program.

      Resource Update
      Recently Authorized Resources:  Review new resources authorized between May 7, 2008, and October 2, 2008:
      Pure Mathematics 30

      New Distributed Learning Resources: Several new distributed learning resources are available for mathematics.  View details regarding these resources.

      Contacts
      For more information regarding mathematics programs, contact Jennifer Dolecki at 780–427–5628.  For information regarding mathematics resources (English language), contact Debbie Duvall at 780–422–3257 or Christine Henzel at 780–415–8958.  To be connected toll-free inside Alberta to any of these contacts, dial 310–0000.

      Search for authorized mathematics resources.

       

    • Off-campus Education

      Off-campus Education Manual
      The new Off-campus Education Manual is in its final draft stage.  The manual will replace the Off-campus Education Guide for Administrators, Counsellors and Teachers and the Registered Apprenticeship Program Information Manual.  Information from both of these publications has been revised and incorporated into the new off-campus manual, so that details on required procedures and processes are easier to find.

      Definitions in the Off-campus Education Manual clearly indicate the type of activities allowed to be included in off-campus education.  All participants involved in off-campus education are expected to adhere to the procedures and processes described in the new manual.

      For more information, contact Dan Antoniuk at 780–422–3244.  To be connected toll-free inside Alberta, dial 310–0000.

       

    • Safety Education

      Workplace Health and Safety Teacher’s Toolkit and Teacher Resource Binders
      Plans are under way to distribute the Workplace Health and Safety Teacher’s Toolkit and teacher resource binders to all Alberta junior high schools.  Professional development opportunities related to using these materials are planned as well.

      For more information, contact Dan Antoniuk at 780–422–3244.  To be connected toll-free inside Alberta, dial 310–0000.

       

    • Science

      Elementary Science
      Work is progressing on the K–6 Science Program of Studies, with consideration of:

      • information and communication technology (ICT)
      • scientific literacy
      • the relationships among science, technology and society
      • First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) perspectives.

      The K–6 Science Working Group and FNMI representatives have worked collaboratively to initiate infusion of FNMI perspectives into the revised program of studies.  The K–6 Advisory Committee met in May 2008 and provided input on the initial draft. A consultation draft is scheduled to be available for review and feedback in early spring 2009.

      Senior High Science
      The newly authorized Biology 30, Chemistry 30 and Physics 30 programs of study were implemented in September.  The first administration of diploma examinations for these revised courses will be in January 2009.

      Basic resources for these 30-level courses are available in both English and French at the Learning Resources Centre (LRC) as part of the combined 20-level/30-level textbooks.

      Professional Development Opportunities
      Learning opportunities will be provided by the Alberta Regional Professional Development Consortia to support implementation of the senior high science programs.

      Resource Update
      Recently Authorized Resources:  Review new resources authorized between May 7, 2008, and October 2, 2008:
      Kindergarten–Grade 3
      Grade 4–Grade 6
      Grade 7–Grade 9
      Science 10
      Biology 20
      Biology 30
      Chemistry 20
      Science 20
      Science 30

      New Digital Resources on LearnAlberta.ca: New digital resources for science are available on LearnAlberta.ca.  View details regarding these resources.

      New Distributed Learning Resources: Several new distributed learning resources are available for science.  View details regarding these resources.

      Free Educational Materials Available from the National Research Council of Canada
      Copies of sky charts, periodic tables, and information folders on bacteria and viruses are available from the National Research Council of Canada (NRC).  View further information on these and other free resources, and access the online order form. 

      The NRC’s Teachers’ Corner also includes interactive activities, image galleries, glossaries and teaching and assessment strategies and tools for topics in Astronomy and Space Science, Life Science, and Physical Science.  This information is relevant particularly for secondary students and teachers.

      Contacts
      For more information regarding science programs and resources, connect with one of Alberta Education’s key contacts for science.

      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 Sciences

      Program Review and Revisions
      In the 2007–2008 school year, the social sciences program underwent extensive review, including completion of a literature review and province-wide focus group consultations.  In the fall of 2008, a summary of the findings from the literature review as well as feedback from the focus group consultations will be posted in the Social Sciences section of the Alberta Education Web site      .  The literature review and focus group consultation feedback will provide support for the development of a new framework for the social sciences programs of study.

      The Social Sciences Interbranch Committee, formed in 2007, will continue to meet and provide direction regarding the creation of a draft framework.  This framework will then be further reviewed through focus group consultations across the province, scheduled for the fall of 2008.  Additionally, the formation of the Social Sciences Advisory Committee in the spring of 2009 will ensure stakeholder contribution to the development and implementation of the new social sciences programs of study.

      In the spring of 2009, following the approval of the new social sciences framework, work on the programs of study is scheduled to begin.

      For more information, contact Karen Campbell at 780–422–4426.  To be connected toll-free inside Alberta, dial 310–0000.

      Search for authorized social sciences resources.

    • Social Studies

      Program Implementation Schedule and Professional Development Opportunities
      The new social studies program of studies for Kindergarten to Grade 12 is available online.  The provincial implementation schedule for social studies, Kindergarten to Grade 12, is as follows: 

      School Year  Grades
      2005–2006  K, 1, 2, 3
      2006–2007  4 and 7
      2007–2008  5, 8, 10
      2008–2009  6 and 9 (optional)
      11
      2009–2010  6, 9, 12

      The summer institute was held in Edmonton at Grant MacEwan College from August 12–14, 2008.  This institute was designed to support educators implementing grades 6, 9, 10, 11 and 12 of the new social studies program of studies.  The institute also worked to support teachers of knowledge and employability social studies.

      Additional professional development opportunities are being provided by the Alberta Regional Professional Development Consortia. Contact the consortium in your region for information on sessions (English or French).

      For more information regarding the social studies program, contact:

      For more information regarding support for social studies implementation, contact Jim Rubuliak at 780–644–7139.

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

      Kindergarten to Grade 12 Resources Update
      Recently Authorized Resources:  Review new resources authorized between May 7, 2008, and October 2, 2008:
      Grade 4–Grade 6
      Grade 7–Grade 9
      Social Studies 10-1 and 10-2
      Social Studies 20-1
      Social Studies 20-2

      Authorized Resource Lists: Authorized resource lists for K–5, 7 and 8 and for Social Studies 10-1 and 10-2 (including student basic, related teaching and student support resources) are available.  New support resources will be added to these lists soon.

      Support resource reviews are also currently under way for grades 6, 9 and 11; lists of authorized resources from these reviews are scheduled to be available later this fall.  A support resource review for Grade 12 is scheduled for December 2008, with a list of authorized support resources scheduled to be available by the summer of 2009.

      Resource Availability Schedule:  A Resource Availability Schedule for K–12 student basic and related teaching resources (English and French) and for K–12 English-language support resources is available.

      Grades 6 and 9 Student Basic and Related Teaching Resources:  Two different English-language Grade 6 student basic resources were authorized in April 2008.  Two different English-language Grade 6 related teaching resources and one Grade 9 student basic resource were authorized in June 2008.  The accompanying Grade 9 teaching resource was authorized in September 2008 and is available digitally on Nelson Education's Web site.  Copies of the Grade 9 teaching resource are available for purchase from the Learning Resources Centre (LRC).

      One French-language student basic resource for each of grades 6 and 9 is available for purchase from the LRC.  For the start of the 2008–2009 school year, PDF files of the first several chapters of French-language teaching resources for grades 6 and 9 have been made available online.

      All grades 6 and 9 student basic and related teaching resources are available for ordering through the Learning Resources Centre (LRC).  To set up appointments to view the resources prior to making final purchasing decisions, contact the identified publishers directly, contact your regional consortium Social Studies Project Coordinator or contact the LRC.

      Piloting of the grades 6 and 9 draft provincial achievement tests occurred in identified pilot classrooms in May/June 2008.  Two different forms of the Grade 6 and Grade 9 provincial achievement tests will be administered in the 2008–2009 school year.  One form will be based on the 2007 program of studies and the other form will be based on the 1990 (Grade 6)/1989 (Grade 9) programs of study.  In the 2009–2010 school year, all students will write achievement tests based on the 2007 program of studies.  The new Grade 6 and Grade 9 provincial achievement tests will contain both written response and multiple-choice questions.

      Grades 11 and 12 Student Basic and Related Teaching Resources:  Two English-language Social Studies 20-1 student basic resources and one Social Studies 20-2 student basic resource were published by June 2008.  Two English-language Social Studies 20-1 related teaching resources and one English-language Social Studies 20-2 related teaching resource are scheduled to be published by October or November 2008.  One French-language student basic resource for Social Studies 20-1 is available for purchase from the LRC, with the print version of the related teaching resource scheduled to be available by November 2008.

      PDF files of the first several chapters of 20-1 (French and English) and 20-2 (English) teaching resources are available online.  View files for the French-language teaching resource.  View files for McGraw-Hill Ryerson's English-language 20-1 and 20-2 teaching resources.  View files for Oxford University Press's English-language 20-1 teaching resource.

      The Social Studies 30-1 and 30-2 Resource Review and Diploma Examination Piloting Project Teams (English language) completed their first semester of field testing the new custom-developed draft resources (English language) in June 2008.  The student resources are scheduled to be published in English by April/May 2009, with French-language resources scheduled to be published by August 2009.  The related teaching resources are scheduled to be published in English by the summer of 2009 and in French by the fall of 2009.  Participating Grade 12 teachers also piloted the new draft diploma examinations for Social Studies 30-1 and 30-2 in June 2008 and will continue to do so in the 2008–2009 school year.  Students in classes that participate in the diploma examination pilot will be exempted from writing the current diploma examinations and will receive a school-awarded mark for their appropriate course.  Teachers who participate in piloting the new diploma examinations will also be involved in marking the new examinations.

      Digital Resources on LearnAlberta.ca:  Several new digital resources are available for social studies on LearnAlberta.ca.  Included are some provincially licenced video resources from the Alberta Education authorized support resource list that can be streamed directly to your school/classroom.  View details regarding these resources.

      New Distributed Learning Resources: Several new distributed learning resources are available for social studies.  View details regarding these resources.

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

      • Corinne Sperling at 780–422–8906 (Kindergarten, grades 1–7 and Social Studies 20-1 and 20-2)
      • Ann Marie Lyseng at 780–422–0820 (grades 8 and 9 and Social Studies 10-1, 10-2, 30-1 and 30-2).

      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.

      Social Studies Online Guide to Implementation (English)
      The official launch of the new LearnAlberta.ca Web site will take place later this fall. Resources from the Social Studies Online Guide to Implementation       will be merged with LearnAlberta.ca and Tools4Teachers resources. During the transition period, a pre-launch version of the new LearnAlberta.ca is available.  The existing online guide and the pre-launch site will coexist until the official launch of the new LearnAlberta.ca.

      Additions of resources to support the K–12 Social Studies Program Foundations and Program Rationale and Philosophy will be ongoing.  English-language content to support grade level outcomes for Kindergarten to Grade 11 is currently available. Content and resources for Grade 12 will be added in accordance with the implementation schedule for the social studies program.

      For more information regarding online social studies teacher resources (English language), contact Karen LaRone at 780–422–5231.  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.

       

    • Wellness

      Revision of K–12 Wellness Programs of Study
      To achieve improved learning and wellness outcomes, a review of the current wellness-related programs of study (K–9 Health and Life Skills, Career and Life Management, and K–12 Physical Education) has been initiated.  A comprehensive literature review and stakeholder consultations were completed between November 2007 and March 2008 and indicated a need for a moderate to major change to the current wellness-related programs of study.

      Key findings from the literature review include the following:

      • Current health and physical education programs are not aligned with the factors identified by the World Health Organization as important to successful health and wellness promotion in schools.
      • Drawing upon innovative strategies for curriculum design and implementation developed in Alberta and around the world will provide schools with the opportunity to affect the health of students in profound and long-lasting ways. 

      Key themes that emerged from the stakeholder consultations include the following:

      • Although much of the content from the current programs of study would be appropriate for a new wellness program, some changes could be made to better meet the needs of students.
      • Wellness is multidimensional in nature and includes elements such as physical, emotional, spiritual and mental health.   
      • Significant overlap between the current programs of study and opportunities for integrating outcomes into other subject areas should be addressed. 
      • Implementation of a revised wellness program needs to be supported in a variety of ways to ensure the successful delivery of a quality program.

      Results from the K–12 Wellness literature review and stakeholder consultations are available through the Health/Career and Life Management section of the Alberta Education Web site.  A draft K–12 Wellness Framework is currently being developed in French and English and is anticipated to be released by January 2009 for consultation.  Education stakeholders will have an opportunity to provide feedback through a variety of methods, including face-to-face meetings and online interactive feedback forums throughout the 2008–2009 school year. 

      Daily Physical Activity (DPA)
      The Daily Physical Activity Survey Report recommendations included creating a series of topic-specific booklets in French and English to complement the DPA Handbook.  Alberta Education has provided a grant to Ever Active Schools to develop, print and distribute these booklets.  The first issue is scheduled to be ready for distribution in November 2008.  Copies of the Daily Physical Activity Survey Report can be found online through the DPA Web page.

      To assist you in promoting DPA in your school, Alberta Education has developed DPA brochures.  These brochures can be used to communicate the benefits of DPA to parents and community partners.  A sample brochure will be sent to all grades 1 to 9 schools in November, with details for ordering additional copies. 

      Nutrition Guidelines
      The Alberta Nutrition Guidelines for Children and Youth, released in June 2008, have been developed to assist organizations in providing young people with healthy food choices from the time they enter daycare right through to senior high school.  The Guidelines will be sent to school authority central offices, and two copies will be sent to each school later in the fall of 2008. 

      The Guidelines have divided foods into three categories:  Choose Most Often, Choose Sometimes, and Choose Least Often.  Categorizing foods will allow schools to make nutritious foods more accessible and limit the availability of foods that are less nutritious in the school environment.  The Guidelines also include information to help school boards develop nutrition policies.  Nutrition policies that include eliminating the sale of junk food should use the Choose Least Often category to define junk food.

      For additional information about the Alberta Nutrition Guidelines for Children and Youth, contact Gail Diachuk at 780–644–5274 or Patricia Martz at 780–427–5249.  To be connected toll-free inside Alberta to either of these contacts, dial 310–0000.

      Physical Education
      Recently Authorized Resources:  Review new resources authorized between May 7, 2008, and October 2, 2008:
      Kindergarten–Grade 3
      Grade 4–Grade 6
      Grade 7–Grade 9
      Grade 10–Grade 12

      HPEC Journal:  View details regarding the HPEC Journal Runner.

      Health and Life Skills
      Recently Authorized Resources:  Review new resources authorized between May 7, 2008, and October 2, 2008:
      Kindergarten–Grade 3
      Grade 7–Grade 9

      New Digital Resources on LearnAlberta.ca: New digital resources for health and life skills are available on LearnAlberta.ca. View details regarding these resources.

      Teaching Sexual Health Web Site:  View details regarding this resource.

      HPEC Journal:  View details regarding the HPEC Journal Runner.

      Career and Life Management (CALM)
      Alberta Consumer Champion Awards—Youth Consumer Poster Competition:  The Alberta Consumer Champion Awards was introduced by the Alberta government to honour Albertans who go above and beyond to contribute to a fair and balanced Alberta marketplace by promoting consumer protection and education.  This year a new award has been added—the Youth Consumer Poster Competition.  This competition is open to youth aged 15–18 and encourages them to gain a better understanding of how to protect themselves from the risks of identity theft, renting a place of their own, consumer contracts, Internet shopping and buying a car.  Entrants must design an original poster and complete a research questionnaire to become eligible for awards of $1000, $500 or $250.  Submissions must be received by November 28, 2008.  For more information, contact Service Alberta’s Consumer Services Branch at 1–877–427–4088 or visit the Alberta Consumer Champion Awards Web page.  

      Learning Clicks 2008–2009:  View details regarding the redesign of the Learning Clicks program for 2008–2009.  This program is designed to help Albertans get ready for education and training beyond senior high school.

      Recently Authorized Resources:  Review new resources authorized between May 7, 2008, and October 2, 2008.

      Teaching Sexual Health Web Site:  View details regarding this resource.

      K–12 Wellness Team
      The following individuals are part of Alberta Education's K–12 Wellness Team:

      • Michelle Kilborn, K–12 Wellness Program Manager, Curriculum Branch
      • Lori Olson-Johns, K–12 Wellness Program Consultant, Curriculum Branch
      • Gail Diachuk, School Health and Wellness Manager, Alberta Education and Alberta Health and Wellness
        •
      • Alan Chouinard, K–12 Wellness Program Manager, French Language Services Branch
      • Lin Irvine, K–12 Wellness Resource Manager, Learning Technologies Branch
        •
      • Jeff Bath, K–12 Wellness Resource Manager, Learning and Teaching Resources Branch
      • Candace Long, Project Management Coordinator, Distributed Learning Resources Branch

      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 physical education, health and life skills, and CALM resources.

  • Provincial Testing

    • Diagnostic Mathematics Program

      Alberta Education is currently developing an online Diagnostic Mathematics Program for Kindergarten to Grade 6.  Diagnostic assessments are being designed to measure specific knowledge structures and processing skills in students.  The assessments will provide information about students’ cognitive strengths and weaknesses in order to guide further instruction.

      In the 2008–2009 school year, Alberta Education staff will be working with experienced elementary school teachers to develop the program specifically for grades 3–6, with development of K–2 assessments occurring in 2009–2010.

      For more information, contact Jo-Anne Hug, Director, Achievement Testing, at 780–427–0010.  To be connected toll-free inside Alberta, dial 310–0000.

    • Online Grade 9 Provincial Achievement Tests

      In 2008, Alberta Education began offering the Grade 9 provincial achievement tests in both an online and a paper-and-pencil format.  The online tests were administered through LA Online (Learner Assessment Online). In addition to providing achievement tests, LA Online included downloadable practice tests.  The system was a success and will continue to be offered for the 2009 administration of the achievement tests.   

      LA Online will be upgraded in the 2008–2009 school year.  It will be renamed Quest A+ and will change from a downloaded program to one that’s Web-based.  Modifications will also be made to accommodate students with special test-writing needs.

      For more information about the online versions of the Grade 9 provincial achievement tests, contact Ken Marcellus, Director, Online Assessment, at 780–427–0010.  To be connected toll-free inside Alberta, dial 310–0000.

  • Special Programs

    • Canadian DVD on Asperger's Syndrome Available

      A Canadian award-winning documentary, The Boy Inside, offers school staff an inside look at what it’s like to grow up with Asperger's syndrome, a form of autism. In this 47-minute documentary, filmmaker Marianne Kaplan shares her 12-year-old son's struggle in his final year of elementary school. This intensely personal documentary follows Adam as he tries to control his emotional outbursts and make sense of peer rejection, girls and life in the real world. This film is also a story of a family on the edge, as they work to overcome this neurological disorder.

      Visit The Boy Inside Web site for more information, including upcoming television broadcasts and purchasing  information. There is also an educational version of the DVD available that includes a guide for educators.

      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.

    • New Tip Sheet for Digital Repository
      The new digital repository for students with special education needs is one strategy for addressing the learning needs of Alberta students who have disabilities related to accessing print materials.  This secure online database houses digital versions of most authorized basic textbooks for students in grades 4 to 12.  Download a four-page tip sheet for using this repository.

    • Setting the Direction for Special Education in Alberta

      Much has happened since the Minister of Education, Dave Hancock, officially launched Setting the Direction for Special Education in Alberta at the College of Alberta School Superintendents/Alberta Education Special Education Symposium in May 2008.

      Early in July, the Minister appointed a project steering committee.  Steering committee members bring a wide range of personal perspectives and experiences to the table.  They sit on the committee as individuals, not as representatives of organizations.  As well, the Deputy Minister invited education stakeholder organizations, including the Alberta Teachers’ Association, to each select a person to represent their organization on the stakeholder working group.

      The steering committee, working group and project team are pulling together research and planning for broad-based public consultations this fall.  These initial consultations will engage Albertans in a dialogue about a vision for special education in Alberta.  You can participate online or by attending one of the community consultation sessions.  Related information, including consultation locations, will be available at http://www.settingthedirection.alberta.ca/ in October 2008.  Consultation sessions are also scheduled as part of the Alberta Teachers’ Association Special Education Council Conference, which is being held in Kananaskis on October 16–18, 2008.  If you are attending the conference, check the schedule and be sure to participate in one of the Setting the Direction consultation sessions so your views are heard.

      Phase 2 of Setting the Direction for Special Education in Alberta will take place in February and March 2009.  In this phase, Alberta Education will be seeking your input on options for special education policy, accountability and funding.

      The third and final phase of the consultation takes place at a Minister's Forum scheduled for June 8–9, 2009, in Edmonton. 

      If you would like to be added to the project e-mail list to receive project updates, including dates and locations of the public consultations, please e-mail your contact information to setting.direction@gov.ab.ca.

      See the May 2008 edition of Connection for more information.

  • Aboriginal Education

    • Aboriginal Studies Recently Authorized Resources

      Review new resources authorized between May 7, 2008, and October 2, 2008:
      Aboriginal Studies 10
      Aboriginal Studies 30       

      For more information regarding Aboriginal studies resources, contact Delores Pruden-Barrie at 780–427–6844.  To be connected toll-free inside Alberta, dial 310–0000.

      Search for authorized Aboriginal studies resources.

    • Cree Language and Culture Recently Authorized Resources

      Review new resources authorized between May 7, 2008, and October 2, 2008:
      Kindergarten–Grade 6

      For more information regarding Cree language and culture resources, contact Delores Pruden-Barrie at 780–427–6844.  To be connected toll-free inside Alberta, dial 310–0000.

      Search for authorized Cree language and culture resources.

    • New Staff at First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) Services Branch

      Some changes have been made at the FNMI Services Branch.

      • Linda Pelly is the new Director of FNMI Services.  Linda was the FNMI Services Professional Development Manager until her appointment as the Director of the branch in August 2008.  Linda’s areas of expertise include Aboriginal languages and cultures and FNMI professional development.
      • Lorraine Cardinal-Roy and Debbie Mineault have joined FNMI Services as new education managers.  Lorraine rejoined FNMI Services in August 2008, and Debbie moved from the Curriculum Branch to FNMI Services in September 2008.
      • Bobbi Palynchuk is the newest addition to the branch as Project Coordinator for the “Finding Ways Together” project, an FNMI parent and community engagement project.  Bobbi is seconded from the Alberta School Councils’ Association for a period of three years and started in July 2008.
       

    • Upcoming Conferences

      FNMI Services is working with the Edmonton Regional Learning Consortium to host the Mentorship in FNMI Education Conference in Edmonton on December 8–9, 2008, as part of an Alberta Education strategy for high school completion.  Watch for more information on the Alberta Education Web site or contact Sandra Skare at 780–422–0559.  To be connected toll-free inside Alberta, dial 310–0000.

      FNMI Services is also planning the annual Learning Together for Success Conference in collaboration with the Calgary Regional Consortium.  It will be held at the Coast Plaza Hotel in Calgary on March 18–20, 2009.  Watch for more information on the Alberta Education Web site or contact Donna Crowshoe at 403–297–6298.  To be connected toll-free inside Alberta, dial 310–0000.

  • Technology Integration

    • Tech.News

      Tech.News is Alberta Education’s monthly newsletter to keep teachers, principals, jurisdiction technology staff and other interested stakeholders informed on school technology news and events.

      To subscribe to Tech.News, please send an e-mail to tech.news@gov.ab.ca, and enter “Subscribe to Tech.News” in the Subject line.

      View the archive of this school year’s past editions.

       

    • LearnAlberta.ca Update

      LearnAlberta.ca—A New Look and More Quality Resources
      The pre-launch version of the new LearnAlberta.ca Web site is now available.  LearnAlberta.ca has been updated with a new look, additional features and more content.  The pre-launch version includes:

      • online learning and teaching resources from the “old” LearnAlberta.ca Web site, Online Guide to Implementation Web site, and Tools4Teachers Web site
      • a feature for teachers to create a personal account, which provides access to licensed resources, and a feature to create a personal workspace (My Workspace) where teachers can save, annotate and share lists of resources 
      • a change in the way visitors enter the site—visitors will be required to enter their username and password only when accessing a licensed resource or when accessing My Workspace 
      • a new feature that will allow visitors to locate resources within the context of a program of studies.

      Both versions of LearnAlberta.ca are currently available to provide a smooth transition for those who rely on the Web site.  A message has been posted to the old LearnAlberta.ca site to notify users of availability of the pre-launch site.

      The transition period provides an opportunity for Alberta Education to include additional programs of study and new digital learning and teaching resources within both English- and French-language interfaces.

      Username and Password Information
      Jurisdictional username and password information for the 2008–2009 school year has been sent to principals and jurisdiction technology contacts.  Password information should be shared with teachers, parents and students; however, to ensure the integrity of our licensing agreements, we ask that this information not be published on publicly accessible Web sites.

      New and Updated Resources
      New resources are now available for the following subject areas:

      A few updated resources are also available. View details regarding these updated resources.

      Note:  As of September 2008, all new resources will be made available on the pre-launch version of the new LearnAlberta.ca Web site.

      Online Reference Centre
      Several new databases have been added to the Online Reference Centre. View details.

      Contact
      For more information regarding LearnAlberta.ca, contact Kelly Buziak at 780–415–2405.  To be connected toll-free inside Alberta, dial 310–0000.

  • Career Initiatives

    • A New Look for ALIS: Helping Students Make the Most of Their Future

      Now it is easier to help students plan and achieve their educational and career success by using the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) Web site.

      The revised ALIS site is organized by key user groups and by clusters of specific information and services.  Users will be able to find all the information they’re looking for by selecting their specific user group:  

      All of ALIS’s original content is still available, and now it’s easier to access.  As students begin the process of career planning, the following resources will assist them in making informed decisions for their lifelong learning:

      • occupational profiles on OCCinfo
      • education programs and post-secondary school information on EDinfo
      • student loan applications at Students Finance
      • scholarship and bursary information
      • tip sheets, short, easy-to-read articles on topics from study skills to résumé writing and job search, which provide practical information about career planning, education and workplace topics  
      • career videos, which present a day in the life of workers in various occupations and other front-line information to help students explore their career potential. 

      If you have questions, comments or suggestions about ALIS, contact info@alis.gov.ab.ca.

      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 Clicks Redesigned for 2008–2009

      Learning Clicks is an innovative program that believes the best way to help Albertans get ready for education and training beyond senior high school is to speak to them on their own terms.  Learning Clicks Ambassadors, current post-secondary students, are once again getting ready to offer free, interactive and informative presentations in junior high and senior high schools across Alberta.

      In the 2007–2008 school year, Learning Clicks Ambassadors made approximately 950 presentations to youth across Alberta and distributed nearly 20 000 interactive CD–ROMs.

      The Learning Clicks Redesign includes:

      • the CD–ROM: an interactive planning tool that integrates career development resources; new assessment tools; 29 newly created videos of current post-secondary students, apprentices and senior high school students; and hundreds of links to Web and print resources, all within a user-centred perspective 
      • the Web site:  an informational tool for educators and counsellors.  The new site will include a presentation request form, participant surveys, a calendar of fairs and conferences that Ambassadors will attend, and an RSVP tool for presentations to adults.

      To request a free presentation for your students by a Learning Clicks Ambassador, visit the request form online or call the Learning Clicks Coordinator at 780–415–9277.  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.

    • Raising Awareness about Planning for Post-secondary Studies Update

      Alberta Advanced Education and Technology promotes post-secondary planning through the Raising Awareness about Planning for Post-secondary Studies (RAPPS) Initiative.

      Activities and Resources
      New RAPPS activities and resources include the following: 

      • CALM Lesson Plans* 
        Lesson plans are being developed that may be used in CALM.  These lesson plans introduce students to the various tools and resources available on the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) Web site and encourage students to use these tools while planning for post-secondary studies and a career path.

        Teachers will find these lesson plans beneficial as they include:
        – step-by-step directions on how to facilitate online activities
        – current information on the various online resources and tools
        – handouts and activities for students, which can be corrected for evaluation purposes and added to students' career portfolios.

      • Scholarship Booklet NEW 2008/2009*
        Want more information on Government of Alberta scholarship and bursary programs?  A Scholarship Booklet is being developed, which includes:
        – program information
        – scholarships and bursaries students may be eligible for
        – tips on how to apply
        – application deadlines.

        * Currently in development. Watch for updates at upcoming conferences or join our mailing list server.

      • Big Brothers Big Sisters High School Teen Mentoring
        Alberta Advanced Education and Technology has partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters Edmonton to pilot an in-school mentoring program.  This initiative ensures that young mentors and mentees have access to good information about planning for post-secondary studies and the work force and are engaged in school now, so they can accomplish their goals for the future.

        Please contact Big Brothers Big Sisters Edmonton at 780–424–8181 for more information on how to get your school involved.

      Keeping Informed
      Stay up-to-date on RAPPS resources and activities by: 

      • visiting booths and presentations at educational conventions
        Look for RAPPS booths and presentations at the following conventions:
        – Beginning Teachers’ Conference, Calgary: October 17–18, 2008
        – Dreamcatcher Conference, Edmonton: October 17–19, 2008
        – Calgary Canada Career Week, Calgary: October 31–November 1, 2008
        – Practically Speaking about LD and ADHD, Red Deer: November 8, 2008
        – Edmonton Canada Career Week, Edmonton: November 14–15, 2008
        – ELAA Conference, Banff: November 19–21, 2008

      • signing up for the senior high school educators mailing list server
        To sign up for the mailing list server:
        – send an e-mail to majordomo-server@gov.ab.ca 
        – ensure “Format” is set to “Plain Text”
        – type the following phrase in the body of your e-mail (not the Subject line): subscribe hsassist

        You will receive an e-mail confirming you have successfully subscribed to the mailing list server.

      Feedback Requested
      Alberta Advanced Education and Technology is inviting teachers across Alberta to participate in a short survey to provide feedback and ideas for improvement on the Planning for Post-Secondary Studies Guides for Grades 6, 9 and 12.  Interested participants will be sent planning guides free-of-charge to distribute to students in their classes.

      For more information or to order materials, contact Angela Haas at 780–415–9679 or Nicole Nytchay at 780–427–8574.

      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.

    • Take Our Kids to Work Day

      The Take Our Kids to Work (TOKW) day will be held on Wednesday, November 5, 2008.  This is a great opportunity for Grade 9 students to experience an occupation they might not otherwise have thought about.  TOKW day may only happen once a year, but the experience and information gained could strongly affect career development choices that last a lifetime.  

      Information on TOKW resources was sent to school jurisdictions across Alberta, and resources are currently being sent to jurisdictions for distribution to each participating school.  If you have not received information, contact Laurie Sorensen at 780–422–3217 as soon as possible.  To be connected toll-free inside Alberta, dial 310–0000. 

      Alberta Education wishes Alberta students a fun-filled day of learning opportunities and thanks communities across the province for their participation in connecting learning and work. 

      View further details regarding TOKW day.

      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)

    Update from the LRC

    Source for Learning Resources
    The LRC provides online access to, and customer support services for, a wide array of learning and teaching resources supporting the Kindergarten to Grade 12 curriculum.

    CBC News in Review Subscription Program Now Available through LRC
    CBC News in Review is a subscription series of eight 1-hour educational programs hosted by a CBC journalist and news anchor and featuring CBC correspondents.  View more details.

    Digital Textbook Repository for Students with Special Education Needs
    This new repository is one strategy for addressing the needs of Alberta students who have disabilities relating to accessing print materials.  View more details.

    Special Services for Students with Visual Impairments
    The LRC provides library services for Alberta K–12 schools to assist in the delivery of an educational program for students with visual impairments.  Visit the LRC Web site for details.

    EOD Success
    This year marked the 8th year of the Early Order Discount (EOD) program and the greatest achievement yet, with schools saving over $1.84 million on EOD orders.  To find out how your school or jurisdiction did during the 2008 program, contact Victor Hoyle.

  • International Education

    International Education Week 2008

    International Education Week (IEW) is an annual weeklong event celebrated by over 85 countries around the world that highlights the importance of international education and its benefits to society.  This year, the celebration runs from November 17 to 21, 2008.

    Looking for activities for your students?  Suggested lesson plans will be posted on our events page at the end of October.

    IEW is an excellent opportunity to show how an international dimension has benefited your school.  Alberta Education encourages everyone across the province to join in the celebrations.

  • WorldSkills Calgary 2009

    About the Competition
    On May 26, 2008, the Government of Alberta announced $24 million in support for the WorldSkills competition to be held in Calgary from September 1–7, 2009.  WorldSkills competitions develop and promote high performance among young people in skilled trades and technologies.  These competitions also provide an important opportunity to increase the profile of trades and technologies as challenging and rewarding career options while highlighting the invaluable contributions they make to the economy.  Up to 1000 competitors from secondary schools and post-secondary institutions and 150 000 visitors are expected to take part in the event.

    Transportation to the Competition
    Students would benefit greatly from experiencing the WorldSkills Calgary 2009 competition first-hand.  By attending the competition, they can develop a greater appreciation of the importance of trades and technology careers.  Alberta Education will provide up to $4 million in financial support to help school authorities (public, Catholic, Francophone and charter schools) should they choose to transport students to the WorldSkills competition in Calgary.  While the funding can be used to help cover costs associated with the transportation of students from any grade level, Alberta Education has developed the allocation based on having all Grade 9 and Grade 10 students attend.  These students are just beginning to think about career choices and associated course work.  As such, as a group, they may benefit most from attending the WorldSkills competition and are specifically encouraged to attend.

    Skills Road Show
    Alberta Education has provided funding to WorldSkills Calgary 2009 for a Skills Road Show to travel throughout Alberta this year.  The Skills Road Show will help promote the 2009 event as well as trade and technology careers.  It includes an interactive component called Try-A-Trade, which features hands-on activities.  Schools are encouraged to book the Skills Road Show for career and other community events.

    For Further Information
    Further information on WorldSkills Calgary 2009, including details on transportation and the Skills Road Show, is available through the WorldSkills Web page. 

  • Other News

    • Alberta Initiative for School Improvement: Upgrades to Web Site Information

      Looking for information about school improvement?  Check out the new upgrades to the Alberta Initiative for School Improvement (AISI) Web pages, which will make your search for documents quicker and easier.

      As part of an advanced search tool, keywords have been added to Cycle 3 projects and promising practices. Keywords are also currently being added to the literature synopses, research reports and newsletters.  With over a hundred different keywords to choose from in easy-to-use drop-down menus, the new search tool will help you quickly find exactly what you are looking for.

    • Guide to Education: ECS to Grade 12 (2008–2009)

      The 2008–2009 Guide to Education: ECS to Grade 12 has a new look. The Guide features Alberta Education’s new visual identity and is presented in a two-column format that reduces the number of pages.  The PDF version includes hyperlinks to all referenced documents.

      Following an extensive review, the K–12 Learning System Policy, Regulations and Forms Manual (Policy Manual) is being discontinued.  Although the Policy Manual will continue to exist on the Alberta Education Web site for the time being, the Guide is now the key source for policy and other requirements.  This initiative has been carried out to reduce duplication and to update key ministry documents, without changing direction or requirements.

      All schools and central offices have been sent a complimentary copy of the new Guide.  Print copies are also available for purchase from the Learning Resources Centre.

      For more information, contact Evan Jones at 780–422–1348.  To be connected toll-free inside Alberta, dial 310–0000.

    • Implementation Schedule for Programs of Study and Related Activities (2008–2009)

      The Implementation Schedule for Programs of Study and Related Activities (2008–2009) is available in both English and French.  The schedule provides information about optional and provincial implementation dates for programs of study, as well as proposed availability of learning and teaching resources, revised provincial assessments and distance learning materials.  Quick reference charts for provincial implementation are also available in English and French.

    • Speak Out—Alberta Student Engagement Initiative

      Alberta Education will be launching Phase 1 of the Alberta Student Engagement Initiative this fall to create opportunities for Alberta youth to provide advice to the ministry on the education system.  This initiative was announced by the government in the February 2008 Throne Speech.  Similar initiatives have already been launched in other provinces and territories across Canada.

      Phase 1 includes coordinating a series of regional forums with students in high schools around the province between October/November 2008 and February/March 2009.  The forums will consist of facilitated group discussions with students to further dialogue on student issues about their education.

      The ministry is committed to providing as many options to students as possible in order to engage the widest range of participants through a variety of activities and communication methods.  More information about the initiative will be announced in the next few months.

       

    • Support for Professional Development

      Alberta Education will be allocating $9 million to the Alberta Regional Professional Development Consortia (ARPDC) over the next three years ($3 million per year) to support school jurisdictions with implementation of new and revised curriculum as well as other strategic priorities.  The funding provided to each consortium is intended to support professional development and capacity building in school jurisdictions throughout the province.  Allocation is determined by a distribution model that takes regional uniqueness, population served and equity factors into consideration. Funding will be allocated in the form of conditional grants to each consortium.  (The first year’s funding was allocated in June 2008.)  Each consortium will work collaboratively with school jurisdiction advisory committees in their zones and key Alberta Education officials to develop responsive professional development implementation plans, which are to be submitted to Alberta Education by October 31, 2008.

      For more information, contact Jim Rubuliak at 780–644–7139 or Shirley Douglas at 780–422–2819.  To be connected toll-free inside Alberta to either 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.