Local schools welcome new curriculum
By KELLEN TANIGUCHI on March 30, 2021.
ktaniguchi@medicinehatnews.com@@kellentaniguchi The Alberta government announced a new K-6 curriculum focusing on four key areas: literacy, numeracy, citizenship and practical skills. The new curriculum will be piloted in certain schools in the fall. “This was a monumental task and I am so proud of the work that has gone into this project over the last 19 months,” said Education Minister Adriana LaGrange. “I believe in my heart that this new curriculum will position our children for great success and give them the best chance to reach their potential.” The government is assigning $6 million this fiscal year to support the new curriculum and the funds will be used to develop critical resources and professional development to support teachers through this first stage. After feedback is given to the government, the province expects to have students at every school in Alberta learning the new curriculum during the 2022-23 school year. “This next phase really is all about gathering feedback and providing feedback to the department prior to them finalizing the new curriculum,” said Dwayne Zarichny, superintendent for the Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education. “We’re anxious to get involved with that and get that process started … we’ll spend the next few weeks having a chance to look at the curriculum, unpack it and see what’s in there.” The new curriculum comes at a time where Canada ranks lower in several learning categories – using Grade 4 students as a baseline. In 2006, Canada was ranked first in reading literacy, but dropped to 17th by 2016. The drop-off is also evident in math and science, with Canada falling from 16th of 65 countries in 2007, to 39th of 64 in 2017. Canada has dropped from fourth of 65 countries to 16th of 64 in science during that same time period, according to the provincial government. Mark Davidson, superintendent at Medicine Hat Public School Division, thinks the new curriculum is a needed step. “Our hopes are for a curriculum that reflects a more modern view of the world and one that reflects what is happening in our world in terms of science and truth and reconciliation,” he said. “Our school division looks forward to being involved in the process of validation, so we can get an early and in-depth view of the program and provide feedback as soon as possible.” The implementation of a new Grade 7-10 curriculum in the province is expected during the 2023-24 school year, followed by a new curriculum for Grade 11 and 12 students. “I’m really looking forward to getting a look at the Grade 7 to 12 programs of study as well,” said Davidson. “Just to see how the arc is completed around discussions of things like First Nations, Métis and Inuit history and current experiences in Canada and Alberta.” 13-12
