Province announces one-time education funding boost for reading, writing and math

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on March 28, 2025.

Thursday the government announced Thursday it would provide schools with a one-time grant of $7.5 million to assist students from kindergarten to Grade 3 who require extra support with reading, writing and mathematics.

According to the province, the additional one-time fund grant builds on $10 million that is already being provided to support students who are at risk of falling behind in these core subjects.

“Basic skills like reading, writing and math are key to student success,” said Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides. “This funding will help schools identify students that need help the most and get them the extra help they need.”

The Alberta Teachers Association says it welcomes the additional funding.

“Investments into public education are vital, and we welcome these much-needed additional funds,” said president Jason Schilling. “Teachers already identify students who need specialized support, making their involvement as partners in education invaluable.”

The Alberta School Boards Associations echoes the ATA’s statement. President Marilyn Dennis says the association welcomes the additional investment in support and interventions for literacy and numeracy.

“This grant will help Alberta’s locally elected school boards provide essential early learning resources to support the unique needs of our youngest learners,” said Dennis.

In January the province began issuing standardized diagnostic assessment testing among kindergarten students. All students from Grade 1 to 3 are screened twice a year, and any students identified as needing additional support will be screened a third time at the end of the school year to monitor progress.

If Budget 2025 is passed, $40 million will go to school boards for reading, writing and math support over the next three years.

During the 2026-27 school year the province will begin issuing assessment testing for students in Grades 4 and 5.