New committee to address classroom conditions

A new cabinet committee created to address class size and complexity is a step in the right direction, says Alberta Teachers’ Association president Jason Schilling.

Unveiled a week after the government announced that it would reinstate the collection of class size data, the new committee will use the data collected to guide the government’s execution of its commitment to hire 3,000 new teachers and 1,500 new educational assistants over the next three years. The committee will also assist in identifying and prioritizing where new schools and modulars should be built.

“This is a step in the right direction, and we will see it through to ensure the government delivers on its promise to enact real change,” said Schilling, who credited years of advocacy, and the unity demonstrated during the recent strike, for forcing the government to act.

“Now, the government must show that it’s ready to repair the damage, rebuild trust and finally do right by Alberta’s public education system,” he said.

The 11-person committee includes Premier Danielle Smith, Education and Childcare Minister Demetrios Nicolaides, three other government ministers, three superintendents, two current or former school board chairs and ATA associate executive secretary Elissa Corsi.

“We heard teacher concerns, and we are providing solutions,” Nicolaides said. “The Class Size and Complexity Cabinet Committee will help us take immediate action and ensure teachers and students are given the support they need to succeed.”

Schilling noted the importance of having an ATA rep on the committee.

“As a partner … we will share teachers’ expertise and lived experiences to come up with practical solutions to create better classroom environments,” he said.