On May 30, the new kindergarten to Grade 6 social studies curriculum went live on the new LearnAlberta website, marking a significant step in the ministry’s curriculum overhaul. Starting in September, this curriculum will be mandatory in kindergarten to Grade 3 classrooms. It will become mandatory for Grades 4 to 6 in September 2026.
Teachers continue to remain concerned about the pace of new curriculum implementation, particularly given the sweeping scope of the changes. Further, questions linger about the extent of supports for implementation.
“K-6 teachers have navigated a continuous onslaught of new curriculum since September 2022. With very few days left in the school year to plan for the new social studies curriculum, teachers are feeling pressure,” said Terra Kaliszuk, ATA executive staff officer. “Curriculum implementation pacing needs to include time for teachers to review new curriculum and resources, collaborate with each other and create engaging plans for complex classrooms.”
Though concerns remain, the ATA is prepared to work constructively with the government to ensure that curriculum implementation is successful for teachers and students. Further, the ATA is encouraged by the government’s move to incorporate field testing into curriculum development timelines.
For 2025/26, teachers will have the option to field test the curriculum for Grades 7 to 9 mathematics, social studies, physical education and wellness, and career education and financial literacy. Piloting will then be optional in the 2026/27 school year, followed by mandatory implementation in 2027/28.
The ATA perceives the ability to field test and provide feedback on the upcoming Grades 7 to 9 mathematics, social studies, physical education and wellness, and career education and financial literacy curriculum as a welcome change.
“It is vital that teachers inform and guide curriculum development work,” said Kaliszuk. “Teachers understand what it takes to bring curriculum to life, and they need to be at the curriculum development table.” ❚
Alberta’s K–6 curriculum is available at curriculum.learnalberta.ca/curriculum/en.
A summary of changes made to Alberta’s K–6 social studies curriculum is available at alberta.ca/curriculum-social-studies.
