The recently released report of the Aggression and Complexity in Schools Action Team reflects the calls for supports that have been asked for by teachers for years, according to the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA).
Formed by the provincial government in summer 2025, the action team was established to provide recommendations to help the province address increasing classroom complexity. The action team—composed of teachers, school and system leaders, and other stakeholders—reported that student aggression is “a deeply multifaceted challenge rooted in a complex web of individual, social and systemic influences.” To address these complexities, the action team presented seven recommendations to ensure that learning environments are safe and respectful and allow all students to thrive.
Among the key recommendations are expanding and adapting early intervention programs, establishing and sustaining cross-ministry wraparound service models, and ensuring children and students have timely access to supports and services.
“The recommendations in the report reflect the challenges we are seeing in our classrooms every day,” said Lynnette Anderson, chief superintendent, Edmonton Catholic Schools Division. “These concerns were shared by our division staff as part of the engagement of the action team and have been central to our board’s advocacy for several years. Knowing that the voices of our front-line staff and board have been heard gives us confidence that these recommendations will lead to meaningful action for our students and staff.”
The ATA also expressed support for many of the recommendations, saying that it has been advocating for supports to address increasing complexity in schools. However, ATA president Jason Schilling emphasized that the recommendations must translate into real action.
“We expect this government to take these recommendations and put them into practice,” said Schilling. “Not some day, not when convenient and not as optional guidelines.”
Minister of Education and Childcare Demetrios Nicolaides welcomed the action team’s report, saying that it offers direction for meaningful next steps.
“I am confident this report gives us a clear path to tackle the challenges facing our classrooms,” Nicolaides said. “The action team’s recommendations will help us move forward thoughtfully and effectively.”
