The Alberta Teachers’ Association is calling on the Government of Alberta to pause piloting of the K–6 social studies curriculum, in order to better integrate feedback from teachers.
“We welcomed the opportunity to provide feedback on the social studies curriculum. Unfortunately, teachers’ recommendations are not reflected in this most recent draft. Rather than proceeding to pilot a curriculum that we know is flawed, let’s take the time needed to get it right and ready for the classroom.”
—ATA president Jason Schilling
Among teachers’ concerns are the unrealistic number of concepts to be covered, some of which are developmentally inappropriate and conceptually inaccurate, as well as failing to engage higher-order thinking skills. A full response to government on the draft social studies curriculum is posted on the ATA website.
“What’s the rush? Over the past three years, Alberta elementary schools have piloted and implemented new curriculum across four subject areas in seven grade levels. The problems currently being faced by teachers having to implement a flawed math curriculum demonstrate the risk of proceeding prematurely to implement new curriculum content and design.”
—ATA president Jason Schilling
At a time when schools are overcrowded and understaffed, Schilling says, the launch of more new curriculum is overloading the system. Successful planning and implementation of new curriculum demands a great deal of time and energy on the part of teachers. Continuing to add more is preventing teachers from devoting the care and attention needed to ensure that Alberta students are getting the best possible instruction.
“Alberta students deserve the best, and so we must make the effort and take the time to get this right. Government can do this by involving teachers directly in continuing curriculum revision, by listening meaningfully to their advice and by incorporating those suggestions into a curriculum that is set for success and that Albertans can be proud of.”
—ATA president Jason Schilling
The Alberta Teachers’ Association, as the professional organization of teachers, promotes and advances public education, supports teachers’ professional practice and serves as the advocate for its 46,000 members.