The Alberta Teachers’ Association

Education minister refuses to change course in response to ATA letter

Adriana LaGrange,      education minister

Alberta Education is committed to proceeding with its draft K–6 curriculum this fall, states a letter signed by Education Minister Adriana LaGrange.

Dated June 9 and addressed to ATA president Jason Schilling, the letter is a response to an April 26 letter that Schilling sent to the minister expressing the Association’s lack of confidence in the curriculum and the processes used to create it.

In her response, LaGrange states that she is moving forward with consultations with the intention of piloting the draft in the fall. She said that she will not reinstate a previous partnership with the ATA.

“I continue to believe the process of curriculum development needs voices from all partners in education, most importantly parents, but also teachers who are not members of the ATA and other interested Albertans,” the letter states.

The letter further outlines LaGrange’s belief that the draft curriculum is based on the latest research, and includes a quote from the book Visible Learning Feedback by John Hattie and Shirley Clarke.

“ … knowledge acquisition is vital for the development of skills, also providing engaging and stimulating contexts, but the breakdown of knowledge is better placed in curriculum planning than in success criteria.”

“In other words, children need to know in order to do,” the letter continues. “I believe that a knowledge-rich curriculum is the right and principled approach for Alberta’s students, and that is where this curriculum excels.”

The draft curriculum brings a renewed focus to literacy, numeracy, citizenship and practical skills, she said.

“It also promotes social equality by ensuring that all students, regardless of background and family circumstances have a strong base of essential knowledge on which to build a lifetime of future learning.”

The letter goes on to state that LaGrange has heard from many teachers who are excited about the new curriculum.

“I am confident that once teachers begin engaging with the new curriculum, they will find exciting ways to convey this rich content to their students and to inspire in them a love of learning about our province and our world.”

The ATA’s receipt of the LaGrange’s letter came the same day that she lashed out at the ATA in a piece by Calgary Sun columnist Rick Bell.

“I will not back down to union bosses, to anyone who wants to intimidate me. I will not be bullied,” LaGrange is quoted as saying.

“From what I’ve seen and what I’ve experienced over the last two years it’s always I give and they take. It is very typical union politics. They have their own agenda.”

The ATA followed up with a news release stating that the minister is disregarding public opinion polls showing that 61 per cent of Albertans believe the UCP government is mishandling public education and that nearly 40 per cent have identified curriculum as a top issue. The ATA says the minister is also ignoring its request to halt the curriculum pilot and engage in meaningful discussion that includes classroom teachers.

“Instead of listening to the wishes of Albertans, this minister has aimed the government’s ire on their usual target, ‘the union boss’s agenda,’” said ATA president Jason Schilling. “She has publicly accused us of bullying and intimidation. I find it distressing that she views the voices of concerned Albertans as bullying.” ❚