The Alberta Teachers’ Association

Education was a central theme of the first policy convention held by the United Conservative Party on May 4 to 6.

Out of approximately 140 policy resolutions that passed, at least 24 related to education, including one calling for the government to split the Alberta Teachers’ Association into separate union and professional bodies.

ATA president Greg Jeffery said he intends to reach out to UCP leader Jason Kenney in an attempt to learn the leader’s intention regarding this policy.

“He backed off on the parental notification issue, so I’m curious what he has to say about splitting us up,” Jeffery said.

The most publicized policy that was adopted calls for the reinstatement of parental consent for subjects and extracurricular activities of a sexual nature. This has largely been interpreted as a requirement for teachers to “out” students who join gay–straight alliances. Kenney quickly distanced himself from the policy by saying that, as leader, he will decide the party’s platform heading into next year’s election.

Several policies were adopted that reinforce the party’s commitment to parents’ right to direct their children’s education and choose the education setting that best suits them, including public, separate, charter, independent, alternative and home education programs.

Two policies called for more transparent curriculum development, with one calling for the review that’s currently underway to be halted so basic literacy and numeracy can be emphasized and “all political indoctrination” can be eliminated from the curriculum.

Support for standardized testing and encouraging the expansion of charter schools were among other approved resolutions.

Jeffery said the ATA is well aware of all the policies the UCP has adopted and is prepared to work with the party in its role as opposition or if it ever becomes the government.

“We’re non-partisan and will work with all political parties to ensure that their members understand our point of view on education matters,” Jeffery said.

A poll commissioned by CBC in late April revealed that 53 per cent of decided voters say they would vote for the UCP in the next election, which would translate into “an overwhelming majority of seats,” said pollster Janet Brown, who conducted the poll for CBC News.