Education Minister Adriana LaGrange

By Troy Gillard

NO DECISION YET

Three scenarios for school re-entry plan: LaGrange

May 6, 2020 | 12:15 PM

Alberta’s education minister says the province is looking at three scenarios for the start of the 2020-21 school year in September, but that no decisions have been made at this time.

Adriana LaGrange reaffirmed Premier Jason Kenney announcement last week that in-person classes will remain cancelled for the rest of the current school year.

LaGrange says the three scenarios currently being looked for the resumption of in-person classes this fall are:

• Normal school operations are able to resume.

• Schools are partially re-opened, with some level of restrictions.

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• Teacher-directed at-home learning continues.

“No decisions have been made on any aspect of the re-entry plan,” LaGrange said during a news conference on Wednesday. “Items are only three of the many, many considerations before us.”

LaGrange says the province, school authorities and education system partners are developing a “comprehensive re-entry plan” that considers the three scenarios that could exist by September. She notes that any plans for restarting in-person classes will be subject to approval from Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta’s chief medical officer of health.

“The challenge of reopening schools is very complex. We appreciate the efforts of the minister and department officials to meaningfully engage us on these important issues,” ATA President Jason Schilling said in a statement. “The health and safety of students, teachers, staff, families and the broader community are paramount in these discussions. We are using input from provincial ATA teacher representatives and a recent COVID-19 related survey of over 2,000 teachers to share the views of the profession.”

Red Deer Public Schools has begun work to prepare for the 2020-21school year. Superintendent Stu Henry says that while these plans are in the early stages the district will work closely with principals in developing a plan to ensure they are focused on the safety and well-being of staff and students as well as the priority of providing the best learning opportunities possible.

“I am extremely proud of our staff for rising to the challenge during this unprecedented time,” said Henry. “We have heard many great stories of how students are continuing to succeed and how parents are engaged with their children’s learning at home. The saying ‘We’re in this together’ continues to ring true.”

LaGrange announced on Wednesday that a provincial education helpline is now available to parents through which Alberta Education staff will address their questions and direct them to their school authorities, where applicable. The intent is to provide advice to families, particularly to parents of children with disabilities, who have questions about their child’s program now that the traditional delivery process has changed. Parents can reach the helpline by calling 780-422-6548 (toll-free by dialing 310-0000, followed by the 10-digit phone number) or by emailing studentsupport@gov.ab.ca.