(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By David Opinko (Lethbridge News Now) and rdnewsNOW

have your say

February dates announced for K-6 curriculum consultations

Jan 28, 2022 | 2:13 PM

If you have been wanting to tell the Alberta Government what you think of its new draft K-6 curriculum, be prepared to set some time aside in February.

The province has announced times and dates for several virtual engagement sessions with a series dedicated to those who live in central Alberta.

That includes Red Deer, Bashaw, Bentley, Blackfalds, Breton, Camrose, Castor, Consort, Coronation, Daysland, Drayton Valley, Drumheller, Eckville, Elnora, Galahad, Hanna, Hardisty, Hughenden, Innisfail, Islay, Killam, Kitscoty, Lacombe, Lloydminster, Lamont, Mundare, Myrnam, Olds, Ponoka, Provost, Rimbey, Rivercourse, Rocky Mountain House, Sedgewick, Stettler, Sundre, Sylvan Lake, Three Hills, Tofield, Trochu, Two Hills, Vegreville, Vermillion, Viking, Wainwright, Wetaskiwin and Winfield.

Sessions will include focused, small group conversations facilitated by independent engagement specialists. During each session, the draft K-6 subject will be considered and discussed so Albertans can provide insightful feedback.

Dates and times for central Alberta sessions are as follows:

no flag or crosswalk requests received

Didsbury citizens' group vehemently opposed to proposed 'Public Spaces Neutrality Bylaw'

14h ago

makin' stuff up!

Thurber improv team wins regionals, will head to Ottawa

15h ago

travel occurred march 10

Measles exposure reportedly travelled from Calgary to Red Deer, Edmonton and Grande Prairie

15h ago

• English language arts and literature
  Tuesday, Feb. 1 6:30 to 8:30 pm
• Physical education and wellness
  Wednesday, Feb. 2 6:30 to 8:30 pm
• Mathematics
  Monday, Feb. 7 6:30 to 8:30 pm
• Science
  Wednesday, Feb. 9 6:30 to 8:30 pm
• Fine arts
  Tuesday, Feb. 15 6:30 to 8:30 pm
• French first language and literature
  Tuesday, Feb. 22 6:30 to 8:30 pm
• Draft social studies design blueprint
  Thursday, Feb. 24 6:30 to 8:30 pm
• French immersion language arts and literature
  Tuesday, Feb. 22 6:30 to 8:30 pm

“Alberta’s government promised a year-long consultation process with multiple ways to provide feedback on the draft K-6 curriculum,” says Education Minister Adriana LaGrange. “These new sessions will enable Albertans to have focused conversations and share specific, constructive feedback on the draft blueprint and subjects they are interested in. I encourage Albertans to participate and have their say. The steps we are taking now to listen to additional input will help ensure our elementary students are learning from the best curriculum possible.”

The draft K-6 curriculum was heavily criticized when it was first presented as it included math subjects that were too advanced for certain grade levels, and social studies content that Indigenous leaders say contained, “errors, examples of plagiarism, and content that is not age-appropriate nor reflective of Alberta’s diversity,” among other areas of concern.

Last spring, various school divisions opted out of piloting the draft curriculum, citing significant concerns with its contents.

READ MORE

Red Deer Public Schools opts out of piloting new K-6 curriculum

Red Deer Catholic latest to opt out of piloting new curriculum

Chinook’s Edge opts out of curriculum pilot

Last week, the province announced the members for a Curriculum Implementation Advisory Group, who will help to determine how the new curriculums for English Language Arts and Literature, Mathematics, and Physical Education and Wellness will be implemented in fall 2022.

READ MORE

Province announces K-6 curriculum advisory group members

More details on the K-6 draft curriculum consultations can be found here.