The vast majority of parents and teachers in Alberta share a common goal for education: ensuring that our kids thrive both academically and socially at school. Unfortunately, recent trends in our schools have been troubling. Over the past 20 years, literacy levels among Alberta students have declined, with the percentage of functionally illiterate children nearly doubling. Additionally, data from the internationally recognized Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) indicates that students are now three times more likely to be math illiterate than two decades ago, and fewer students are achieving the highest levels in math.

We need to address these issues urgently. However, the best approach to improving our school system is highly debated. Currently, a significant debate is unfolding over provincewide testing of children—a measure supported by many parents and teachers but opposed by the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA). The controversy has been reignited by Danielle Smith’s government’s new plan to regularly test the reading and math skills of elementary students.

Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides announced that starting in September 2024, all students in grades 1 through 3 will undergo provincewide assessments in September and January, with an additional assessment in June for struggling students.

The Alberta Teachers’ Association has voiced strong opposition to this plan. ATA President Jason Schilling stated, “Teachers don’t need a test to identify which students are struggling; they need smaller classes and more supports to get those kids additional help.” This critique has garnered significant attention and highlights the ongoing debate about the most effective way to support and improve student outcomes in Alberta.

Read More: https://theeducationview.com/