In preparation for the May 23 provincial election, Alberta Schools Councils’ Association (ASCA) and the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) have collaborated through the Stand for Education campaign to engage Albertans in the development of a bold, positive vision for the future of education in Alberta. Parents and teachers have shared their ”hopes for Alberta’s children and our public schools so that they can thrive now and into the future.” The main themes and solutions raised through this process will be presented to all political parties in the lead up to the election so they can clearly present where they stand on the top priorities for the future of education.

The public consultation process started at the beginning of December and is scheduled to end in February. A number of in-person roundtable discussion forums have been held throughout the province by the ATA and their locals, including in Grande Prairie the evening of Jan. 19 and Medicine Hat on Jan. 26. There was also a virtual roundtable on Jan. 31 for those who were not able to attend an in-person event.

ASCA has reached out to school councils to ask parents and teachers to provide their input at their January or February School Council meetings and then share the results of the conversations via a link off the ASCA website. Parents are also able to provide their comments directly via this website or StandforEducation.ca before Feb. 17.

As hundreds of people have already provided their visions and insights at the roundtables and online, there are some key themes and solutions that are already starting to emerge. In particular, many parents and teachers are deeply concerned about students struggling in large classes with many complex learning needs. The most recent pulse survey of teachers in Alberta revealed that 64 per cent report that they have seen increased class sizes this year and four out of 10 teachers have more than 33 students in their classrooms.

Another top issue being raised by participants is making sure students are getting the learning supports they need to develop their full potential. Parents and teachers can see the impact of the cuts to supports for special needs and mental health programs on the social and emotional needs of children, particularly given the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic on the educational system. Unfortunately, 56 per cent of teachers report a decline in support for students with special needs. Far too many schools, particularly in smaller and rural communities, are not able to get the proper testing and professional support to help children succeed.

These are just a couple of the important issues that parents and teachers are raising through this process. It is critical that people stand up for education so all politicians know that public education is a top priority and they must commit to implement positive solutions that will build a stronger system for our children’s future. Please take the time to share your vision for the future of education and join with the thousands of Albertans who will use the opportunity of the upcoming election to Stand for Education.