The Alberta Teachers’ Association

Alberta’s teachers are calling on the government to resist pressure from home-schooling advocates to change Bill 2, the Education Act, in ways that would erode public education in Alberta.

Alberta Teachers’ ­Association President Carol Henderson believes the bill’s provisions related to diversity and respect are part of a sound framework for quality public education. She suggests that the real problems are with charter schools.

Some home-schooling advocates are protesting new language in Bill 2 that refers to referencing the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Alberta Human Rights Act.

"Teachers believe that education should be about developing citizens in a respectful society," said President Henderson, March 19. "Our public education system brings all students together in an inclusive environment that respects diversity."

The wording of Bill 2 in regards to diversity and respect is consistent with the current school system and the current School Act, which already mandates "honour and respect for common values and beliefs of Albertans" and states that education programs must not promote "religious intolerance or persecution."

Henderson said "Parents should not be concerned about this language change in Bill 2, since other provisions in this bill and in the Human Rights Act clearly enforce parental rights."

The real concern for teachers in Bill 2 are other provisions related to charter schools that are contrary to the interests of public education. Charter schools are fully funded private schools, and the legislation proposes further expansion and less regulation of charters. The ATA would like to see a reduced role for charter schools altogether. However, two changes proposed in the bill are particularly worrisome. One change would remove the requirement that charter school operators must have the operation of the school as their sole purpose; and the other removes the first right of refusal for school boards that are willing to provide an alternative program proposed in a charter application.

"The changes in Bill 2 shift the role of charter schools," said Henderson. "They are proposed as agents of innovation in education, but with these changes they will compete directly with public schools without regard for the greater purpose of public education."

The Alberta Teachers’ Association is calling on the government to pass Bill 2 only after making amendments to the charter school provisions and without further amendments to the diversity and respect provisions. Bill 2 has passed second reading and is before the committee of the whole.