The Alberta Teachers’ Association

Parents lack (in)tuition

Today, tuition and other costs associated with a four-year university degree are about $60,000. Pity the parents, therefore, whose child is born in 2013. When this year’s newborns enter postsecondary institutions, the cost could have risen to more than $140,000 due to tuition inflation, reports the BMO’s Wealth Institute. The institute’s report, released March 27, found three-quarters of parents with children under 18 don’t have a clear idea of the real cost of university. "I think that for most people if you tell them that tuition has increased two or three times the rate of inflation they will be surprised," said BMO’s Caroline Dabu. "The advice we give to clients is similar to what we give around retirement, and that is to start saving as soon as possible."

“A” is for education

Canada is tops in education, reports the Conference Board of Canada. However, even though the Conference Board’s report card shows that Canada excels in education and skills development, it must do better matching what Canadians learn to evolving labour market needs. The report, released March 27, shows that Canada ranks second only to ­Finland among 16 developed countries. Canada earns top grades for having the second-highest rate of high school completion and the top rate of postsecondary college completion. “Canada gives its students a first-rate education at the primary and secondary levels,” said Conference Board President and CEO Daniel Muzyka. “Our priority must be to build on this strong foundation to make Canada more innovative, competitive and dynamic.”

Seriously big bulk buying

School districts in California, Florida, Illinois, New York and Texas are cutting costs by coordinating their school lunches. The joint effort among states will also ensure students are provided with healthful food choices, said a New York City school spokesperson. Aside from food, the districts will purchase goods and items such as serving trays in bulk. About 3 million lunches are served by the districts every school day. The inauguration of the partnership saw all six districts serving the same lunch on March 20: chicken, brown rice with seasoned black beans, steamed green broccoli, fresh fruit and milk.