The Alberta Teachers’ Association

Government to focus on teacher recruitment and retention

Ethical citizenship, engaged thinking and entrepreneurial spirit—the vision of Inspiring Action on Education—made their way into the speech from the throne that marked the opening of a new session of the legislature. Delivered February 22 by Lieutenant Governor Donald Ethell, the speech set out government’s plans for the session.

“Your government will continue to implement a vision for an inclusive education system that supports students with special needs. We will equip the education system to offer students more flexible, engaging and personalized learning. And we will continue to build the teaching profession—recruiting, preparing and supporting the best and the brightest in becoming and remaining teachers,” Ethell said.

A week earlier, Government House Leader Dave Hancock announced that a new Education Act would be introduced in the spring sitting. According to the backgrounder, the legislation “will allow the education system to be more flexible and able to respond to the diverse learning needs of students more quickly and ­effectively.” It is anticipated that the legislation will be held over to the fall sitting to allow for public consultation.

MLAs got down to business the day following the throne speech when oral question period resumed. Below are highlights of some of the education-related exchanges that took place ­February 23 and 24.

Inclusive Education

February 24—Kyle Fawcett (PC—Calgary-North Hill) asked Minister of Education Dave Hancock to explain what inclusive education is and what it will look like at the classroom level. Hancock explained that inclusive education means every child has value and needs to be included in the education system. He added that inclusive education does not refer to placement, which will be determined in consultation with teachers, schools, parents and health professionals. Fawcett asked Hancock how inclusive education will ensure accountability. Hancock replied that funding will be based on the learning needs of the child to ensure the availability of technological, learning and health supports. Fawcett asked Hancock whether there is any merit to the idea of sending differential funding for coded students directly to schools. Hancock replied that there is no merit to the idea because school boards are entrusted to deal with the appropriate needs of all students. He added that government, in turn, ensures the availability of structures, technology and professional development.

Catholic Education

February 24—George VanderBurg (PC—Whitecourt-Ste Anne) asked Hancock to clarify government’s position on Catholic education, given that VanderBurg’s constituency office and others have been overwhelmed in recent weeks by cards supporting Catholic education. Hancock replied that Alberta has a very good education system, partly due to choice, and that Catholic education is one of those choices. “We’re not going to do anything to change that. It’s a fundamental part of our public education system in this province, and it will continue to be supported by government,” he said. VanderBurg asked Hancock who is spreading fear among Catholics. Hancock replied that the cards appear to come from the Catholic Women’s League, partly because of a petition initiated by former minister of education David King that calls for the elimination of Catholic education. Hancock added that the petition does not seem to have gained any traction, certainly not with government. VanderBurg asked Hancock to expand on King’s motive for initiating the petition. Speaker Ken Kowalski ruled the question out of order.

Secular Public Education in Greater St Albert

February 23—Kent Hehr (LIB—Calgary-Buffalo) asked Hancock whether he finds it acceptable that Morinville parents do not have the option of enrolling their children in secular public schools. “No,” replied Hancock. Hehr asked Hancock to describe the status of Morinville parents’ appeal to his office. Hancock replied that the board of Greater St Albert Catholic Regional Division has a responsibility to deal with the issue. Hehr asked Hancock whether the Education Act, scheduled for introduction in the spring sitting, will contain a solution. Hancock replied that the issue is not germane to the Education Act. He reiterated that the school board and parents will have to arrive at an appropriate resolution.

Wi-Fi in Schools

February 23—Ken Allred (PC—St Albert) asked Hancock whether his ministry has investigated concerns about the safety of Wi-Fi in schools. Hancock replied that ministry officials have liaised with the chief medical officer to ensure that information on the safety of Wi-Fi in schools is available to school authorities. He added that, according to Health Canada, Wi-Fi is not a concern. Allred asked Hancock whether his research has confirmed that Wi-Fi poses an additional risk to school-aged children. Hancock replied that 20 minutes of exposure to a cellphone is equivalent to one year of exposure to a Wi-Fi-enabled classroom. He added that, according to the World Health Organization, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that Wi-Fi poses a health risk. Allred asked Hancock whether school boards have the authority to allow or disallow the use of Wi-Fi in schools. Hancock replied that everything that happens in schools is under the purview of school boards and schools themselves. He reiterated that his ministry is not aware of any credible evidence to suggest that Wi-Fi is a problem.

Capital Infrastructure Planning

February 23—Noting that Hancock had revealed in a recent segment of Alberta Primetime that government has a priority list of infrastructure projects, Guy Boutilier (WAP—Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo) asked Hancock whether he would make the list public. Hancock replied that Albertans’ school infrastructure priorities are not a secret: school jurisdictions develop three-year capital plans and submit them to Alberta Education, which establishes a priority list. He added that those priorities change from time to time for reasons of health and safety, among other things. Boutilier again asked Hancock whether he would make the priority list public. Hancock replied that Boutilier’s question was not appropriate to a simple yes or no answer. “It’s very clear that there are a number of high priorities for schools across the province,” he said. Boutilier again asked Hancock whether he would make the priority list public. Hancock replied that making the list public would serve no purpose. “It is much more prudent for us to plan on a comprehensive basis and be able to adapt that plan as necessary as those priorities continue to change,” he said.

February 24—Paul Hinman (WAP—Calgary-Glenmore) asked Minister of Infrastructure Ray Danyluk whether he would table government’s “secret” priority list of infrastructure projects and the criteria used to determine them. Danyluk replied that there is no secret list and that needs change as times change. Hinman asked Danyluk to make the list public today. Danyluk replied that government spends money on projects important to Albertans to the tune of more than $7 billion last year. He added that 22 new schools opened last year and that more are scheduled to open this year. Hinman tried to pose a third question but was cut off by by the Speaker. Danyluk stated that Airdrie’s population has grown by 50 per cent and Chestermere’s by 80 per cent in the last five years and that those communities need schools.