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Initial report released
The provincial framework agreement (PFA) between teachers and the Alberta government is in effect.
Key components of the PFA were designed to relieve workload concerns that inhibit teachers’ core work with students. A preliminary internal review of Alberta Education–initiated tasks was conducted and a report sent to the Alberta Teachers’ Association on June 28.
The three-page report includes suggestions for workload reduction related to individualized program plans, the inclusive education planning tool, curriculum density, applications for program unit funding and accommodations for students writing diploma exams. The complete report can be accessed on the ATA’s website at www.teachers.ab.ca.
“Alberta Education is demonstrating a commitment to look seriously at the issue of teacher workload,” said ATA President Mark Ramsankar. “Some good commitments are included in this review, and we should see some improvements,” he said. “But I believe this report just scratches the surface. I expect that government officials will dig deeper in the coming months to further reduce unnecessary tasks.”
The PFA (Part C, Section 1) says the “Government will commence an internal review to determine what Alberta Education–initiated tasks can be eliminated or modified to reduce teacher workload.” It also says the “Government will do ongoing analysis with a commitment to further reduce unnecessary tasks” and that changes to initiatives will be made in consultation with the ATA.
The internal government review will “identify the time required by teachers to undertake existing and any new tasks initiated by Alberta Education.” Ramsankar said that the quantification of time requirements placed on teachers was an important selling point to obtain teacher approval for the agreement. He said he will be looking for that evaluation in future reports coming from this review.
The ATA president also said that implementing this report on its own won’t satisfy teachers’ expectations for how the PFA will improve teacher workload. “I’m looking forward to the follow-up report and the more extensive analysis promised for it,” said Ramsankar. ❚
