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Shelley Svidal, ATA News
Education played second fiddle to health care and returning officer appointments the week of February 17–19 as the Alberta legislature continued its spring sitting. Still, Liberal MLA Kevin Taft effectively used the five-minute question-and-comment period outlined in the legislature’s procedural rules to try to pin down government members who highlighted education in their response to the throne speech on such issues as school nutrition programs and Grade 3 achievement tests. Both exchanges took place February 19.
School Nutrition Programs
Kevin Taft (LIB—Edmonton-Riverview): "My biggest comments are around your deep compassion for children and education and the disadvantaged. You will know that I have a strong, strong feeling that we should bring an end to child hunger in this province; there’s far too much of it. It’s inexcusable that thousands of schoolchildren in Alberta sit at their desks hungry. I’m wondering if the member for Calgary-Montrose will be championing in his caucus the idea that there be a program supported by the provincial government to end hunger in Alberta’s schools."
(LIB—Edmonton-Riverview): "My biggest comments are around your deep compassion for children and education and the disadvantaged. You will know that I have a strong, strong feeling that we should bring an end to child hunger in this province; there’s far too much of it. It’s inexcusable that thousands of schoolchildren in Alberta sit at their desks hungry. I’m wondering if the member for Calgary-Montrose will be championing in his caucus the idea that there be a program supported by the provincial government to end hunger in Alberta’s schools."
Manmeet Bhullar (PC—Calgary-Montrose): "The honourable member would be interested to know that I’ve actually spent much time with many schools in my constituency asking the very question: do we have children that need breakfast? I identified one, and then we furthered the conversation by saying: who provides this service out there? There was an absolutely wonderful institution called the Boys and Girls Clubs of Calgary that does an absolutely phenomenal job."
(PC—Calgary-Montrose): "The honourable member would be interested to know that I’ve actually spent much time with many schools in my constituency asking the very question: do we have children that need breakfast? I identified one, and then we furthered the conversation by saying: who provides this service out there? There was an absolutely wonderful institution called the Boys and Girls Clubs of Calgary that does an absolutely phenomenal job."
Grade 3 Achievement Tests
Taft: "My question to the member for Edmonton-Ellerslie concerns achievement tests, particularly for Grade 3s. I would have liked to have seen in the throne speech a commitment to eliminating those. I’m wondering if this member has a perspective on that particular issue, whether he believes that the government should continue to support achievement tests for young children or not."
: "My question to the member for Edmonton-Ellerslie concerns achievement tests, particularly for Grade 3s. I would have liked to have seen in the throne speech a commitment to eliminating those. I’m wondering if this member has a perspective on that particular issue, whether he believes that the government should continue to support achievement tests for young children or not."
Naresh Bhardwaj (PC—Edmonton-Ellerslie): "As a former educator, I’ve always believed in accountability. I’ve also believed in assessment for learning. As a government and as a former teacher I think having assessment for learning is a wonderful tool. As a government I think we will continue to do what’s in the best interest of all Alberta students."
(PC—Edmonton-Ellerslie): "As a former educator, I’ve always believed in accountability. I’ve also believed in assessment for learning. As a government and as a former teacher I think having assessment for learning is a wonderful tool. As a government I think we will continue to do what’s in the best interest of all Alberta students."
Taft: "I’m actually trying to engage in genuine discussion here, so I’ll just return to the issue of achievement testing, particularly in elementary schools. The member was a little bit general in his response. Does he hold the position that achievement tests for younger children are as valid and useful as they are, say, for high school students, which he taught for many years?"
: "I’m actually trying to engage in genuine discussion here, so I’ll just return to the issue of achievement testing, particularly in elementary schools. The member was a little bit general in his response. Does he hold the position that achievement tests for younger children are as valid and useful as they are, say, for high school students, which he taught for many years?"
Bhardwaj: "In general, depending on the level you’re talking about, achievement tests at Grade 3 or Grade 6 or Grade 9 or Grade 12, which we are all familiar with, I think serve a purpose. I think it gives the teachers and the parents and the government basically an understanding of where we place ourselves. How are we doing internationally? How are we doing globally? How do we compare ourselves with other provinces? It sets a criteria and gives us the opportunity to really look at ourselves, look at the curriculum itself, look at evaluation strategy, look at, you know, assessment for learning. Of course, I think it’s good."
: "In general, depending on the level you’re talking about, achievement tests at Grade 3 or Grade 6 or Grade 9 or Grade 12, which we are all familiar with, I think serve a purpose. I think it gives the teachers and the parents and the government basically an understanding of where we place ourselves. How are we doing internationally? How are we doing globally? How do we compare ourselves with other provinces? It sets a criteria and gives us the opportunity to really look at ourselves, look at the curriculum itself, look at evaluation strategy, look at, you know, assessment for learning. Of course, I think it’s good."
Motion 503
Grade 3 achievement tests are expected to be front and centre March 16, beginning at 5 p.m., when the legislature considers Motion 503. Sponsored by Bonnyville–Cold Lake MLA Genia Leskiw, who taught for 36 years before her election, the motion urges the government to eliminate Grade 3 achievement tests and to consider alternative assessments for learning. The debate can be viewed live at www.assembly.ab.ca.
Transcripts of education related debate
A transcript of education-related debate is available on the Association’s website at www.teachers.ab.ca under Alberta’s Education System, Eye on Education in Alberta, Highlights from the Assembly. The status of bills and motions of interest to the Association is tracked at Alberta’s Education System, Eye on Education in Alberta, Bills and Motions, 2009.
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