This academic year, the weight of diploma exams will be decreased to 20 per cent as students continue to work through pandemic-related learning problems.

The government is adjusting the weighting of diploma exams gradually in response to input from students, parents, and education partners concerning learning loss and well-being difficulties as a result of the pandemic. The weighting will go back to 30 per cent in the 2023–24 academic year.

“Since June of this year, I have met with over 40 public, separate and francophone school authorities and many other stakeholders and listened to their perspectives. Changing the weight of diploma exams will reduce the burden on students while still giving them valuable exam writing experience. We’re making this temporary change to place less of a burden on students and improve their mental health,” stated Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Education.

Although the government of Alberta previously announced new assessments for literacy and numeracy to help struggling students in grades 1-3, the government also acknowledges that senior high students are dealing with post-pandemic difficulties, and the change in diploma exam weighting will directly benefit those students.

This choice also takes into account the lessons from the Child and Youth Well-Being Panel Report and the most current results of a parent survey conducted by the Alberta School Councils Association, both of which acknowledged the learning loss pupils had endured.

Diploma exams are normally administered in November, January, April, June and August.

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