Starting September 2022, classroom piloting for the updated draft K-6 curriculum will begin with three subjects. 

Alberta’s government is taking a phased approach to the kindergarten to Grade 6 (K-6) curriculum renewal based on advice from the Curriculum Implementation Advisory Group. 

“We have updated the draft K-6 Science, French First Language and Literature, as well as French Immersion Language Arts and Literature curriculums with insights we heard from this year’s classroom piloting process and engagement with Albertans, including our francophone education partners and their communities.” says the province’s Education Minister, Adriana LaGrange.“ 

Between March 2021 and March 2022 Albertans from across the province shared their feedback on the draft K-6 curriculum, completing more than 34,000 online surveys and participating in 31 virtual engagement sessions in five regions across Alberta. 

“This feedback, along with feedback from previous classroom piloting, was used to update the three draft K-6 curriculum subjects ready for piloting this fall,” says LaGrange. 

“Some content changes were made across all three K-6 subjects, including updates to address some areas of concern with content load, age appropriateness, wording clarity, as well as First Nations, Metis and Inuit content.” 

Other changes were subject-specific, according to LaGrange: 

  • In science, updates were made to integrate scientific methods and hands-on activities that emphasize connections to nature and address digital literacy and ethics. 

  • Content enhancement in French first language and literature as well as French immersion language arts and literature to strengthen Francophone perspectives and culture, support higher-level thinking skills, and more. 

“We will ensure school authorities have maximum flexibility in how they choose to participate.” says LaGrange, “We also recognize that teachers are critical to the success of classroom piloting and we are committed to supporting them throughout the process.” 

While it's optional for school authorities to participate in classroom piloting, LaGrange strongly encourages participation across the system to support students in having the best curriculum possible. 

“While classroom piloting is taking place, Albertans will also be able to provide feedback on these updated draft K-6 subjects in spring of 2023. The feedback will inform final updates to the three curriculums prior to province-wide implementation during the 23-24 school year.” 

LaGrange says by working together, Alberta will be one step closer to delivering the high-quality curriculum elementary students need and deserve. 

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