Good morning, it's Draft K-6 Curriculum Release Day in Alberta! Press conference starts at 11 AM, with Minister LaGrange giving details on the hefty document, which will be piloted in schools this fall. Follow this thread for more. #ableg
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There will also be teachings about Black settlers and settlements in Canada, such as John Ware. Francophone history and culture will also be a focus.
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LaGrange adds there will be a focus on the "terrible history" of residential schools and continued efforts for reconciliation.
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Touching on some math skills, there will be new teaching on budgeting and finance skills (finally!). Also some more on computer science, technology literacy. On health and wellness, consent will be specifically taught as well at a young age.
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She says this will all reposition them to teach students about critical skills moving forward.
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In closing, LaGrange says she wants to hear what everyone has to think. Again, public comments accepted until next spring. Teachers will be included in this feedback as well. Some of that feedback will come from those teaching it in pilot situations.
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Grades 7-10 will be ready for testing in fall 2022, then grades 11-12 after that. But the focus right now remains on K-6.
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Chief Billy Joe Laboucan now speaking, says this curriculum is a good start, acknowledges the elders who helped develop it as well. Looks forward to seeing how the future grades develop. Need to work together to address "atrocities" to Indigenous people.
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Very short comments from the Chief. Now to George Georgiou, and Education professor at the University of Alberta. He says he is pleased to see this result after the long consultation process. It is "top quality" for English Language Arts.
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He says there's a "beautiful progression" between the grades, to better inform teachers and keep track of student skills. He says this curriculum is a "milestone".
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Now, Dr. Cathy Adams with the University of Alberta, focusing on the technology teaching. She says this learning will be crucial at attracting new talent into the province.
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She says this curriculum can help advance a lot of skills, and introducing computer science skills at early ages means we will have very knowledgeable users in the future. She says they will be the new leaders in technology, social innovation and change.
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Now hearing from Sheldon Kennedy, with the Respect Group. Says there are some "ground-breaking" decisions here in reference to the teaching on consent. He says this is absolutely essential.
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Kennedy says in his experience, the most important thing that kids say when they are victims of abuse is that they just didn't know. Shows how there needs to be greater teaching around consent so they know what's right and wrong.
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He thinks this will create better people in the province, can turn the tide on abuse moving forward.
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Kennedy adds this should re-enforce to parents how they need to teach clearly on these topics. He wants to applaud Minister LaGrange and her team in working on this topic.
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Now to the questions. From Kenny Trenton at KIX106FM, first time teaching a lot of everyday skills here? LaGrange says the financial literacy skills will be very important for example.
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Next, about technological skills and how it relates to advanced technologies, could these end up in classrooms as well (like AI). *Major softball questions here*. LaGrange says absolutely, lots of growth possible in these sectors, teaching kids to code and such is great.
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Next,
@reportrix asks about teaching Treaties in Grade 4, residential schools in Grade 5, this is later than TRC recommended. LaGrange says they have a lot of good information on Indigenous content. Want to teach these subjects, for sure.Show this thread -
LaGrange says they wanted to ensure kids know these topics. Reads quote from Grand Chief Littlechild and his support on these teachings. Says it is consistent with United Nations declarations. Dodges the part of the Q about how the TRC said they should be taught sooner.
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Lisa says her answer did not address the substance here. Why does this government believe you should learn about Ancient Rome before Indigenous issues? LaGrange says children will be learning content rich, factual information on Indigenous culture as soon as Kindergarten.
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Once again, LaGrange just dodges the essence of the question here.
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Final question (!) from
@Jantafrench, says LaGrange said we will have the most comprehensive teaching on Indigenous issues, but Lisa pointed out problems. What will be so great about the reconciliation teaching here? LaGrange says there's lots of content-rich factual content.Show this thread -
Encourages people to read the curriculum. Again dodges the question. Janet follows up, there are serious questions of transparency as media requests have gone unanswered. LaGrange says everything is online. Says the curriculum website for the fifth or sixth time.
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LaGrange says it has been a labour of love and collaboration for a long period of time. Says the website again "You will get tired of me saying that." Wants people to keep giving feedback. LaGrange just answered nothing. Press conference is over. Have a great day!
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Here's an early writeup we have on the curriculum. More coverage through the day on
@660NEWS. And although LaGrange said the government website http://alberta.ca/curriculum half a dozen times it is still not up on my watch.https://www.660citynews.com/2021/03/29/new-k-6-curriculum-to-focus-on-literacy-numeracy/ …Show this thread -
In closing from me, if you spot anything really interesting or noteworthy in the curriculum draft, please let me know. My DM's are also open if there's anything else you want to convey, or want to speak on the record about it!
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End of conversation
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