No in-school classes this school year, no decision yet for September

Normal school operations are able to resume.
Schools are partially re-opened, with some level of restrictions.
Teacher-directed at-home learning continues.

According to the province, the re-entry plan will prioritize the safety and well-being of teachers, staff and students. In addition to the feedback gathered from the education system, the plan will honour collective bargaining agreements, and will be informed by Alberta’s Relaunch Strategy and advice provided by Alberta’s chief medical officer of health.

“The challenge of reopening schools is very complex. We appreciate the efforts of the minister and department officials to meaningfully engage us on these important issues,” said Jason Schilling, president of the Alberta Teachers’ Association. “The health and safety of students, teachers, staff, families and the broader community are paramount in these discussions. We are using input from provincial ATA teacher representatives and a recent COVID-19 related survey of over 2,000 teachers to share the views of the profession.”

LaGrange also had a message for Grade 12 students who have seen graduation ceremonies cancelled. She said their disappointment is warranted and she understands.

She said that the situation is not ideal but that students “should be proud of all that you have accomplished” and encouraged graduates to celebrate in their own way.

“There will come a time where you can celebrate with friends and family, but for now I ask that you reflect on these 12 years and do not undervalue this great achievement of yours.” _{– Education Minister Adriana LaGrange to graduates}

The province has made an education helpline is now available to parents through which Alberta Education staff will address their questions and direct them to their school authorities, where applicable. The intent is to provide advice to families, particularly to parents of children with disabilities, who have questions about their child’s program now that the traditional delivery process has changed. Parents can reach the helpline by calling 780-422-6548 (toll-free by dialing 310-0000, followed by the 10-digit phone number) or by emailing studentsupport@gov.ab.ca.

Additionally, more than 4,000 curriculum resources to support parents and students are available on the LearnAlberta.ca website. School authorities have also made various resources available on their own websites.

“The Alberta School Councils’ Association believes that parents and guardians should have access to an independent, formal source of support and guidance when barriers prevent optimum learner success, especially for children with disabilities,” said Brandi Rai, president, Alberta School Councils’ Association. “The parent helpline will offer relief for families struggling to navigate a new learning environment. We appreciate working with Alberta Education and partners on re-entry planning, given the complexity of a return-to-school plan that must consider the wide impact of COVID-19.”

LaGrange commended the schools and teachers that quickly adapted to the new situation this school year and the multiple approaches they used to deliver course content to students.

About 90 per cent of schools are offering online learning, while more than 50 per cent also emailing, phoning and sending paper-based work out to students.

School authorities and the government have provided about 60,000 devices, including laptops, Chromebooks, tablets and iPads, to students as they learn from home. Additionally, the Métis Nation of Alberta, in partnership with Rupertsland Institute, has purchased more than 2,200 devices for self-identified Métis students across Alberta.

by Chris Brown

No in-school classes this school year, no decision yet for September

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