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Catholic Board latest school division to not pilot K-6 draft curriculum

Apr 7, 2021 | 3:48 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education (MHCBE) announced they will not pilot the government’s draft curriculum this fall.

Medicine Hat Public School Division also released a statement that they will not be joining the pilot.

The Alberta government announced the new kindergarten to grade six education curriculum draft last week.

The revamp is significant according to MHCBE Superintendent Dwayne Zarichny.

For example, kindergarten to grade 2 social studies.

“It really has changed quite dramatically and the benchmarks for learning that are contained in that portion.”

According to MHCBE, Board of Trustees and senior administration have been reviewing the information carefully and listening to the views of parents, teachers, and community members.

A media release states, “Given the magnitude of changes at all levels and subjects, our school division will not participate in the pilot program, but instead spend the next year unpacking the new curriculum, providing feedback to Alberta Education, engaging in professional learning and placing our staff in the best position possible to meet the needs of students.”

For those who want to provide feedback, MHCBE encourages them to familiarize themselves with the proposed curriculum, then share thoughts via the government’s survey.

“We are aware that staff, students, and families are directly affected by any changes made to the curriculum, and want to assure our stakeholders that we will advocate for the needs of our staff and students during this process,” MHCBE added.

Zarichny says divisions who choose to pilot the draft curriculum would start this fall with full implementation slated for September of 2022.

Meantime, Prairie Rose Public Schools say they are reviewing the document this week.