Our students, our future : an introduction to education in Alberta, kindergarten to grade 12

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to Education

Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2015

https://archive.org/details/ourstudentsourfuOOalbe

Foreword

I:

Alberta's Commitment

Universal Public Education
Key Principles

3

4

II:

Partners in Education

Roles and Responsibilities

4

III:

Fair and Equitable Funding

Education Property Taxes

8

IV:

Opportunities for Choice in Education

Public Education System

9

Public Schools
Separate Schools
Francophone Schools
Charter Schools
Alternative Programs
Home Education
Blended Programs
Virtual Programs

Private Schools 11
Special Education Private Schools 11

Board Responsibilities and Parent Choice 12
Residency 12
School Bussing 13

V: Out-of-Province Students

Transfers from Other Provinces and Countries 13
International Students 13

VI: A Solid Foundation

Provincial Co-operation
Basic Programs

Kindergarten and Special Needs Pre-School Programs 14
Grades 1 to 6 15

Grades 7 to 9

15

Grades 10 to 12

15

The School Year

16

Other Programs
Languages
Fine Arts

EngUsh as a Second Language
Students with Special Needs

16

17

17

18

Board Responsibility
Student Placement
Assessments

Individualized Program Plans

VII: Preparing Students for the Future

Technology Learning 18

Career and Technology Studies (CTS) 19

Off-campus Education 20

Outreach Programs 20

VIII: Meeting High Standards

High School Graduation Requirements 20

Diploma Exams 21

Provincial Achievement Tests 22

Report Cards 22

National and International Achievement Testing 23

IX: Quality Teaching

Standards 23
Requirements 23

r

FOREWORD

This publication explains the ABCs of the school system in Alberta: its goals,
various levels of responsibility, funding, public and private schooling, academic
core and optional programs, home education, testing, high school diploma
requirements, programs for students with special needs, and programs for
students from other countries. It also covers such basics as school entrance age,
the length of the school year, holidays, school fees and bussing.

This guide is useful for parents, providing them with the information they
may need to make the best educational choices for their children. Alberta today
offers more schooling options than ever before. The opportunity for choice
reflects the Alberta government's commitment to quality education — the
solid foundation every child needs to learn, grow and succeed.

Our Students, our future is intended to serve as a general
introduction to education in Alberta from kindergarten to grade 12.
More detailed information on specific areas or programs can be
obtained from other, complementary resources published by Alberta Education

I

ALBERTA'S COMMITMEniT

Universal Public Education

Under the Canadian Constitution, each province and territory has exclusive
jurisdiction over education. Each system reflects the diversity of the region's
unique historical and cultural heritage.

Public education is provided free of charge to all Canadian citizens and
permanent residents under 20 years of age until the end of secondary school. In
Alberta, students are legally required to attend school from ages 6 to 16.

Our public education system includes public, separate, francophone and
charter schools, as well as alternative programs and virtual programs offered by
school boards, and home education. Public and separate school boards operate the
basic education system in the province — the universal system accessible to
everyone. Separate school boards administer Roman Catholic and Protestant
separate schools. In Alberta, the minority Roman Catholic or Protestant faith has
the right to form its own school system.

Key Principles

k hi

The MhertSi School Act contains five fundamental principles that define a
first-rate education for every child in this province:

Access to quality education - Every student has the right of access to a
quality basic education that is consistent with the student's abilities and
provides the knowledge, skills and attitudes to be a self-reliant,
responsible, caring and contributing member of society.

Equity - All students have equal access to a quality basic education
regardless of where in the province they live.

Flexibility and choice - Parents and students have opportunities to
choose schools and programs in the public education system, within
standards and policies set by the provincial government. School boards
are expected to meet the educational needs of the students and
communities they serve.

Responsiveness - The student is the focus of the education system.
Legislation, policies and practices support communities in delivering school programs
and services that are responsive to the unique needs of each child.

Accountability - All those involved in making decisions about educational
matters — from the Minister to school boards and staff, parents and students
— must be accountable for their decisions.

The School Act establishes the relationship of the Minister of Education to
students, parents and school boards. It enables the Minister to prescribe courses
and programs of study, instructional time and materials, and educational standards
such as high school graduation requirements.

The School Act also defines the roles and responsibilities of school authorities,
superintendents, principals and teachers, as well as a code of conduct for students.

II. PARTIUERS liy EDUCATIOIU

Roles and Responsibilities

Everyone - from parents to students, the community, business, government,
teachers and administrators — has an important and co-operative role to play in
public education. The Government of Alberta encourages a broad range of
community consultation and involvement with the school system to enhance
learning opportunities for children and to meet their education needs.

students

Assume responsibilities and make choices about their learning and career

paths, according to their level of maturity.
^ Complete their homework and study assignments diligently.
\^ Follow the code of conduct of their school and the School Act.
^ Contribute to a safe and caring climate in their school.
^ Contribute to the accomplishments of their school.
Teachers

Provide students with the instruction they need to achieve learning
expectations for each grade and subject as outlined in the Alberta
Programs of Study.

Foster and encourage learning.

Stay up-to-date on curriculum and teaching methods.

^ Evaluate students and periodically report the results to students,
parents and the board.

^ Maintain discipline among students at school and during school-approved activities.

^ Contribute to school decision making.

^ May be involved in school extra-curricular activities, and with committees for
curriculum, student evaluation, field testing and evaluating new courses,
instructional materials and assessment materials.

Note: See section on Quality Teaching on page 23.

Principals

Provide instructional leadership, and administer the school within the
policies of the school board and with the advice of the school council.

^ Maintain order and discipline in the school, on the school grounds and during
board-sponsored or approved activities.

^ Promote co-operation between the school and the community it serves.

^ Supervise the evaluation and advancement of students.

^ Evaluate teachers employed in the school.

\^ Ensure teaching assignments are the best possible match with teacher skills.

oooooooooooooo

The Government of Alberta promotes
school-based decision making to
ensure local needs and priorities are

met. Since 1994, schools have been

given considerable flexibility on

decision making. Schools may advise
their local board or make their ovm
policy and budget decisions. This

varies from board to board.

Parents

\^ Foster a positive attitude towards learning in their children.

^ Encourage their children to achieve their potential at school and to be
actively involved in their school.

^ Make decisions regarding their children's education, including choice of
schools and programs.

\^ Make sure their children come to school ready to learn.

)^ Familiarize themselves with learning expectations for the different subjects in
their children's grade level, and with school policies and regulations.

^ Maintain an ongoing communication with teachers and the school.

^ Check their children's school work to make sure assignments are completed
properly, and help them develop good study habits.

Initiate learning activities at home.

May volunteer time to their children's school(s) ; participate in field trips and other
extracurricular activities, act as a classroom resource or serve on the school council.

School Councils

1^ Allow parents and the community to actively participate in their local school.

^ May function differently from one school and jurisdiction to another.

Involvement can range from minimal to active, collaborative decision making
on school policies and goals.

^ May advise the principal and school board on: school policies (such as
discipline and fundraising), program development (such as extra-curricular
activities, new programs and resources), budgets, use of achievement tests to
improve student learning, and methods of reporting student progress (for
example, report cards).

Each council develops and defines its role.

The School Act requires each school to have a school council.

Community/Business

^ Work with schools to create a rich learning environment, responsive to
community needs.

^ Contribute volunteer time and resources to school programs, extra-curricular
activities and fundraising initiatives.

Serve on school councils.

^ Create true partnerships in the development of specific programs, such as
work experience and study programs.

School Boards

^ Are made up of trustees elected during municipal elections for three-year
terms. Ihistees are collectively responsible for pohcy decisions made by the
school board.

1^ Ensure resident students are provided with an education program
consistent with the School Act and provincial regulations.

Implement the Alberta Programs of Study set by the Minister of
Education.

^ Provide optional programs in response to community and student
interests and needs.

Supervise schools vdthin their jurisdiction.

Approve the hiring, promotion and dismissal of teachers and administrators.

^ Allocate school budgets fairly and equitably v^thin provincial government
guidelines.

Arrange transportation for students according to provincial regulations.

^ Set district policies consistent with provincial policies in areas such as the
school year.

Provide for the professional development of staff.
Superintendents

^ Serve as the chief executive officer and chief education officer of the board
and of the school jurisdiction.

^ Provide leadership in all matters relating to education in the district or division

^ Implement education pohcies established by the Minister of Education.

Ensure responsible fiscal management in keeping with legislation
and regulations.

^ Execute school board decisions.

Hired by local boards, subject to the Minister of Education's approval, for a
term of up to five years, which can be renewed.

Alberta Education

^ Carries out the provincial government's constitutional responsibility for
education under the direction of the Minister of Education.

Establishes legislation, policies and long-range plans for education programs.

^ Sets curriculum and provincial standards for student achievement and
teacher certification.

Ensures school jurisdictions get an equitable share of the education budget.

^ Assesses and reports to the government and public on student achievement,
costs and other important matters related to education.

^ Evaluates results achieved by schools and school boards across Alberta.

Helps schools and school boards fulfil their obligations, including provincial
policies and expectations.

III. FAIR AMD EQUITABLE FUniDllUG

The Government of Alberta distributes education dollars as fairly as
possible to provide all students with a quality education wherever they live in the
province. Public education is funded through provincial general revenues and
education property taxes.

Funding is allocated to school boards in three blocks: instruction,
support and capital. The majority of funding is distributed on a per student
basis. Every school board receives the same amount per student for basic
instruction. Additional funds are provided, depending on student needs
(programming for students with severe disabilities, English as a Second
Language and so on), sparse student population (in rural areas),
transportation needs and other non-instructional costs.

Instructional funding to local boards for grades 1 to 9 is based on
school enrolments as of September 30. Funding for students in senior
high courses is calculated on a per credit basis according to the
number of courses completed.

Education Property Taxes

Education property taxes support public and separate school students in
grades 1 to 12. They are mostly used for instruction, including teacher salaries.

textbooks and other classroom resources. Education property taxes are not used to
fund capital expenditures such as school construction or renovations, private
schools, teachers' pensions or Department of Education operations.

All residential and non-residential property owners pay education property taxes
whether or not they have children in school. Anyone who rents or leases property also
pays property taxes indirectly through his or her monthly rent or lease payments.

Roman Catholic property owners who live in an area with a Catholic separate
school board must direct their taxes to that board. Protestant property owners who
live in St. Albert where there is a Protestant separate school board must direct
their taxes to that board. (See section on Residency) For more information on
declaring or changing school board support, contact the local municipal office.

IV. OPPORTUIUITIES FOR CHOICE IIU EDUCATiOM

Parents have a wide range of options to choose from within the public
education system: public schools, separate schools, francophone schools, charter
schools — as well as alternative programs and virtual programs offered by school
boards — and home education. They may also choose to send their children to
private schools. The Alberta government supports choice in education to ensure
student and community needs are met.

Public Education System

Public Schools

Public schools provide basic, universal education. They offer the Alberta
Programs of Study as well as optional programs and courses that may vary from one
school and school jurisdiction to another.

Separate Schools

Separate schools can be either Roman Catholic or Protestant. In Alberta, the
majority of separate schools are Roman Catholic. The first responsibility of separate
boards is to provide a basic education for Roman Catholic or Protestant students
within their jurisdiction. Roman Catholic or Protestant students do not have to attend
separate schools within their jurisdiction. However, Roman Catholic property owners
who live in an area with a Roman Catholic separate school system must designate
their education property taxes to that system (see section on Education Property
Taxes). Separate schools are funded on the same basis as public schools.

Any student may enrol in a separate school if there is sufficient space and
resources. Non-Catholic or non-Protestant parents may choose to send their child to a
separate school because of the program it offers (for example, a bilingual program).

Francophone Schools

Under the 1982 Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom, parents whose first
language is French have the constitutional right to have their child educated in French,
where numbers warrant. They also have the right to govern these schools themselves.
There are a number of francophone regional authorities operating schools in Alberta.

Charter Schools

Charter schools were established to encourage innovative approaches to
improve student learning by offering unique or enhanced education programs,
teaching methods or learning environments, not available in the regular system.
These schools are established only when there is significant community support,
and parents must be active partners in the school.

Charter schools follow the Alberta Programs of Study, and students are required
to write provincial achievement tests and grade 12 diploma exams. They can not be
affiliated with a religious faith or denomination except when the school is established
by a separate school board. They may offer religious instruction as may any other
public or separate school under the School Act. Charter schools are run on a non-
profit basis and any student may enrol as long as space and resources are available.

Alternative Programs

School boards may establish alternative programs that emphasize a particular
language, culture, religion or subject matter, or use a particular teaching
philosophy These are not special education programs or religious education
programs offered by separate school boards.

There are many alternative school programs across the province, including the
NelUe McClung Junior High for girls. Logos Christian School, Taknud Torah School, the
Alberta High School for the Fine Arts, and the Mandarin CMnese bilingual program.

Home Education

Parents may choose to educate their children at home, entirely or in part, provided
they meet the requirements of the School Act and the Home Education Regulation.

The provincial government gives boards and accredited private schools a per
student grant for supervising home education students. Parents receive 50 per cent
of this grant for the purchase of programs of study and instructional materials.
Parents do not have to use the Alberta Programs of Study. They can choose the

curriculum, resources and teaching methods consistent with their beliefs, but they
must ensure their children are receiving an education that meets provincial standards.

Blended Programs

Through blended programs, parents may educate their children at home for
part of the day and send them to school for the rest of their instruction. They may
decide to teach the subjects they feel most capable of handling while the rest are
taught by the school (at least 50 per cent of the student's program in grades 1 to 9
and at least 20 per cent in grades 10 to 12 must be taught in school).

Virtual Programs

An education program may be delivered electronically to a student. Virtual
programs must provide elementary and junior high students with 950 hours of
instruction and senior high students with 1,000 hours. They can be delivered by
Internet, fax or telephone conferencing.

Private Schools

Parents may choose to educate their children outside the public education system,
and in doing so may be responsible for some or all of the costs. Private schools may charge
tuition fees and other fees as required. Under current provincial legislation, money collected
for education through property taxes must only be used to fimd the public education system.

There are two kinds of private schools in the province: registered and accredited.

Registered private schools do not have to offer the Alberta Programs of
Study or employ teachers with teaching certificates. Students can not earn high
school credits toward an Alberta graduation diploma. These schools are monitored
but not funded by Alberta Education.

Accredited private schools follow the Alberta Programs of Study and employ
teachers with Alberta teaching certificates. Students write provincial achievement
tests and diploma exams, and may earn high school diplomas. Accredited schools
are monitored by Alberta Education and may receive some provincial general
revenue funding for instruction if they are operated by a non-profit society or
corporation. Private schools do not receive funding for transportation,
administrative support, school operation or maintenance, or for school buildings.
All accredited, non-profit private schools are eligible for the same level of funding
as public schools for students identified as having severe disabilities.

Private schools set their own criteria for enrolment, often based on
adherence to a particular religious faith or educational philosophy.

Special Education Private Schools

Parents of students identified as having special needs can choose to send
their child to a designated special education private school. As of September 1999,
these schools will receive funding equivalent to that provided to public schools for
students with mild, moderate or severe disabilities.

Board Responsibilities and Parent Ciioice

Residency

Every student is the responsibility of a public or separate school board.
Residency is based on geography and religion. Students are considered to be
residents of the area in which their parent(s) or guardian(s) normally reside. A
student can only claim one place of residency

In an area where there is a Roman Catholic separate school board, children
who have parents of the Roman Catholic faith are the responsibility of that school
board. All other children are the responsibility of the local public school board. In
cases of an interfaith marriage, when one of the parents is a Roman Catholic, the
parents may choose either board and may make this choice on a yearly basis.

In St. Albert, where there is a Protestant separate school board, children who
have parents of the Protestant faith are the responsibility of that board. All other
children are the responsibility of the Greater St. Albert Catholic Regional Division,
the public board. In an interfaith marriage, when one of the parents is Protestant,
the parents may choose either board and may make this choice on a yearly basis.

Each local board is responsible for providing an education for each student
residing within its jurisdiction. Boards may establish attendance boundaries for
each school. Schools are required to enrol students residing within their
boundaries, if the school program is determined to be suitable for the student by
the board. Resident students are given priority over non-resident students if there
are insufficient resources and facilities to accommodate both.

Parents do not have to send their children to a school in their attendance
area or board jurisdiction. They may enrol their children in any school that has the
resources and facilities to accommodate them, but they may have to pay for
transportation or arrange their own. Parents may choose to send their children to
special programs offered by schools outside their immediate jurisdiction, for
example, bilingual or immersion programs. (See School Bussing.)

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ail (postage is paid if mailed in Canada),
luary 1, 1999, fax to 780-427-0591).

province (within Canada or from abroad) should submit an official statement of
previous standing, such as a report card, to the school they plan to attend. They
also should ask the school to arrange for the transfer of their previous school
records and transcripts. Students coming into the province from outside Canada
should bring copies of course outlines and content as well as information on how
their last evaluation was determined, if possible.

The principal will place the student in the appropriate grade after carefully
considering a number of factors including the student's records, test results and
age. In senior high schools, the principal also determines which credits to
recommend for students. Placement requirements can vary from school to school.

International Students

International students — students whose parents are citizens of and resident
in another country — may enrol in Alberta schools. Currently, there are no
provincial age guidelines for admission. Requirements may vary among local
jurisdictions. International students pay tuition fees, which vary from one
jurisdiction to another.

Parents may make their own arrangements to have their child study at an
Alberta school or they may apply under the Alberta International Student Program.
The program provides high school students from abroad an opportunity to study in

Alberta schools, develop their English and learn about Canada. High school
students may be accepted for short-term programs of up to one semester, a full
academic year or the entire high school program.

Under the program, students reside with a local family carefully screened for
suitability. The family acts as the student's guardian. Alberta Education provides
information about the program, monitors it and accepts applications. Acceptance
into the program depends on local school board approval.

International Student Program costs include: tuition and incidental school
fees, room and board, transportation, registration fee, health care insurance, visa
application and a personal allowance (about $300 to $400 per month).

Prospective students must apply to a Canadian Immigration office for a student
authorization (visa) in order to gain admission to Canada for the period of study

VI. A SOLID FOUniDATIOni

Provincial Co-operation

Although the provinces and territories run their own educational
systems, they are working together to develop common goals and programs
in various subject areas.

Alberta took an knportant step in this direction when it began
collaborating with Saskatchewan, Manitoba, British Columbia, the Yukon
and the Northwest Territories on core subject programs. Since 1996, the
four Western provinces and two territories have been developing common
learning standards in Math, English Language Arts and French.

Basic Programs

The Alberta Programs of Study set provincial standards for all
subjects and grades. School boards select instructional materials to help
students achieve these standards. Programs of study have been established for
elementary, junior high school and senior high school students. Students must take
certain required courses and may choose optional courses, which vary from school
to school. Alberta also has an approved program statement for kindergarten.

Kindergarten and Special Needs Pre-School Programs

Early Childhood Services (ECS) includes kindergarten programs and pre-
school programs for children with mild/moderate or severe disabilities. Parents
may choose whether or not to send their children to ECS programs.

ECS prepares children for entry into grade 1. ECS programs may be
provided through the public school system, private schools or private, non-
profit ECS programs. They must meet government regulations and operate
mth. certificated teachers. The provincial kindergarten program statement
outlines what children should learn and be able to achieve in kindergarten,

ECS funding is available for children with mild/moderate or severe
disabilities. Approved ECS program operators can provide information
on funding and age requirements.

Grades 1 to 6

Required courses: Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies,
Art and Music, Health and Physical Education.

Optional courses: Fifteen per cent of instructional time is set aside for
optional subjects, such as French, Drama and Religious Instruction. Courses vary
from school to school, according to local needs and priorities, and parental input.

Grades 7 to 9

Required courses: Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, Physical
Education, Health and Personal Life Skills.

Optional: Schools must offer two provincially authorized optional courses
except where instruction in a language other than English is offered. Then only one
provincially authorized optional course is required.

Grades 10 to 12

High schools offer many different choices:
academic courses for university admission;

general courses for students who want to go to a community college, an
institute of technology or enter the work force immediately;

career and technology studies courses to broaden learning experience;

off-campus education courses for students who want specialized
business, industrial or work experience training;

fine arts courses for students who have a special interest in music, art or drama.

Programs vary by district and school. Parents and students should bear
students' future career and study plans in mind when choosing courses. School
counsellors can be helpful in this matter.

Post-secondary education (colleges, universities, technical institutions and
trade schools) is the responsibility of the Department of Advanced Education and
Career Development.

The School Year

The school year usually extends from September to June 30 with minor
variations from system to system. Some schools are now providing year-round
schooling and other alternative timetables, and others start their school year
in August rather than September.

Most schools close down for two months of vacation in July and
August, as well as two weeks of Christmas vacation and a spring break.

The number of instructional days may vary from 190 to 200 days. In
junior high schools, the majority of courses are offered for the full school
year. Optional courses may be rotated on a scheduled basis throughout the
year. In senior high schools, courses may be offered for the full school
year or on a semester basis (for half the year). Some high schools now
offer a quarter-system calendar.

Other Programs

Other programs are available in addition to basic education programs. They vary
from one jurisdiction and school to another, depending on local interest, and may consist
of a course, sets of courses or an entire program of studies. They include: International
and Native Languages, Fine Arts and English as a Second Language programs.

Languages

To receive their high school diploma, all students must successfully complete
an English 30-level course.

Schools are not required to teach a second language. However, provincial
curriculum is available for many second languages. Alberta Education supports
French programs to encourage all students to learn Canada's other official
language. Students are also encouraged to learn other languages.

Instruction is currently provided in 15 languages, other than French, in 40
school boards. Programs vary from district to district and school to school,
depending on local interest.

There are three types of language programs:

• immersion in which the second language is used for 50 to 100 per cent of the
school day at the elementary level (ECS to grade 6) and 40 to 80 per cent at
the secondary level (grades 7-12);

• bilingual in which the language is used between 25 to 50 per cent of the time,
and is used to teach other subjects besides Language Arts, such as Art,
Music and Social Studies;

• second language programs which teach a particular language as a course.

Immersion programs are only offered in French. They are available in more
than 160 Alberta schools. Public and separate school boards also have
francophone programs, and most schools in the province offer French Second
Language programs.

In addition to French, provincially developed language programs are offered
in: Blackfoot, Cree, German, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Spanish and Ukrainian.

Many school boards have developed their own programs. Local language
programs include: Arabic, Chinese, Chipewyan, German, Hebrew, Mandarin,
Polish and Portuguese. Greek, Hungarian and Swedish are also available
locally, but they are not always offered every year.

Many school boards provide bussing for children enrolled in
language programs outside their residency area. Alberta Education
will fund this transportation service ff it is provided by a board. Boards have
the authority to charge fees to cover these transportation costs.

Fine Arts

In grades 1 through 6, students take compulsory courses in Art and Music,
and learn dance as part of Physical Education. Many elementary schools also offer
Drama as an option.

Students in most junior and senior high schools have access to optional Art,
Music and Drama courses. Some schools run programs focused on Fine Arts.

English as a Second Language

English as Second Language (ESL) instruction is offered to both Canadian-
born and foreign-born students by local boards in schools according to need. Some
schools offer ESL assistance in both elementary and secondary grades.

ESL programs help students learn English more quickly and adjust to Canadian
cultural values, customs and social expectations. Students spend the rest of the time
in regular classes. Students may receive ESL instruction for up to three years.

students with Special iUeeds

Board Responsibility

Under the ScJwolAct, school boards are required to provide every resident
student with an education, including access to special education programs.
Students with special needs vary from the gifted and talented to those with mild
or moderate learning disabilities and those with severe disabilities. Specialized
learning programs provide individual students with the educational
opportunities they need. Parents are involved in decisions relating to
programs and services for their child.

School boards have their own pohcies on the programs and services
they offer. These include assessment, placement, individualized program
planning and health-related support services. Boards also make decisions
regarding class size, staffing levels, resources and materials, and fimding
for special programming.

Student Placement

The policy of Alberta Education is that students with special needs should be
placed in regular classrooms as the first option wherever possible. Decisions about
placement are made by school boards in consultation with parents, teachers and
students. Ultimately school boards are responsible for making decisions that serve
the best interests of all students.

Assessments

Assessments are a board responsibility and may be requested by the parent
and/or school staff. Referring a child for assessment does not necessarily mean s/he
has a long-term special education need. Assessment results are used to develop
individualized program plans.

Individualized Program Plans

School boards must develop and implement individualized program plans for
students identified as having special needs. The plan is a written, working
document that outlines the programming appropriate for a child's specific needs.
Parents are closely involved in the development and implementation of the plan.

r 1

VII. PREPARING STUDENTS FOR THE FUTURE

Teciinology Learning

Technology learning is part of every student's basic education in Alberta.
Recognizing the critical role played by technology today Alberta Education has

developed Information and Communication Technology learning outcomes that
outline the skills and knowledge students need to acquire as they move from
kindergarten through grade 12. Students will achieve these outcomes within the core
subject areas of Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. Students
develop their competence with technology tools, from electronic mail and Internet
research to databases and spreadsheets. They also use these tools to learn subject
matter in the core areas and to generally develop their communication, inquiry,
decision making and problem solving skills. Specialized technology education is also
available to students through Career and Technology Studies (see below).

Technology is also being used to enhance education delivery. The use of
communication technology and multimedia programs developed for our curriculum
supports students in distance learning and virtual programs, outreach schools and
home education.

Career and Technology Studies (CTS)

Career and Technology Studies (CTS) prepares students for the job market or
further studies. This unique program allows them to explore a wide range of career
options in technical and trade areas, learn marketable skills and gain work
experience. Developed with the direct involvement of business people and
professionals, the program reflects industry standards and requirements.

Courses are offered in many career areas, and vary by school and board,
according to local interest and demand. In some career areas, students may
acquire credentials recognized by employers or post-secondary institutions.

Career Areas in CTS

Agriculture
Career Transitions
Communications Technologies
Community Health
Construction Technologies
Cosmetology
Design Studies
Electro-Technologies
Energy and Mines
Enterprise and Innovation
Fabrication Studies

Fashion Studies
Financial Management
Foods
Forestry

Information Processing
Legal Studies
Logistics

Management and Marketing
Mechanics
Tourism Studies
Wildlife

Off-campus Education

Off-campus Education includes Work E)q)erience courses, the Registered
^prenticeship Program (RAP), and other work place learning such as mentoring (one-on-
one contacts between students and business, trade or professional people) and field trips.

Work Experience Program: Work Experience 15, 25 and 35 enable students to
explore career options and develop skills in one or more areas of work. They may
earn from 3 to 10 credits for each work experience course successfully completed.

Registered Apprenticeship Program: Students begin apprenticing for a trade
while still in high school. They spend part of their school time in the work place as
registered apprentices in one of the designated trades. They receive credits
towards a high school diploma while earning credit towards their apprenticeship.

Outreach Programs

Alberta Education funds Outreach Programs to help students who have dropped
out of school or are at risk of leaving. These programs usually operate in non-traditional
settings such as shopping malls and use a variety of approaches to give students the
individual help they need to complete grade 12. They also provide additional services
including personal and career counselling, time management and study skills.

Although not every school or school board has Outreach Programs, all are
committed to assisting students to successfully complete high school.

VIII. MEETING HIGH STANDARDS

L A

High School Graduation Requirements

High school graduation requirements ensure students get the solid education
they need to do well in their further studies and careers. To receive a diploma,
students must complete a full range of compulsory, core subjects as well as optional
courses that broaden their knowledge and skills.

Diploma requirements are set by the Minister of Education and include 100
credits in compulsory and optional courses. Schools are required to provide 25
hours of instruction for each credit. Most courses are worth either three or five
credits, and the average course load is 35 credits per year.

students must complete and pass the following courses:

English 30 or 33 or Frangais 30* and 33*
Social Studies 30 or 33
Mathematics 20 or 23 or 24

Science 20 or 24 or Biology 20 or Chemistry 20 or Physics 20
Physical Education 10
Career and Life Management 20
* Students in francophme programs may meet their language arts diplmm requirements with
grade 12 Fran^ais, but they also must complete English Language Arts to the grade 12 level.

To broaden their high school program, students are required to complete 10 credits
from Career and Technology Studies (CTS), Physical Education 20-30, Fine Arts or Second
Languages. To give them more in-depth study, they must also have 10 credits in any 30-
level courses (besides English 30 or 33 and Social Studies 30 or 33).

Diploma Exams

Students write diploma exams that evaluate their performance relative
to provincial standards. Exams are required in the foUovdng courses:
Biology 30
Chemistry 30
English 30 and 33
Frangais 30

Mathematics 30 and 33
Physics 30
Science 30

Social Studies 30 and 33

Exams are written at all high schools offering diploma courses
in January and June. Some also are written in April and November. Exams
are written in supervised v^iting centres outside of schools in August.

The final mark for the examination subjects is determined by blending the school
mark (50 per cent of the final mark) and the exam mark (the other 50 per cent). To
pass a course, a student must obtain a final blended mark of 50 per cent or higher

Students who do not successfully pass their course requirements may take the
course and/or the exam over again. Students who do not reach the grade average
required to enter a post-secondary institution may also repeat the course (s) and
exam(s). Additional fees may be charged.

Alberta Education issues transcripts of marks and graduation certificates.

Provincial Acliievement Tests

Alberta has taken a leadership role in testing student achievement. In the past
few years, achievement testing programs have been expanded so that tests in grades
3, 6 and 9 core courses are administered annually. The results provide parents,
schools, boards and Alberta Education with valuable information about how well
children are learning and whether they are meeting grade-level standards.

Parents can see how their children are doing in key program areas in relation
to provincial standards. Schools can identify program areas that are working well
and areas that need improvement. Boards can evaluate program delivery, and
teacher support and training.

Alberta Education can improve the curriculum, textbooks and other
learning resources.

Grade 3 students write tests in Math and English Language Arts. Grades 6 and
9 students write tests in English Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies.
Students in French immersion and francophone programs also write French
Language Arts tests. Students in francophone programs write Math, Science and
\ Social Studies tests in French.

A small number of students may be excused by the superintendent
under special circumstances. Special provisions are made for students
with physical disabilities or learning disabilities who need assistance to
write the tests.

Provincial achievement tests are developed by Alberta Education
and classroom teachers through the co-operation of local school boards.

In addition to school and jurisdiction reports, Alberta Education
prepares individual student profiles, showing each child's
performance in relation to provincial standards. TWo copies (one for
parents) of the individual student profile are sent to the school the
child will be attending in September. Schools are encouraged to
share the test results with parents and involve them in
discussions about improving their child's learning.

Report Cards

Teachers are required to regularly evaluate student progress, and report how
well students are doing in relation to provincial grade-level standards to parents,
students and school administrators. Individual teachers may use provincial
achievement test results in determining final grades for their students.

Alberta students also participate in national and international
testing. These evaluations show how students in this province measure
up to national standards, and to students across Canada and abroad.
These results also provide Alberta Education with a basis for
reviewing provincial standards.

Local school boards decide what format to use for report cards and how
else to communicate student progress. Many schools schedule parent-teacher
interviews as well as issuing written reports on each child's progress. Parents
and school councils may advise schools and boards on the reporting

methods they would like to see used.

lUational and International Achievement Testing

Standards

Alberta is the first province in Canada to adopt a teaching quality standard.
In 1997, the Minister of Education estabUshed guidelines for the professional
knowledge, skills and attributes expected of all teachers. These guidelines apply to
the preparation of teachers, ongoing professional growth and teacher evaluation
throughout the province.

School authorities, ECS operators, superintendents, principals and teachers
must work together to achieve these standards. All teachers are expected to
uphold the standards consistently

Requirements

Teachers in the public school system and in accredited private schools must
hold a vaUd Alberta teaching certificate. Local school boards hire teachers and
negotiate their contracts.

For More Information

For further information and additional resources, contact Alberta Education,
Communications Branch.

Telephone: (403) 427-7219 until December 31, 1998. After January 1, 1999,
call (780) 427-7219. Call toll free within Alberta, but outside of
Edmonton, by dialing 310-0000 and then 427-7219.

E-mail: comm.contact@edc.gov.ab.ca

Address: Alberta Education
Communications
11160 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta T5K 0L2
Canada

For more information about specific schools and programs, contact your local
school board.

Look for Us on the World Wide Web

You can connect with Alberta Education's home page at
< http://ednet.edc.gov.ab.ca >.

This document can also be found on the home page, under Education System.
Your Comments Are Valuable

We appreciate your feedback on this publication: whether you found it helpful and
what other areas of information you would like to see included.

Please fill in and mail the evaluation card in this booklet, call us at the phone
number given above or e-mail us at the above address. Thank-you.

ALBERTA EDUCATION CATALOGUING IN PUBLICATION DATA
Alberta. Alberta Education.

Our students, our future: an introduction to education in Alberta,

kindergarten to grade 12.

ISBN 0-7785-0297-x

1. Education - Alberta.

2. Education - Aims and objectives - Alberta. I. Title.
LA418.A3.A333 1998 379.154

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