The Alberta government is now looking to update the junior high curriculum, following recent updates to the elementary curriculum for grades K to 6. Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides has stated that the province is focusing on updating mathematics and social studies for grades 7 to 9, physical education and wellness for grades 7 to 10, and making adjustments to the Career and Life Management program. The restructuring will include content for career education, financial literacy, basic life skills, and home maintenance pending feedback from consultations with teachers, education staff, and other stakeholders. Nicolaides believes that updating the curriculum will allow students to explore career options sooner, particularly in the areas of financial literacy and other life skills important for long-term success.
While the government sees the restructuring as a positive step, the president of the Alberta Teachers’ Association, Jason Schilling, has raised concerns about the potential impact on students. He notes that students going through the current elementary school curriculum are already struggling with the concepts being taught. Schilling believes that changes to the curriculum are not age-appropriate, with concepts traditionally taught in grades 7 to 8 now being introduced in Grade 5. He questions whether recommendations made by teachers and other education bodies during consultations will be considered, citing similar issues with the elementary school curriculum changes.
Schilling also highlights another potential issue with the current process, noting that teachers consulted during the curriculum update are required to sign a non-disclosure agreement. This means that teachers are unable to openly discuss their concerns or provide feedback on the draft curriculum. However, Nicolaides has stated that the feedback received during the draft process is being taken into consideration. The Ministry of Education aims to have the draft junior high and career education curriculum completed and approved by Spring 2025, with schools having the option to pilot the changes and provide feedback before full implementation in 2026.
The government’s focus on updating the junior high curriculum is driven by a desire to prepare students for the future workforce and provide them with essential life skills. By incorporating content related to career education, financial literacy, and basic life skills, the curriculum aims to better equip students for long-term success. The Ministry of Education is engaging with teachers, education staff, and other stakeholders to gather feedback and ensure that the updated curriculum meets the needs of students. While the process may face challenges, the government is committed to making informed decisions that benefit students and prepare them for the opportunities and challenges ahead.
