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Wolf Creek Public Schools will not pilot new curriculum

Says it will participate ‘when appropriate’
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Wolf Creek Public Schools (WCPS) will not be piloting Alberta Education’s draft K-6 curriculum in the fall.

WCPS sent out a press release April 8, joining several other school boards who have chosen to opt out of the program.

READ MORE: MLA Ron Orr says old curriculum was ‘stagnant’

“With considerable thought and review, Wolf Creek Public Schools (WCPS) will not be participating in the pilot program of the draft K-6 curriculum for the 2021/22 school year,” stated the release.

Piloting the new curriculum is voluntary for school authorities in Alberta.

WCPS says their main considerations stemmed from:

● the timing of the draft K-6 curriculum release;

● ensuring learner outcomes are developmentally age appropriate;

● ensuring the content reflects research-based 21st century learner outcomes including a balance of critical thinking and knowledge-based learning opportunities and,

● ensuring adequate representation of foundational knowledge and understanding relating to Indigenous people throughout the grade levels.

“For the time being, our focus remains on student and staff well-being during a time where continuity of learning and recovery from the pandemic is paramount,” said Superintendent Jayson Lovell in the release.

“When appropriate, WCPS staff will be supported and encouraged to participate in various in-district and provincial professional development opportunities to assist our teachers in preparing for the new curriculum in its final form.”

WCPS and Wetaskiwin Regional Public Schools (WRPS) sent a joint letter to Education Minister Adriana LaGrange in November, 2020, appealing to the government to honour its commitment to First Nations, Métis and Inuit perspectives and experiences.

READ MORE: Wolf Creek and Wetaskiwin school boards ‘reassured’ by letter from LaGrange

The letter stated that commitment had been reaffirmed at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) in March, 2017.

“Minister LaGrange, we want to emphasize how critically important this promise and commitment needs to be honoured by the Alberta Government as the revised curriculum is implemented in Alberta. This includes ensuring all Alberta students, in age appropriate ways, are fully taught the history and legacy of residential schools,” the letter read.

WCPS says there will be opportunities for staff and the community to provide feedback in the coming weeks and months and they will provide updates when they become available.

A link to the draft curriculum and Alberta Education’s feedback form is available at wolfcreek.ab.ca



Emily Jaycox

About the Author: Emily Jaycox

I’m Emily Jaycox, the editor of Ponoka News and the Bashaw Star. I’ve lived in Ponoka since 2015 and have over seven years of experience working as a journalist in central Alberta communities.
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