As the next step in addressing complexity in classrooms, Alberta's government has released the final report from the Aggression and Complexity in Schools Action Team.
Last summer, the Aggression and Complexity in Schools Action Team was formed to help create recommendations that will help guide the province's response to classroom complexity. The action team has concluded its work and submitted the final report to Alberta's government.
The report identifies key challenge areas and provides seven recommendations to address rising aggression and complexity in classrooms. The recently appointed Class Size and Complexity Cabinet Committee will use the recommendations to guide practical solutions and direct funding to where it is needed most.
"Parents and teachers are telling us classrooms are more complex than ever, and they are right. Every child deserves a safe, calm learning environment where teachers can teach and students can learn. We will not accept violence or disruption as the new normal in Alberta schools. I want to thank the action team and everyone who shared their experience so we can turn this report into real change in our schools. We will use these recommendations to develop practical solutions that make a real difference in the classroom."
Danielle Smith, Premier
The 25-member action team engaged with educators, school administrators, education specialists, community partners, disability organizations and others to outline a detailed set of recommendations to enhance safety and support in schools. Alberta's government has already taken steps to act on these recommendations by appointing the Class Size and Complexity Cabinet Committee and by working with school boards to gather data on class sizes and class composition.
"Our top priority is safe, supportive classrooms. The action team's recommendations will guide us in addressing growing challenges thoughtfully. I'm grateful for everyone's work and look forward to continuing this collaboration."
Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education and Childcare
Key recommendations include:
- Developing class size criteria and hiring additional teachers and educational assistants.
- Coordinating and communicating across ministries to help families navigate supports, and clarifying educator roles in supporting students' clinical and therapeutic needs.
- Expanding Program Unit Funding and streamlining access to services for children before they enter Grade 1.
"The recommendations in the report reflect the challenges we are seeing in our classrooms every day. These concerns were shared by our division staff as part of the engagement of the action team and have been central to our board's advocacy for several years. Knowing that the voices of our front-line staff and board have been heard gives us confidence that these recommendations will lead to meaningful action for our students and staff."
Lynnette Anderson, chief superintendent, Edmonton Catholic Schools Division
In October, the Class Size and Complexity Cabinet Committee was created to work with school boards, community leaders and education experts, using data collected to guide decisions on the rollout of resources and support the implementation of actions to address class sizes and complexity.
Over the next three years, school boards will receive $300 million to hire 1,500 educational assistants, which will help provide students with the supports they need in the classroom. After hiring these educational assistants school boards may also use this $300 million to hire additional educational assistants or to secure other student supports, such as assessments for complex needs, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech-language pathology and other in-classroom supports.
This additional funding is on top of the funding allocated to hire 3,000 teachers.
"As co-chair, I thank my fellow Action Team members for bringing their experience and background to this important work. We all share a common goal: creating the conditions that lead to the ultimate success of every student. The recommendations in the report will help shape sustainable solutions now and in the future."
Joanne Pitman, chief superintendent, Calgary Board of Education and co-chair of the Aggression and Complexity in Schools Action Team
Quick facts
- The report outlines seven key recommendations, including:
- Design a new inclusive education policy framework.
- Ensure timely access to a continuum of supports.
- Facilitate collaboration within inclusive learning environments.
- Cross-ministry collaboration to ensure seamless transitions and supports.
- Expand and adapt early intervention programs.
- Strengthen pre-service programs.
- Enhance ongoing professional learning and capacity building.
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