The Student Support Policy Framework provides consistent provincial guidelines for school boards and sets the stage for updating student support requirements that have been in place for more than 20 years. It reflects the evolving needs of Alberta classrooms and the academic, behavioural and mental health supports students require to succeed.
The framework provides common provincial guidance for identifying student needs, choosing appropriate supports and monitoring how well those supports are working. It promotes early identification and a needs-based approach, meaning students can receive the level of support they need without having to move through a set series of steps.
The framework also clarifies the roles of teachers, school boards, parents and specialists, reinforces parents as essential partners in planning and decision-making, and establishes consistent terminology across Alberta's education system. It provides greater consistency while allowing school boards to respond to individual student needs and local circumstances.
"This framework will help ensure students receive support based on their individual strengths and needs, while providing clearer guidance on how those supports are identified and delivered. It is an important step toward a more consistent and responsive system of student support across Alberta."
Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education and Childcare
The framework was informed by engagement with school boards, teachers, parents, researchers, education partners and community organizations. Their feedback helped develop the framework and ensure it reflects the realities facing students and educators across Alberta.
"Alberta School Boards Association valued the opportunity for public, Catholic and francophone school boards to provide input during the development of the Student Support Policy Framework. School boards have been advocating for the modernization of the Standards for Special Education and look forward to ongoing engagement in support of student success."
Shali Baziuk, president, Alberta School Boards Association
The Student Support Policy Framework does not create new legislative requirements or replace the Standards for Special Education (2004). It works within existing requirements and policies while laying the foundation for modernizing provincial requirements for student supports, including specialized supports and services.
"As Alberta families are demanding more specialized choices in educational programming, and teachers are facing increasingly complex learning environments, we commend Minister Nicolaides and Premier Smith for supporting school systems across the province with this new framework. It is built on the same principles that have guided Rundle institutions for decades: understanding students' individual strengths and needs, responding with professional expertise in the classrooms, and creating structured, caring environments where learners feel safe and confident."
Jason Rogers, head of school, Rundle Academy
Quick facts
- The Student Support Policy Framework was developed as part of Alberta's broader Class Size and Complexity initiative and responds to recommendations from the Aggression and Complexity in Schools Action Team.
- Engagement focused on four areas: roles and responsibilities, service delivery and access to supports, cross-sector coordination, and accountability and governance.
- The framework applies to public, separate, francophone and charter school authorities responsible for providing a continuum of supports under the Education Act.
- School boards will continue to determine how best to meet the needs of their students and communities, while incorporating the framework's guidance.
- The framework will be formally reviewed every five years, or earlier if directed by the ministry.
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