The ability to read, write, speak and understand basic math concepts is fundamental for a child's success. Some children struggle with developing these fundamental skills in the early years of their education and without timely identification and intervention, they are at risk of falling through the cracks.
To ensure that children who need a helping hand are identified and supported as early as possible, Alberta's government recently rolled out enhanced literacy and numeracy screening tools for students in kindergarten to Grade 5. Starting in January 2025, kindergarten students will now have their literacy and numeracy skills screened with a consistent, provincewide approach.
"We need to make sure students are supported as they build their foundational literacy and numeracy skills. Timely, impactful screening and intervention will ensure that no student falls through the cracks and will help educators and parents connect their child or student to the right supports at the right time, so they are able to reach their full potential."
Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education
Alberta's government began twice-yearly screening for students in grades 1-3 in fall 2024, and is building on this new framework with a new screening for kindergarten students that will tell teachers, educational staff and parents where a child's numeracy and literacy skills are at and if they need help. By consistently screening from kindergarten through Grade five, teachers and educational professionals will be better able to target supports that ensure student success.
"Alberta sets the stage for the rest of Canada in early literacy and numeracy screening and intervention. We provide teachers the right tools to support their students and set them up for success."
George K. Georgiou, professor, Faculty of Education, University of Alberta
"Universal screening provides vital information to guide instruction, ensuring every child builds a strong foundation for literacy. Dyslexia Canada applauds Alberta's expansion of this critical initiative."
Alicia Smith, executive director, Dyslexia Canada
To help school authorities, teachers and educational staff support their students through screening and interventions, Alberta's government is investing $10 million for the 2024-25 school year in Literacy and Numeracy Support funding. Teachers can also access a variety of resources to help them screen and support their students. These resources include tutorial videos for specific screenings, intervention lesson plans, kindergarten counting intervention activities and more.
"Early screening provides opportunity for understanding and supporting each child's unique learning needs, fostering confidence and growth from the start of their learning journey."
Erika DeGooyer, teacher, Aurora Academic Charter School
"Decoding Dyslexia Alberta supports evidence-based, universal screening in kindergarten. Additional screening will help prevent reading difficulties and the lifelong consequences of failing to learn how to read."
Sarah Sarich, president, Decoding Dyslexia Alberta
The screeners were developed with input from school authorities, the Alberta Teachers' Association, award-winning academic experts and other education stakeholders. The screeners are available for school authorities to use free of charge, or they may select from a list of government-approved screening tools. These resources will help school authorities across the province deliver a consistent approach, so students and parents see the best results possible.
"K to 3 literacy screening assessments that are research-backed and help provide a foundation for early interventions can significantly impact a child's future."
Steacy Pinney, changemaker-in-residence, Mount Royal University and Trustee, Left Unread
In addition to the screening enhancements, Alberta's government is investing $1.5 billion during the 2024-25 school year so school authorities can support students' specialized learning needs. School authorities can use funding provided to them to hire additional educational support staff such as educational assistants, occupational therapists, counsellors and psychologists to ensure students who need a helping hand receive the support they need to reach their full potential.
Quick facts
- Since 2021, Alberta's government has provided $85 million in Learning Disruption Funding to support students requiring additional supports in literacy and numeracy.
- In 2024, Learning Disruption Funding was renamed Literacy and Support Funding, to support the development of crucial early literacy and numeracy skills in Alberta's youngest learners.
- All students in grades 1 to 3 are being screened twice a year, in September and January.
- Students requiring additional support will be screened a third time at the end of the school year to monitor their progress.
- New screening requirements will be introduced for students in grades 4 and 5 in September 2026.
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