The Grande Prairie Public School Division Superintendent says he is optimistic about the changes announced to the K-6 curriculum implementation, as it could give staff and teachers a better chance to prepare for the switch.
Sandy McDonald says limiting the implementation of the curriculum to English, Math, and Physical Education in Fall 2022, is if nothing else something he considers that to be proof of two things.
“The Minister of Education has said right from the start that there will be a new curriculum next fall… but also, we’ve seen the reaction to the draft that was presented,” he says. “I saw it as proof that advocacy works and the minister was listening.”
McDonald says now that they know the focus is going to be on English language arts, mathematics and physical education, and wellness going into effect next year, and he expects the provincially lead committee to continue to refine the subject matter until they’re fully implemented. He says the update has also lead to the impetus of getting the sources and materials ready for teachers to get to know sooner rather than later.
“The minister was very good about this in a meeting she had with board chairs, we don’t want people to have to give up their summers, after another year of managing COVID-19 in our schools, to have to prepare,” he says.
“We want to have all of these resources available this school year, so in the last few months of the year we can begin preparing for next year.”