Although teacher-directed at-home learning will continue for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year, the government of Alberta is working on a re-entry plan for students.
As in-person classes were cancelled, teachers began to work using the at-home learning guidelines established on March 20, with subject matter and workload varying by grade level.
“I want to thank our teachers, school support staff, administrators, education partners, and parents for quickly adapting to our current reality and helping ensure that their children continue to learn as best as possible under the circumstances. I know everyone is making an effort to connect students. I look forward to school returning when the time is right and health restrictions allow for it,” said the Minister of Education, Adriana LaGrange.
Schools across the province are now using multiple approaches to deliver content to students.
More than 90 per cent of schools are offering online learning, using email, phone calls, and sending paper-based work to students.
Roughly 60,000 devices such as laptops, Chromebooks, tablets, and iPads have been provided to students as they learn at home.
Currently, no decisions have been made on school operations for the 2020-2021 school year beginning in September.
The province is continuing to work with school authorities, and education system partners on developing a comprehensive re-entry plan that considers three scenarios, such as normal school operations, schools partially re-opening with some level of restrictions, or continuing with teacher-directed at-home learning.
The re-entry plan will prioritize the safety and well-being of teachers, staff, and students.
“The challenge of reopening schools is very complex. We appreciate the efforts of the minister and department officials to meaningfully engage us on these important issues. The health and safety of students, teachers, staff, families, and the broader community are paramount in these discussions. We are using input from provincial ATA teacher representatives and a recent COVID-19 related survey of over 2,000 teachers to share the views of the profession,” said the President of the Alberta Teachers’ Association, Jason Schilling.
As many families have questions regarding at-home learning, a provincial education helpline is now available to parents and guardians.
Through the helpline, Alberta Education staff will address any questions and direct callers to their school authorities if needed.
Parents and guardians can reach the helpline by calling 780-422-6548, toll-free by dialing 310-0000, followed by the 10-digit phone number, or by emailing studentsupport@gov.ab.ca.
