By Liam Verster

Curriculum changes recommendations

Grande Prairie and District Catholic Schools welcoming the prospect of a change to curriculum

Jan 31, 2020 | 5:00 AM

Alberta’s Ministry of Eduction released a series of recommendations to changes to the curriculum on Wednesday. The suggested changes include more job-focused learning, more standardized tests, reflecting on the importance of Alberta’s natural resource industry to the economy, and providing a balanced look at climate change.

Karl Germann, the Superintendent of the Grande Prairie and District Catholic Schools, says the prospect of changing up the curriculum could be beneficial.

“I think the teachers are really looking forward to a change in curriculum. Some of those curricula that are out there right now haven’t been changed in 20 years, and [the changes] provide a little bit of information and knowledge about how to expand kids’ thinking. So, really what we’re trying to do is prepare students for the future, so they can critically think and solve more problems that are presented to them.”

Germann says if the curriculum is changed, then teachers will need to undergo some professional development to look at the delivery of the content.

Education Minister Adriana LaGrande mentioned in her press release on Wednesday that parents have complained about their kids learning some “extremist views” when being taught about climate change.

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The recommendations say climate change should be taught in a more balanced way, and Germann says his school’s already focuses on balanced approaches, in every subject.

“I think parents are always happy and pleased when there’s a balance of information, it’s even one of the ways in which we try to teach religion in our schools. We teach both from our Catholic perspective, and the perspectives that students might encounter in the world. Then we hope that students will take the information that they receive from our teachers, from a variety of sources, and be able to form their own opinions and values.”

“And really that’s the best way to teach kids, they really become engaged when there is information from a variety of sources that’s not extreme on one side or the other, but helps them form who they are as a young adult, and how they’re going to make a difference in the world.”

He says the students are concerned and passionate about climate change, but there also has to be a balance with energy production, and how it can be done in a more sustainable and environmentally focused way.

“And I know Alberta is leading the charge in that area, as they continue to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by introducing new technologies and efficiencies. So really, the presentation of information to kids, getting them to think through how they might best continue with Alberta’s economy, and yet continue to also focus on what’s the best thing for the environment.”

Germann says the Catholic School Board has been involved in the curriculum review process in the past, and are in favour of making some changes, so long as there’s a balanced approach to information and knowledge, training and skills.

They will spend a few days looking over the recommendations before responding to the province with their thoughts on what can be done to change the curriculum, while continuing to provide the students with a high quality education.