By Liam Verster

School Closure

Schools remain closed as Alberta Education works out plan to support student learning

Mar 17, 2020 | 11:47 AM

The Peace Wapiti Public School Division (PWPSD) has closed their schools indefinitely, as Alberta Education works out a plan for the students, teachers and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a press release, PWPSD says they are part of a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Education and school divisions, to come up with a plan for continuing student learning during closures. However, no specific timeline is available as of yet, and Alberta Education says the planning could take as much as two weeks.

PWPSD says they will be sending an open letter to parents in coming days, and says they will provide regular updates as the plan unfolds.

In the meantime, the School Division is encouraging social distancing, in an effort to minimize the spread of COVID-19, as well as asking for patience from families impacted by the closures.

Limited school access is going to be allowed for parents and guardians to pick up personal items. However, PWPSD asks that people stagger their visits, in order to promote social distancing.

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In the release, PWPSD says Provincial Achievement Tests (PATs) have been cancelled for the year.

At this time, no final decision has been made on this year’s Diploma Exams. The release says the Ministry of Education must review with the Ministry of Advanced Education, and determine how either cancelling or having Diploma Exams will impact students registering in post-secondary education for the upcoming academic year.

The Ministry of Education has also asked that work in schools, such as infrastructure or maintenance work, continue in a safe manner that complies with the latest health advisory.

Meanwhile, the Grande Prairie Public School Division is working on a plan to support the continuation of learning for students.

In a written statement, Superintendent Sandy McDonald says staff had begin work on a plan to provide educational opportunities for students last week, and that the work is ongoing.

Though no online programs are available, McDonald says some schools have been reaching out to families, in an effort to keep students connected with their teachers.

GPPSD staff are working on developing some guidelines for schools to use on three areas:

• Providing literacy and numeracy supports and resources for students in Kindergaten through Grade 8
• Providing resources and supports for key subject areas fro students in grades 9 through 12.
• Providing resources to parents that will support and promote physical education, art, health and personal development for students.

The GPPSD staff will continue to work through the week, and determine what specific details of those supports and resources still need to be addressed in order to meet the Alberta Curriculum.

McDonald’s statement says the planning this week is considerable, and that the GPPSD is working with other School Divisions in the School Zone and across the province.

He adds the desire seen in GPPSD staff to maintain student learning while classes are not in session is a cause for optimism.