ATA President Jason Schilling. (Alberta Teachers' Association)

By Justin Goulet

‘Stand up for Education’ campaign launched in Alberta

Oct 13, 2021 | 8:46 AM

The Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) and the Alberta School Councils’ Association (ASCA) have teamed up on a new advertising campaign.

It’s focusing on the future of education and changes being made and proposed by the provincial government. Late last month, the ATA completed a review of the province’s draft K-6 curriculum.

Since the curriculum was unveiled, it has received sharp criticism from parents and educational groups.

READ MORE: Teachers’ Association says new K-6 draft curriculum fails to meet province’s own standards

President of the ATA, Jason Schilling said “the government is making dangerous changes to the curriculum, slashing education funding and increasing class sizes.”

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“These changes have major consequences and are happening at a time when teachers, parents and students continue to juggle the overwhelming challenges of the ongoing pandemic.”

The ASCA is a group that represents parents on school councils across the province.

President Brandi Rai said, “funding reductions, increased class sizes, and questionable curriculum changes, are putting the learning successes of Alberta’s students at risk.”

“Together parents and teachers share the responsibility for protecting children and preparing them for the future. We are uniting and urging all Albertans to join us.”

Both organizations are encouraging parents and members of the public to share their concerns at StandForEducation.ca and sign an open letter addressed to Premier Jason Kenney and Education Minister Adriana LaGrange.

Schilling added, “we’re calling on our Premier and Minister LaGrange to stop cuts to public education funding, evaluate and address growing classroom sizes and go back to the drawing board on this draft K to 6 curriculum.”

“We’re [also] calling on MLAs of all political stripes to come together to ensure our children’s education and their futures are prioritized. Albertans must stand together to protect public education. Our children, our teachers and our province are too important to be left behind.”

He added that a lack of a strong education system will put Alberta’s children “at a disadvantage in later grades, university and in life.” He said it’s important to ensure students are well equipped for the challenges ahead of them in an ever-changing world.

“These children are the future leaders of our province. The decisions we make about public education now will affect all of us. This television, radio, print and online advertising campaign will run across the province.”

He added that never before have the ATA and ASCA come together for a campaign of this magnitude.

“We’re coming together to fight for our kids.”

(Lethbridge News Now)