The Government of Alberta is ready to pilot the new K-6 social studies curriculum this fall. (Photo: Rido | Dreamstime.com)

By David Opinko

Alberta to test new K-6 social studies curriculum this fall

Apr 26, 2024 | 10:54 AM

Some students in Alberta will learn from the new social studies curriculum this year.

The provincial government says the new draft curriculum for grades K-6 is ready to begin pilot testing in select schools.

Since September last year, a wide range of educational experts were consulted on the new learning guidelines. Based on the feedback received, the following adjustments have been made:

• Strengthen opportunities that encourage the development of critical thinking skills, including research and analytical skills, throughout the curriculum
• Enhance the development of skills related to the concept of active citizenship
• Address feedback on developmental appropriateness and load
• Engage students in learning that promotes understanding of diversity across Canada and throughout the world, including First Nations, Métis, Inuit and francophone histories, contributions and perspectives
• Reflect the growth of learners through learning progressions that expand from individual experiences to communities and beyond

A few of the specific changes that were made to content include:

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• Moving taxation from Grade 2 to 5
• Reducing the content load in Grade 4
• Strengthening verbs used in skills and procedures to encourage critical thinking
• Adding First Nations, Métis, and Inuit content in Grades 1, 2, and 3
• Adding content on discrimination and racism in Grades 3 and 6

Education Minister Demetrios Nicholaides thanked parents, teachers, educational partners, and curriculum specialists for their input.

“I am incredibly proud of the work that’s gone into developing this new K-6 social studies curriculum, and I am excited to see how it transfers into the classroom through piloting this fall,” says Nicholaides. “I look forward to further collaboration with school leaders and teachers as we continue our work to build a comprehensive curriculum that builds students’ critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making skills, and empowers them to be active citizens.”

Prior to a province-wide rollout, school authorities will have the opportunity to show interest in being part of classroom piloting.

The province has allocated $34 million in funding this year to support the implementation of classroom piloting. Those include:

• Teacher release days to support planning, instruction and preparation
• Learning and teaching resources
• Professional learning opportunities
• Opportunities to provide feedback to Alberta Education on the draft curriculum, including how it is experienced in classrooms

Alberta School Boards Association President Marilyn Dennis says it is good to see that schools will have the option to partake in the pilot.

“Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) is pleased government is providing a flexible approach for school boards with optional classroom piloting, resources and professional learning opportunities. ASBA values ongoing consultation on curriculum implementation in support of student success,” says Dennis.

More details on the new K-6 social studies curriculum are on the Learn Alberta website.