CURRICULUM AND RESOURCE IMPLEMENTATION UPDATES OCTOBER 2007 Alberta Education

September 2007 Available on the Curriculum Coordinator Website under “Current Information"

MINISTERIAL PRIORITIES

HIGH SCHOOL COMPLETION

Finding Ways: A Community Response in Support of High School Completion A community-based toolkit has been developed based on the High School Completion Symposium program. Includes a facilitator's guide, participant packages, sample agenda and event planning tips. Available at

EVENT CALENDAR Communities are encouraged to share information about high school completion events in their area. This will help inform government's work to develop strategies and identify community- based solutions. To enter an event go to

Addressing Feedback from High School Completion Symposium An additional $4.5 million in one time grants for Career and Technology Studies (CTS) improvements in equipment and facilities throughout the province. Funding will be allocated through conditional grants managed by Skills Canada Alberta. - more choices could help keep more youth in school -

K-12 school jurisdictions and charter school authorities interested in exploring the use of emerging technologies to improve student engagement and success in high school. Emphasis on initiatives demonstrating innovative use of technology-rich environments to improve the student experience in Grades A Literature Review – Technology’s Influence on High School Completion – has been prepared to provide both background and practical research-based information. More information on the Learning and Technology Web site at (you must sign in to access this page). Request for Proposals

Two New Reports Promising Practices in First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education – Case Study of Two Alberta Schools The First Nations, Métis and Inuit School-Community Learning Environment Project – Promising Practices Heighten academic achievement and support high school completion amongst FNMI students. Demonstrate how school jurisdictions and Aboriginal communities are working together to ensure student success. Available at

For More Information Contact: Mark Whetstone Education Manager Zone 2/3 Services To be connected toll-free inside Alberta dial 310–0000

Options for Early Learning Opportunities

There are now 2 “count dates” for the ESL as well as the mild/moderate counts … which includes ½ of the basic fee. Information from around the province will be collected regarding uptake/programming opportunities being provided through this funding. For further information on this initiative go to

For More Information Contact: Pat Hauck, Manager Alberta Children and Youth Initiative To be connected toll-free inside Alberta dial 310–0000

CURRICULUM BRANCH

Implementation Schedule for Programs of Study and Related Activities (June 2007). Quick reference for implementation dates. Can be accessed at: New to Alberta Education’s Website

Curriculum Handbooks for Parents Curriculum Summaries Can be accessed at: Also New

For More Information Contact: Merla Bolender Director, Curriculum To be connected toll-free inside Alberta dial 310–0000

SCIENCE

Revisions Proposed reduction of content to allow for greater depth of understanding of key skills and concepts. The Kindergarten program statement will include the Kindergarten outcomes of the revised science program of studies. Infusions First Nations, Métis and Inuit perspectives. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) outcomes. K-6 Program of Studies

September 2008 Implementation of Biology 30, Chemistry 30 and Physics 30 (implementation of these courses before the provincial date is not approved). January 2009 Administration of the first diploma examinations Senior High Programs of Study

For More Information Contact: Sherry Taylor Curriculum Manager Science K-6 and Elementary Programs To be connected toll-free inside Alberta dial 310–0000

Exam will be grandfathered for two years – 2008/2009 and 2009/2010 school years Students registered in the current Chemistry 30 course (3240/Fr 3245) must write both the Part A and Part B of the 3240/Fr 3245 examination using the current data booklet to accompany the exam Students registered in the new Chemistry 30 Program of Studies (3796/Fr 3776) must write both the Part A and Part B of the 3796/Fr 3776 examination and there is a new Chemistry data booklet to accompany this exam. Chemistry 30 Diploma Examination

For More Information Contact: Debra Hay Chemistry 30 Examination Manager To be connected toll-free inside Alberta dial 310–0000

Resources currently under development include: grade 4 (print) modules 1-3 are currently available with the remainder to follow in the near future. grades 8 (print) and 10 (print and online) and revisions to Thematic 1 and 2 (available fall 2008). grades 6, 9 and 11 (print available fall 2009) and grade 12 (print available fall 2010). Distributed Learning Resources

Resources scheduled to be available according to the implementation schedule for social studies. All distributed learning materials are available on the Tools 4 Teachers Web site shortly after the publication of the print versions. Distributed Learning Resources

For More Information Contact: Merlin Flock Resource Manager, Humanities To be connected toll-free inside Alberta dial 310–0000

Invitation to School Authorities Social Studies Implementation Support Committee Superintendents asked to nominate one or more teachers with experience in teaching Social Studies at divisions II, III and IV. The committee will provide input into the review of curricular documents and feedback to the design, development, and validation of digital learning resources that will be hosted on Response Requested by Friday, October 26, For more information and nomination form visit the Curriculum Coordinator Corner and click on “Work with Us”.

For More Information Contact: Nathan Freed Validation Coordinator Learning Technologies Branch To be connected toll-free inside Alberta dial 310–0000

FIRST NATIONS, MÉTIS & INUIT SERVICES BRANCH

The process used by school authorities to obtain and maintain consent as part of the Aboriginal Learner Data Collection Initiative (ALDCI). Consistency issues related to ALDCI data. Key strategies currently being employed by school authorities to improve FNMI student outcomes. FNMI Focused Conversation Meetings As part of the 2007–2010 Three-Year Education Plan process, meetings will be held with school jurisdictions to discuss:

FNMI Services Branch is offering presentations to jurisdictions based on The School-Community Learning Environment Project (SCLEP), and Promising Practices in FNMI Education: Case Studies of Two Alberta Schools Promising Practices in FNMI Education

Conference Promising Practices to Enhance High School Completion Amongst FNMI Students November 19 and 20, 2007 Shaw Conference Centre, Edmonton Conference will highlight promising practices in assessment and program delivery. Sessions will provide practical information, new insights and responsive strategies that support student success and foster high school completion. Space is limited to 160 participants so we encourage you to register as soon as possible at

For More Information Contact: Debra Srayko FNMI Services Branch To be connected toll-free inside Alberta dial 310–0000

ARTS EDUCATION

A Project Plan for the revision of Arts Education programs is being developed. A call for nomination of teachers for K – 12 Arts Education Focus Group Meetings was sent to Superintendents in September.

Free program sponsored by Canada’s National Arts Centre. Intended for students in Grades 4 – 6, in mainly rural schools. Music Ambassador Program Applications are due November 20, 2007

For More Information Contact: Maureen Melnyk Program Manager, Arts Education Christine Bouchard Director, French Language Services Branch To be connected toll-free inside Alberta dial 310–0000

MATHEMATICS

To be connected toll-free inside Alberta dial 310–0000 Kathy McCabe Program Manager K-12 Mathematics Lorne Lindenberg Curriculum Manager Mathematics Christine Henzel Resource Manager K-12 Mathematics Vivian Abboud Program Manager, Mathematics French Language Services For More Information Contact:

SOCIAL STUDIES

For More Information Contact: Cheryl Przybilla K-12 Social Studies Program Manager Keith Millions Social Studies Program Manager French Language Services To be connected toll-free inside Alberta dial 310–0000

OTHER INFORMATION

In June 2008, French Language Arts will have its first administration of the new 3 test. All dates for this years’ administration and any changes can be found in the General Information Bulletins that have been sent to schools. Diploma Examinations and Provincial Achievement Tests

For More Information Contact: Richard Walker Executive Director's Office Learner Assessment To be connected toll-free inside Alberta dial 310–0000

UNICEF Support for Social Studies program is available. For More Information Contact: Karen LaRone Resource Manager To be connected toll-free inside Alberta dial 310–0000

Published three times per year - the beginning of October, February and June QUESTION: Would it be beneficial for you if the 1st edition of Connections came out earlier in the school year (say the 3rd week of September)? YES ____ NO ____ Connection: Information for Teachers

Evaluations Contribute to the agenda Share your ideas, suggestions and questions Summaries will be posted Please let us know your position

Gina Vivone-Vernon