Back-to-school resources prepare parents and students for new year
Edmonton... Parents, students and teachers can find many resources and tips for a successful school year in the Alberta government’s online back-to-school information kit. Here are some details and further contact information.
Back-to-school tips for parents
Parents and guardians looking for information on preparing their kids for back to school have access to a variety of online resources, including things to consider before the first day of school, study tips, managing homework and safe Internet use. Other valuable online information for parents and students includes learning resources, tips on time management and being a successful student, and curriculum handbooks and summaries, which provide both in-depth and grade-at-a-glance information on what students are expected to learn at each grade level. For more information, visit www.education.alberta.ca/resources/backtoschool.aspx
WorldSkills – one year away!
WorldSkills is an international, Olympic-style trades and technology skills competition which allows students and apprentices to demonstrate top-notch skills in a variety of areas. Alberta is hosting WorldSkills from September 1 – 7, 2009. The event, to be held in Calgary, is expected to attract about 150,000 students, competitors and spectators from nearly 50 countries. WorldSkills 2009 presents an opportunity for students, parents, teachers and administrators to experience the thrill of a skills competition at the international level. At the event, students will be able to take part in Try-A-Trade demonstrations, which provide a hands-on, behind-the-scenes look at some of the most in-demand occupations. Check out www.education.alberta.ca and www.worldskills2009.com for more details.
Career and technology studies
Extensive changes are being made to the Career and Technology Studies (CTS) program of studies to align its courses with industry and post-secondary institutions to provide meaningful career pathways. The career pathways are organized into five cluster areas:
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Media, Design and Communication Arts;
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Business, Administration, Finance and Information Technology (BIT);
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Natural Resources;
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Trades, Manufacturing and Transportation (TMT); and
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Health, Recreation and Human Services
Each area associates common interests, links shared skills, guides career exploration, and focuses teaching and learning. A pathway is a sequence of CTS courses that develops a student’s life, work and career competencies. The TMT and BIT pathways will be implemented in September 2009 and the others in 2010. Career training options are an important part of Alberta’s strategy to improve high school completion rates. For more information about CTS courses, visit /teachers/core/cts.aspx
School bus safety
In the excitement of returning to school, children may forget basic road safety rules as they walk, bicycle and ride the bus to schools across Alberta. Motorists are urged to use caution when driving through residential areas and adhere to speed limits in school or playground zones. For more information visit www.saferoads.com
Bullying prevention
Armed with statistics on the incidence of bullying and its lasting effects, including evidence that proves that bullying has a direct negative impact on learning, the Government of Alberta continues to put a strong focus on bullying prevention. Alberta’s bullying prevention program encourages individuals, schools and communities to engage community support, heighten expectations for a positive school climate, and initiate ongoing discussions about the value of bullying-free schools. Educational materials, resources and tips are available at www.education.alberta.ca/teachers/safeschools/bullying.aspx
Expanded Alexander Rutherford Scholarship
This fall, Alberta high school students return to classes with an expanded Rutherford Scholarship program, which now includes financial awards for Grade 10 to 12 students with annual averages of 75 to 79.9 per cent. Those students now have the opportunity earn up to $1,500 toward post-secondary studies during their high school careers. The current scholarship provides financial awards to high school students achieving 80 per cent or better. In addition, the Rutherford Scholar program’s financial award has been increased to $2,500 from $1,500. The Rutherford Scholar honours Alberta’s top-ten students graduating from Grade 12. The Rutherford programs have always been a shining example of the excellence and hard work of Alberta’s students. For more information, visit www.alis.alberta.ca
New social studies curriculum in a Grade 11 classroom near you
Students in Alberta’s Grade 11 classrooms will experience Alberta Education’s new social studies curriculum this school year. The revised curriculum puts an even greater focus on citizenship and identity, and has an increased concentration on Canadian and Albertan history, including Aboriginal and Francophone contributions and perspectives. The new program of studies was first introduced for Kindergarten to Grade 3 in the 2005/2006 school year and by 2009 will be taught at every grade level. For more information visit http://www.education.gov.ab.ca/k_12/curriculum/bySubject/social/default.asp
New math curriculum - leading math success!
A new mathematics curriculum for Kindergarten and Grades 1, 4 and 7 will roll out across the province this fall in English and French. The new curriculum is designed to further student achievement by providing a good grounding in basic mathematics. There is an increased focus on number concepts, problem solving and mental mathematics. Changes to the K-9 Mathematics Program of Studies reflect current research in math education. Although many of the topics studied remain the same, the grade in which they appear may differ. The new Alberta Mathematics Kindergarten to Grade 9 Program of Studies will be taught in all grades up to 9 by 2010. A staggered curriculum implementation will ease the transition in schools and support publishers who provide resources. For more information visit www.education.alberta.ca/teachers/core/math/programs.aspx
Teacher recognition – Excellence in Teaching Awards
More than 400 teachers have been recognized through the Excellence in Teaching Awards since 1989. The program, presented by Alberta Education with support from its partners, gives Albertans an opportunity to say thank you and acknowledge the importance of the work being done by teachers and principals in schools across the province. Nominations for the 2009 Excellence in Teaching Awards open the week of October 20, 2008. For more information visit www.education.alberta.ca/teachers/excellence.aspx
New out-of-school child care subsidy
Starting in September 2008, Alberta’s Child Care Subsidy Program will be expanded to help offset the cost for eligible low- and middle-income families using licensed out-of-school child care before and after school. The subsidy amount is based on a number of factors including: gross family income, family size, hours of child care required each month, and the type of child care program selected. To find out how to apply for the new out-of-school child care subsidy, visit www.child.alberta.ca/childcare
Improved Alberta Learning Information System (ALIS) website
A new and improved ALIS website has been launched. Since 1997, ALIS is a popular destination for Albertans looking for information about career planning, education, and jobs. The enhanced ALIS site is organized by key user groups, such as high school and post-secondary students, job seekers, educators and counselors, and clusters specific information and services relevant to each group. Check out the new site at www.alis.alberta.ca/
