Next steps for K-6 curriculum implementation

Alberta’s government is establishing a Curriculum Implementation Advisory Group to provide advice and recommendations on the implementation strategy and timelines for a new kindergarten to Grade 6 (K-6) curriculum. The group will help determine how new curriculums for English Language Arts and Literature, Mathematics, and Physical Education and Wellness will be successfully implemented in September 2022. This includes identifying potential supports that may be needed and options for providing these supports to school authorities. They will also provide advice and recommendations on the continuation of piloting the remaining K-6 subjects beginning in September 2022 and provide strategies for implementing these subjects beginning in September 2023.

“Alberta’s government has been listening to all input from Albertans about the draft K-6 curriculum review process. We are committed to taking a measured and thoughtful approach to ensure curriculum piloting and implementation timelines are manageable for teachers and students. With the expertise of the Curriculum Implementation Advisory Group, Alberta’s government will carefully consider how to address the implementation timelines and support the education system throughout the process.”

The Curriculum Implementation Advisory Group includes members from Alberta Education and education partners who are directly accountable for curriculum implementation. These individuals all have extensive qualifications, expertise and experience working within the education system. This balanced approach will help ensure the best interests of students, parents and teachers inform the group’s advice and recommendations. Meetings will also take place with First Nation school authorities to obtain their advice on curriculum implementation.

“ASBA appreciates participating in this advisory group to provide feedback from member school boards as the voice of their diverse communities. We look forward to a collaborative process working alongside advisory group members in the best interest of all students across the province.”

“The College of Alberta School Superintendents is pleased to have representation on the Curriculum Implementation Advisory Group. We look forward to providing a system perspective as it relates to the identification of required supports and resources that would maximize the capacity of teachers to experience a successful implementation.”

Curriculum Implementation Advisory Group members

• Marilyn Dennis, president, Alberta School Boards Association 
• Representative, Alberta School Boards Association
• Wilco Tymensen, president, College of Alberta School Superintendents
• Bevan Daverne, past-president, College of Alberta School Superintendents
• David Keohane, executive director, College of Alberta School Superintendents
• Michael McMann, superintendent, Fort Vermilion School Division
• Robert Lessard, superintendent, Conseil scolaire Centre-Nord
• Teacher representative, piloting elementary school
• Teacher representative, piloting elementary school
• Teacher representative, elementary school
• Principal representative, Calgary Board of Education
• Curriculum expert, Edmonton Public Schools
• Andre Tremblay, deputy minister, Alberta Education (chair)
• Jennifer Flaman, assistant deputy minister, Curriculum Division
• Executive director, Early and Middle Years Curriculum
• Executive director, Curriculum Coordination and Implementation
• Executive director, Learning and Teaching Resources

Key facts

• The Curriculum Implementation Advisory Group is expected to be in place until June 2022.
• Alberta Education will develop a provincial implementation plan for a new K-6 curriculum by considering the strategic advice and recommendations the group provides. 
• The Curriculum Implementation Advisory Group began meeting in January and is expected to meet at least monthly for the duration of the term. 
• Meetings will be held virtually. Should any travel be required, Alberta Education will reimburse members for any travel expenses that are not covered by their organizations.
• The majority of members of the Curriculum Implementation Advisory Group hold positions where their names are already publicly available. To ensure the personal information of the individuals working in non-public roles, such as teachers, remains private and to help ensure they do not become targets of online harassment, Alberta Education will not be releasing the names of these members.