Alberta to distribute $45M to schools for literacy, numeracy supports
Young Alberta students struggling to learn during the COVID-19 pandemic are getting help from the province and their schools.
Education Minister Adriana LaGrange announced Wednesday afternoon the Alberta government would distribute $45 million for literacy and numeracy support.
The funding comes at a rate of $490 per student, or $980 if they need help with both literacy and numeracy.
"Without a doubt, learning during this pandemic has been a challenge for the entire education community in Alberta," LaGrange said.
"This funding will allow schools to increase supports to improve writing, reading and numeracy skills for younger students who have fallen behind during the pandemic.
"This could mean increasing the intensity of programming for students, including moving to small groups or one-on-one support, hiring additional staff, implement new numeracy programming for early year students, increasing targeted parent communication programs or involving in more programming, or ensuring staff who are providing this intervention for students have the necessary supports or tools that they need."
The initial focus will be students in Grades 2 and 3, with Grade 1 students to follow next February.
Approximately 38,000 students in Grade 2 and 3 will receive literacy support, and 25,000 students will get numeracy help.
In addition, the education minister announced the weight of Grade 12 diploma exams would be lowered to 10 per cent this school year.
"This change will give students the crucial exam-writing experience they need if they choose to go into post-secondary, while recognizing the impact the pandemic has had on their learning."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Canadian couple among tourists on sinking sailing boat tour abroad
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their “extremely dangerous” experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
An Ontario senior called Geek Squad for help with his printer. Instead, he got scammed out of $25,000
An Ontario senior’s attempt to get technical help online led him into a spoofing scam where he lost $25,000. Now, he’s sharing his story to warn others.
Accused of burglary at stepmother's home, U.S. senator says she wanted her father's ashes: charges
A Minnesota state senator and former broadcast meteorologist told police that she broke into her stepmother's home because her stepmother refused to give her items of sentimental value from her late father, including his ashes, according to burglary charges filed Tuesday.
Twins from Toronto were Canada's top two female finishers at this year's Boston Marathon
When identical twin sisters Kim and Michelle Krezonoski were invited to compete against some of the world’s most elite female runners at last week’s Boston Marathon, they were in disbelief.