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
Robert Pickton to remain in medically induced coma until later this week: police
Serial killer Robert Pickton will remain in a medically induced coma for at least the next few days following an attack in a Quebec prison Sunday, according to police spokesperson Hugues Beaulieu.
Charlie Colin, founding member of the pop-rock band Train, dies at 58
Charlie Colin, bassist and founding member of the American pop-rock band Train, best known for their early-aughts hits like 'Drops of Jupiter' and 'Meet Virginia,' has died. He was 58.
'Five feet nothing': Pickton's safety likely behind Quebec transfer, says ex-prison judge
When serial killer Robert Pickton was transferred from British Columbia's Kent Institution to a maximum security prison in Quebec about six years ago, correctional authorities gave no public explanation or confirmation at the time, citing privacy.
'I feel betrayed': Ottawa-area customers out thousands of dollars warn of bad faith contractor
A group of people from eastern Ontario and western Quebec is issuing a warning about Dennis Walker and his company Vue Windows.
Fancy pigeon outfitted in custom diaper has free rein in B.C. family home
When Chrissy Chin volunteered to take in a fancy pigeon abandoned on a park bench, she never imagined she would one day be ordering custom-made diapers for the bird – who lives in her house and has become a member of the family.
'We'll need all hands on deck': Details emerge after deadly boat crash near Kingston
Police say they have wrapped up their on-scene investigation into a deadly boat crash in eastern Ontario as details of the incident begin to emerge.
WestJet planning new fare category for travellers willing to forgo carry-on bag
WestJet Airlines plans to launch a new cheaper fare category that would be available to travellers willing to fly without a carry-on bag.
5 dead and at least 35 hurt in Iowa tornado: officials
Five people died and at least 35 were hurt as powerful tornadoes ripped through Iowa Tuesday, with one carving a path of destruction through the town of Greenfield, officials said.
Woman found dead in Lake Ontario in 2017 matches identity of missing person in Switzerland
Genetic genealogy has helped Toronto police identify a woman who was found dead in Lake Ontario in 2017.