Edmonton Catholic teachers learn new curriculum ahead of first day of school
Edmonton Catholic Schools held a summit on Wednesday to introduce staff to Alberta's new curriculum.
A new English and math curriculum was implemented by the province back in April for Kindergarten to Grade 3, and a new physical education curriculum for Kindergarten to Grade 6.
“They're going to be able to not only take that knowledge back to their classrooms with them, but we're making sure they're going back with bags full of the actual resources like books and science materials, and math manipulatives to use with their students,” said Trish Roffey of Edmonton Catholic Schools.
The training is voluntary, and the board says about 400 teachers are participating.
Grade 1 teacher Natalie Zuberbuhler is one of them.
“I'm interested to see what's new and to compare and contrast and collaborate and talk about it,” she told CTV News Edmonton.
Zuberbuhler has been teaching for 17 years. She says it’s important to learn new teaching styles.
“Some kids only like to draw, some kids are very oral speakers, and so I think it's our duty as teachers to make sure that we're aware of their needs and meet them so they can ensure their success.”
The Alberta Teachers Association says by launching the new curriculum so close to the upcoming school year, the province hasn’t given teachers enough time to prepare.
“At the end of May into June when school is wrapping up to say, ‘Oh, by the way, you're going to be delivering a curriculum for three new grades.’ And some teachers are also piloting the new science curriculum on top of all of that. There wasn't enough runway time,” said Jason Schilling.
But he adds that no child will be left behind.
“Teachers are professionals and they'll make sure that the learning that needs to happen in their classrooms will happen.”
Edmonton Catholic Schools says teachers who weren’t able to participate in the summit this week will be provided support when school starts, adding the curriculum implementation is a process, not an event.
With files from CTV News Edmonton's Alison MacKinnon.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.