Jack Hayden
Drumheller-Stettler MLA
Fall signals the start of a new school year for students and teachers. This year, Alberta students will benefit from new programs and initiatives as Education continues to build and enhance our highly regarded education system.
Students, teachers, and parents can access many helpful tips and resources on Alberta Education’s online back-to-school toolkit to help them prepare for the school year.
The toolkit offers information on Alberta’s curriculum, educational and career planning, student achievement and testing, and more.
This year, Alberta Education introduced several innovative new initiatives to engage Albertans and seek their views on our education system.
Speak Out, which launched in September 2008, gives students a chance to share their ideas and experiences regarding education.
Another initiative, Inspiring Education: A Dialogue with Albertans, gathered input from Albertans about the future of education through a series of 10 public discussion sessions held across the province. This process will culminate in a three-day provincial conversation to be held from October 18 to 20 in Edmonton.
The 2009/10 school year also introduces a new Career and Technology Studies program that has been revised to engage students in learning opportunities that will lead them to discover their interests in practical and purposeful ways.
I encourage you to visit Alberta Education’s website at www.education.gov.ab.ca to find this valuable back-to-school information toolkit and to learn more about Speak Out and Inspiring Education: A Dialogue with Albertans.
The start of a new school year is more than just an annual event; it is a celebration of learning that is student-centered and strives to create thoughtful and engaged citizens.
Best wishes for a great school year!
As the MLA for the Drumheller-Stettler constituency - if you have any questions or concerns please contact one of my constituency offices at Stettler 742-4284; Hanna 854-4333; Drumheller 823-8181 or Edmonton 780-427-5041.