Alberta re-vamps social studies curriculum

Alberta is moving forward with a new plan to re-vamp the social studies curriculum.

Since 2021, kids in Kindergarten to Grade 6 have seen new learning materials in Math and English.

But the province had to go back to the drawing board on social studies after widespread criticism the material wasn’t age appropriate, like focusing on the fall of Rome and the reign of Charlemagne in Grade 2, as well as the lack of mention of residential schools before Grade 4.

In a statement, Alberta’s new Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides stresses his office has spent the last two years gathering feedback, saying he hopes the changes “will empower students to develop important life skills, such as problem-solving and critical thinking, while fostering their ability to articulate ideas and understand diverse world views.”

Minister Nicolaides added, “As minister of education, I envision a social studies curriculum that will empower students to develop important life skills, such as problem-solving and critical thinking, while fostering their ability to articulate ideas and understand diverse world views.

“I am confident this engagement process with teachers, parents, Indigenous, Métis, multicultural and francophone leaders, subject matter experts, school boards and others will build a comprehensive curriculum that sets our students up for a lifetime of success.”

The province is still gathering some feedback from teachers and parents this month, with the new material will be tested in classrooms next school year.