Alberta Teachers Association Advocates for Action on Class Sizes

The Alberta Teachers Association (ATA) expressed cautious optimism following the provincial government’s announcement of a new Class Size and Complexity Cabinet Committee. The ATA emphasized the urgent need for action to address longstanding concerns regarding class sizes and the complexities of classroom environments.

The committee includes key figures such as Premier Danielle Smith and Minister of Education and Childcare Demetrios Nicolaides, along with other ministers and representatives from school boards and the ATA. This initiative aims to tackle issues highlighted by teachers over the past two years, particularly the challenges posed by large class sizes and insufficient support systems in schools.

ATA President Jason Schilling stated, “Over the last two years, teachers have voiced concerns about class sizes, complexity and a lack of supports.” He noted that it took the collective action of 51,000 teachers and school leaders to prompt the government to take this step. Schilling emphasized that the ATA will bring teachers’ expertise and lived experiences to the committee to develop practical solutions for improving classroom conditions.

The committee is also responsible for guiding the development of a new inclusive education policy framework. Schilling acknowledged that while teachers would have preferred to see these solutions incorporated into a collective agreement, they are ready to collaborate with the government. “We have the evidence, the expertise, and the solutions that we know are working in our classrooms,” he said, indicating the ATA’s commitment to working constructively with the government.

The province plans to release a report from the Aggression and Complexity in Schools Action Team, which was completed in June, as part of the committee’s efforts to formulate actionable solutions. Schilling reiterated the necessity for swift decisions that would allocate funds and implement recommendations effectively in schools.

Minister Demetrios Nicolaides echoed the sentiment of urgency, stating, “We heard teacher concerns, and we are providing solutions. The Class Size and Complexity Cabinet Committee will help us take immediate action and ensure teachers and students are given the support they need to succeed.”

While the ATA is hopeful, there remains uncertainty regarding the implications of the injunction related to Bill 2, which could affect the teachers’ ability to strike. Schilling expressed confidence that parents and community members are increasingly aware of the significance of public education. “There’s no going back to the way things were in terms of people not understanding the impacts of lack of funding in education,” he noted. He believes that the support from parents will be pivotal in advocating for necessary changes.

In contrast, the opposition party, the Alberta New Democrats (NDP), criticized the government for its delayed response to these issues. Shadow Minister for Education Amanda Chapman pointed out that the UCP government had previously rejected a bill aimed at addressing classroom size and complexity in 2023. “It’s unfortunate it took this long for this government to realize how important this work is,” she said, urging for prompt action to create safe and supportive learning environments for both teachers and students.

As discussions continue, the focus remains on ensuring that classroom conditions improve, providing both teachers and students with the necessary support to thrive. The ATA has pledged to hold the government accountable for its commitments, as the educational landscape in Alberta navigates these challenging issues.