Education
Families Seek Alternatives as Alberta Schools Remain Closed

As negotiations between the Alberta Teachers’ Association and the provincial government resume after the long weekend, families are faced with the immediate challenge of school closures. With schools likely to remain shut for several days, numerous organizations have stepped in to provide educational alternatives.
Among these offerings are the educational camps at Telus Spark, which aim to serve as temporary solutions for students. According to Jen Duffy, the Telus Spark school science connections manager, these camps are designed to align with the existing science curriculum. “These SparkEd Camps are curricular-connected to their science curriculum. So, they are designed to enhance what they would be learning in the classroom,” she explained.
Currently, approximately 700,000 public and separate school students in Alberta are seeking ways to continue their education. For many, this means staying at home and attempting to work on assignments independently. Eleven-year-old Jordan expressed the difficulties of keeping pace with his studies, noting, “It is a little difficult to stay on track.”
While several camps are available, parents are finding it challenging to locate suitable options. Kera Redlack, who enrolled her daughter Heidi in Telus Spark’s program, described the search process as a “bit of an all-over-the-city tour.” She noted that many camps primarily cater to younger children, but Telus Spark offers great options for kids up to age twelve.
The camps not only provide a structured learning environment but also the opportunity for children to make new friends and engage in hands-on activities. “I like how we can do experiments with the things that we learn,” said Heidi, emphasizing the value of the camp experience.
Despite the positive aspects of these camps, the situation imposes additional time and financial burdens on families. Redlack acknowledged the disruption caused by the school closures, stating, “We 100 percent support the teachers. We want to see classrooms and education that is meaningful, empowering and provides the right resources. So, we’re here for the long haul, but it’s certainly a disruption to our lives.”
Bargaining discussions between the province and the teachers’ association are set to recommence on March 4, 2024. If a settlement is reached, teachers will require time to review and vote on the agreement, a process that has previously taken up to five days. Duffy expressed hope for a swift resolution, saying, “I want a good resolution for our students here in Alberta.”
Both Jordan and Heidi voiced their concerns regarding the learning environment at home. “I just hope it ends soon because it is much harder to learn at home than it is at school,” Jordan remarked. Similarly, Heidi advocated for smaller class sizes, recalling her experience with 32 students in her previous class as overwhelming.
If negotiations fail to produce an agreement, the provincial government may mandate teachers to return to work. This scenario could lead to the suspension of extracurricular activities, including field trips. Duffy highlighted the potential impact on educators, stating, “If teachers are mandated back to work, then we would struggle to have work for our educators.”
As families navigate this period of uncertainty, the hope for a resolution remains at the forefront. The situation underscores the broader implications of educational disruptions and the importance of ensuring quality learning environments for students across Alberta.
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