Budget tough on student learning, says ASBA
Release date: March 20, 2002
With the Alberta government in a belt-tightening mode, the Alberta School Boards
Association sees tough times ahead for student learning. ASBA President Michele
Mulder says school boards will be very hard-pressed to find the dollars to provide
key services to support student learning. “This budget increases the per
pupil grant by $128 – the cost of three textbooks – and that’s
not going to buy what we need to serve students well,” said Mulder. “Current
funding levels for public education do not meet the needs of students in Kindergarten
to Grade 12. There was pressure before this budget – it’s just going
to build.”
Mulder said school boards are gravely concerned with the government’s
decision to cap Credit Enrolment Units – in particular for Grade 10 students.
New restrictions will see CEUs for Grade 10 students capped at 37 and at 60
CEUs for Grade 11 and 12 students respectively.
“These caps are caps on learning opportunities for students – they
stifle student initiative and limit students’ ability to explore different
courses in the Grade 10 year,” said Mulder. The average Grade 10 student
takes 41 CEUs. “You have to wonder – does this mean the government
wants Grade 10 students to take ‘spares’ instead of going to classes?
School boards want students focused on learning.”
Mulder said the government’s decision to keep key construction projects
on hold means there is no relief in sight for students who need sound, comfortable
learning environments.
“Alberta’s public education system is under great strain. School
boards are concerned about student learning. We had hoped for relief in this
budget – it’s not there. In these troubled times, I hold out hope
for the proposed independent education commission. It is an opportunity to discuss
the challenges we face and to focus on the future. Let’s ask Albertans
– teachers, parents, taxpayers, everybody – what they want classrooms
and schools to look like. Let’s talk about class sizes, pupil teacher ratio,
funding – all the important questions. Then let’s get moving on the
findings and improve learning conditions for students. With a blueprint in hand,
we can move forward. This government must fund the public education system Albertans
dream of, for the students we serve and the communities that elect us.”
For more information contact: Michele Mulder, ASBA President
at 1.780.679.5627 (cell).
The Alberta School Boards Association serves and represents all Alberta’s public, separate and francophone school boards.
