As Alberta students prepare for success in a rapidly changing world, they need a strong foundation in reading, writing and mathematics, along with the modern skills required for future careers. That is why Alberta's government is making these skills a top priority.

As part of ongoing curriculum renewal, Alberta's government is releasing draft grades 7 to 9 science, physical education and wellness 10, and career and life management (CALM 10) curricula for optional classroom field testing this school year.

“The release of these new curricula is an important step for our education system and for our students. By strengthening career and financial skills education, we are helping students build the practical skills and confidence they need to make informed decisions, plan for their futures and succeed in a changing economy.”

Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education and Childcare

The renewed CALM 10 curriculum will equip students with knowledge and skills to explore career opportunities and manage money. A stronger focus on career planning, entrepreneurship and work-related learning will help students move successfully into rewarding careers they actually want to work in. Students will also develop their financial skills by learning about areas like saving, responsible spending, budgeting, banking and debt management.

“The Government of Alberta’s continued investment in career planning and financial literacy recognizes that education extends beyond academic achievement. Equipping students with the knowledge and skills to make responsible financial decisions, explore career pathways and discover their interests empowers them to make meaningful choices about their futures.”

Nicole Buchanan, board chair, Red Deer Public Schools

“Learning has greater purpose when students can see the pathways open to them. We are excited to see the renewed CALM curriculum strengthen career and financial literacy, giving students greater confidence, optimism and readiness for their futures.”

Bradey Thompson, co-founder and principal, Fusion Collegiate 

“Updating the CALM 10 curriculum will help students gain the knowledge and skills they need to manage their own finances and successfully enter rewarding career paths that excite them. Students will develop financial skills in saving, responsible spending, budgeting, banking and debt management. A stronger focus on career planning, entrepreneurship and work-integrated learning will support our goal for all Chinook's Edge students to graduate with skills that lead to a successful transition to post-secondary and careers.”

Holly Bilton, board chair, Chinook's Edge School Division

Learning to take care of our physical health and emotional wellness is an important foundation for learning and life. Through the new physical education and wellness 10 curriculum, students will build real-world skills to stay active, develop positive relationships and make healthy choices as they become more independent. This new draft curriculum builds on work already underway to bring physical education, health and life skills into one curriculum for students in Grade 7 and up.

At the same time, the draft grades 7 to 9 science curriculum introduces new topics intended to help junior high students strengthen their critical thinking, scientific literacy and evidence-based decision-making skills. Students will gain a deeper understanding of emerging areas, including artificial intelligence, sustainable agriculture, clean energy, forest management and science-related jobs.

This fall, Alberta Education and Childcare is inviting teachers to apply to participate in focus groups to field test the draft curricula in the 2026-27 school year. Education and Childcare will consider all feedback from classroom field testing to shape the draft curricula before optional piloting in 2027-28 and mandatory implementation in September 2028. Through Budget 2026, Alberta’s government is providing $41 million to support curriculum implementation in the 2026-27 school year.

Quick facts

  • The draft curricula and dedicated learning and teaching resources aligned with them are available online at New LearnAlberta to support teachers in optional field testing (a feedback stage prior to classroom piloting and implementation).
  • The draft curricula were developed with input from seven education partners, one First Nation education partner, two subject-area specialists, 35 stakeholder organizations and 93 teachers.
  • Since beginning the curriculum renewal process in 2019, Alberta’s government has worked with education partners to fully implement new curriculums in the following:
    • English language arts and literature (K to 6)
    • French first language and literature (K to 6)
    • French immersion language arts and literature (K to 6)
    • mathematics (K to 6)
    • physical education and wellness (K to 6)
    • science (K to 6)
    • social studies (K to 6)
  • Additional curriculum currently in development includes grades 7 to 9 mathematics, career education and financial literacy, social studies, and physical education and wellness. Ninety-eight school boards are piloting these curricula this school year, with mandatory implementation slated for September 2027.

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