Introduction
The following policies, listed in alphabetical order, are mandatory; however, those responsible for implementing these policies have some flexibility in choosing the methods of implementation.
Daily Physical Activity Policy
To increase students’ physical activity levels, school authorities shall ensure that all students in Grades 1 to 9 are physically active for a minimum of 30 minutes a day through activities that are organized by the school. This policy is based on the belief that healthy students are better able to learn and that school communities provide supportive environments for students to develop positive habits needed for a healthy, active lifestyle. See the Daily Physical Activity section.
English as an Additional Language Policy
To support children and students who are learning English as an additional language (EAL), school authorities shall provide appropriate English language instruction that meets students’ diverse learning needs and develops language proficiency. Such programming is critical in helping EAL learners participate fully in Alberta’s ECS to Grade 12 education system, complete high school and become productive and contributing members of Canadian society. See English as an Additional Language on Alberta.ca.
Human Sexuality Education Policy
To ensure that students achieve learning outcomes prescribed by Alberta Education through the programs of study/curriculum, school jurisdictions and accredited private schools in providing grades 4 to 6 Physical Education and Wellness, Grades 7 to 9 Health and Life Skills, and Career and Life Management shall ensure that the human sexuality component is offered to all students. Under section 58.1 of the Education Act, parents must be provided with notice where courses of study, educational programs or instructional materials, or instruction or exercises, include subject matter that deals primarily and explicitly with religion or human sexuality. Where a parent makes a written request, a student shall be exempt, without academic penalty, from such instruction, course of study, educational program or use of instructional material. For more information, see Notice to parent under Section 58.1 of the Education Act.
Inclusive Education Policy
Alberta’s education system is built on a values-based approach to accepting responsibility for all children and students. Inclusion is a way of thinking and acting that demonstrates universal acceptance of, and belonging for, all children and students.
To support children and students in attaining the goals as stated in the Ministerial Order on Student Learning, school authorities must ensure that all children and students (Kindergarten to Grade 12), regardless of race, religious belief, colour, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical disability, mental disability, family status or sexual orientation, or any other factor(s), have access to meaningful and relevant learning experiences that include appropriate instructional supports.
For more information, see Inclusive Education.
Learning Commons Policy
To support students in attaining the goals and standards as stated in the Ministerial Order on Student Learning, school authorities must ensure that students have access to a learning commons. A learning commons is an inclusive, flexible, learner-centred, physical and/or virtual space for collaboration, inquiry, imagination and play to expand and deepen learning.
For more information, see the Learning Commons section.
Locally Developed Courses Policy
School authorities offering locally developed courses must adhere to the approval processes and requirements contained in the Locally Developed Courses section of the Guide. School authorities offering locally developed religious studies courses must ensure that course content includes a comparative study of other major world religions.
For more information, see the Locally Developed Courses section of the Guide.
Student Assessment Policy
To assist in improving programs, establishing and maintaining standards, and improving student achievement, school jurisdictions and all accredited schools (funded and non-funded) shall develop, document, keep current and implement student assessment policies and procedures for conducting continuous assessments and evaluations of student learning in education programs that provide for:
- accurate, fair and equitable student assessment
- the student’s right of appeal and procedures for appeal
- the role of the student and the teacher in assessments
- the use of assessment information for the improvement of the quality of educational programs
- timely communication of assessment information to students, parents and school councils
For more information, see the Program Administration and delivery sections of the table of contents for Student Assessment: Kindergarten to Grade 9 and Student Assessment in Senior High School sections.
Teacher Growth, Supervision and Evaluation Policy
School jurisdictions, accredited private schools, ECS operators, superintendents, principals and teachers must work together to develop and implement policy to ensure that all teachers practise consistently in keeping with the Teaching Quality Standard. For more information, see the Teacher Growth, Supervision and Evaluation Policy on Alberta.ca.
Use and Reporting of Results on Provincial Assessments Policy
School authorities shall analyze, interpret and report provincial grades 6 and 9 assessment results and Grade 12 diploma examination results, and use these assessment results to complement locally designed and administered student assessment procedures that assess the quality and effectiveness of education provided to students and to improve student learning. For more information, see: