Ms. Notley, please do your homework. We did NOT cancel the PUF program. In fact, the age for PUF students who can qualify for these supports is as early as 2 years, 8 months of age. (1/4)
Alberta is the only province in Canada who funds students with educational supports at this age. In addition to PUF, we expanded grants for students with language delays. (2/4)
Nov 9, 2022 • 5 tweets • 1 min read
I have been given a mandate that will help improve the education system for youth across our province. This will take place through three key objectives: expanding mental health supports for students...(1/4)
exploring short-term and long-term strategies to address the need for more education assistants in classrooms, and increasing educational opportunities for students across the province. (2/4)
Sep 29, 2022 • 4 tweets • 3 min read
Tomorrow is the Day for #TruthandReconciliation – a day to acknowledge the histories and legacies of residential schools, and to honour the survivors, their families & communities. It aligns with #OrangeShirtDay, which carries a very important message: #EveryChildMatters. (1/4) #AB’s government is committed to walking the path of reconciliation together with Indigenous peoples. Commemorating the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of this process. (2/4)
Sep 1, 2022 • 5 tweets • 1 min read
It’s disappointing to see some individuals within the education system and the public playing politics on what for many is the first day back at school. School authorities are extremely well-funded. 1/5 #AbEd
In fact, they are being funded at record levels and have saved tens of millions in operating reserves. I’m pleased to see that many school authorities have decided to spend those dollars in the classroom where they belong, and are hiring 1600 new teachers and support staff. 2/5
Feb 10, 2022 • 4 tweets • 1 min read
I’m aware of an email distribution error to approximately 70 participants in two draft K-6 curriculum engagement sessions that occurred recently. The emails were sent by the external vendor hired through a competitive process to conduct the virtual sessions. 1/4
In the RFP process, my department outlined expectations for protection of participant privacy to support frank, open dialogue on the draft K-6 curriculum and the vendor identified their plan appropriately. 2/4
Jan 21, 2022 • 5 tweets • 1 min read
Next week, we'll begin shipping 16.4 M medical-grade masks to Alberta school authorities. We'll continue this phased approach and in total, at the end of 8 weeks, students and staff will have received about 65.6 M masks.
We'll also begin shipping another 4.1 M rapid tests for our students and staff. In total we will provide Alberta school authorities with up to 8.6 M rapid tests, as required by school authorities.
Dec 9, 2021 • 6 tweets • 2 min read
Albertans were outraged to learn that the Alberta Teachers Association did not report to police the results of an internal investigation that revealed horrific instances of one of its members abusing his students. 1/6 #ableg#AbEd
This episode demonstrates that the ATA failed to protect students from a predatory teacher and it is clear that the ATA can no longer act as the investigator and the prosecutor for complaints against its members. 2/6
Nov 30, 2021 • 7 tweets • 1 min read
Like many Albertans, I was extremely concerned to hear the allegations that have been brought forward regarding a former Calgary Board of Education teacher.
Out of respect for the legal process that needs to take place, I cannot comment further on specifics of this case. 1/7
It is my expectation that the Calgary Board of Education fully cooperate with any investigation or legal proceedings that may take place. 2/7
Nov 12, 2021 • 5 tweets • 3 min read
This morning it was brought to my attention that there was an Alberta Education document entitled, “Guidelines for Recognizing Diversity and Promoting Respect”, which contains extremely concerning and completely unacceptable views. 1/5 #AbLeg
This was the first time that I or anyone in my office had seen this document, and I immediately instructed my department to remove it from all Alberta Education publications. 2/5 #AbLeg
Jan 11, 2021 • 4 tweets • 3 min read
Today, we welcome students across Alberta back to in-person learning. As students return to classrooms, the safety and well-being of staff and students continues to be our number one priority. 1/4 #abed#ableg
Alberta’s robust re-entry plan allows students to return safely with numerous health measures in place and was developed in consultation with @CMOH_Alberta, as well as education partners. 2/4 #abed#ableg
Aug 21, 2020 • 8 tweets • 3 min read
Earlier this week I met with the @albertateachers Executive to discuss school re-entry. One of their requests was that I engage with education partners and get their views on the ATA’s request to delay school re-entry. #AbEd#AbLeg (1/8)
While our re-entry plan, as written, already provides school boards with the ability to delay or stagger their start dates should they decide that it is in their local best interest, I agreed to further engage with education partners and get their views on this ATA request. (2/8)
Aug 8, 2020 • 11 tweets • 6 min read
Some have recently questioned the ability of Alberta’s government to purchase the requisite 1.6 million reusable masks in time for the start of K-12 classes this fall. Orders totalling 1.7 million have been placed. #abed#ableg 1/11 alberta.ca/release.cfm?xI…
The orders have been placed with IFR, an Alberta-based company, and with Old Navy. The total value of the mask contracts if $4.2 million. #abed#ableg 2/11
