Alberta's government said it will engage with education partners to develop a new junior high and career education curriculum. According to the province, this effort will aim to improve student success and align future junior high curriculum with the recently updated elementary curriculum. The government plans to release the draft curriculum in the spring of 2025.
Following that, school authorities will have the option to pilot the new curriculum in classrooms during the 2025-26 school year and provide additional feedback to refine the content further.
The curriculum development will focus on grades 7-9 mathematics, social studies, physical education and wellness, and grades 7-10 career and life management (CALM). Education partners, including teachers, school boards, and subject experts, will provide input on the content, emphasizing ensuring the courses reflect the skills needed for career readiness.
"We are committed to providing students with a strong and modern curriculum that sets them up for success," said Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education. "The expertise and insights of our education partners are essential as we work together to build a comprehensive curriculum that will inspire a passion for learning."
Part of the engagement will focus on career education, financial literacy, life skills, and home maintenance. According to the government, this input will guide the development of the curriculum to meet student's needs better and prepare them for academic success and life beyond school.
The Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) has supported the ongoing consultation process. Marilyn Dennis, ASBA president, stated, “ASBA appreciates the opportunity for our member school boards to contribute to the curriculum engagement process.”
In November 2024, education partners, including school leaders and First Nations education directors, will review draft curriculum materials. The Alberta Teachers' Association and school authorities will also work to recruit teachers to review and provide feedback on the draft content.
"Collaborative curriculum development ensures that Alberta’s education system evolves with the needs of students," said Dr. Clint Moroziuk, president of the College of Alberta School Superintendents. "We look forward to providing feedback that ensures students will be empowered with both academic success and career readiness."
Since the 2022-23 school year, a new curriculum has been implemented in six subjects for grades K-6, including English language arts, mathematics, physical education and wellness, French first language, French immersion language arts, and science.
This school year, 62 school authorities are piloting draft K-6 social studies curriculum in over 500 schools across Alberta. Additionally, junior high and career education curriculum will be piloted beginning in the 2025-26 school year.
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