Editorial
Keeping more students in school and giving them good opportunities to pursue career goals will benefit all Albertans over the long term by creating a vibrant and well-educated workforce.
While investments in infrastructure such as hospitals and roadways are also important, there is no better way to spend public money than on education.
As such the Redford government's announcement last week that it will spend $11 million over the next three years on the new provincial dual credit strategy is welcome news for all Alberta communities.
Under the strategy, students will be given a chance to access high school credits and post-secondary credits at the same time, giving the participants a good and worthwhile boost along their chosen career paths.
“We want more students to have the option to pursue their passions and future career goals,” said Premier Alison Redford. “The dual credit strategy gives students a leg up as they prepare to jump into the workforce and help us keep growing the economy.
“The initiative will serve as a catalyst for schools, publicly funded post-secondary institutions, and businesses to grow and expand dual credit opportunities across the province.”
The $11-million funding will “support schools, post-secondary institutions and businesses as they partner to deliver opportunities for students to earn both high school and post-secondary credits for the same course,” she says.
The credits, which can lead to workplace certification or advanced standing in post-secondary programs, are offered in a wide range of areas, including in the construction and health-care fields.
Minister of Human Services Dave Hancock says the new program will “engage students in their learning through pathways that open their possible futures; motivate students to finish high school; inspire students to learn, work and live in the local community; and give students the confidence to transition from high school to post-secondary and/or the workplace.”
If this new $11-million investment by Alberta taxpayers proves successful in achieving the goals outlined by the premier and Minister Hancock, it will be great news for Alberta for years to come.
Of course, this one program is only part of the process of creating a healthy and vibrant long-term workforce in Alberta.
As Premier Redford hopefully knows full well, Alberta students also need modern and well-maintained schools, and teachers and staff who are fairly treated and compensated.
On the other hand, does anyone believe it is a good idea to see education turned into a political pawn where the government and opposition parties strive to score points as parents and students watch on from the sidelines, as Albertans have been seeing in recent weeks?
