Editorial
A recently formed provincial task force that will be reviewing the roles and responsibilities of Alberta's teachers over the next three months has a big job ahead.
The Task Force for Teaching Excellence will also see members conduct public consultations and make recommendations on possible future legislation related to teaching and other education professions.
In launching the initiative, Education Minister Jeff Johnson acknowledged that the task force's work and findings would be of great public interest.
“The task force will make recommendations on how we can better support Alberta's teachers to ensure every student has the best chance at success,” said Johnson.
“Education in Alberta must be delivered differently if Alberta's education system is to become truly collaborative and inclusive. The system must encourage and support creativity, innovation and entrepreneurialism to attain the highest possible standards and to ensure every student's success.”
With education touching most Alberta families, and in particular those with school-age children, the outcome of the task force's work could have far-reaching impacts across the province for years to come.
As such, it is hoped that the Redford government will make a concerted effort to implement any worthwhile recommendations coming out of the process.
At the same time, Albertans would be very disappointed if it turns out, in the end, that the task force was nothing more than political posturing by the PCs in the critical education arena.
While the Alberta Teachers' Association, which represents educators in every town and city in this province, has come out in support of the task force, it has also raised concerns.
In particular the association is concerned that it was not asked to name a representative on the task force. (Instead, the minister unilaterally appointed a member).
“A key piece of developing the supports teachers need has to include listening to teachers,” said ATA president Mark Ramsankar. “We look forward to hearing how the voice of teachers and their professional association will be included in this process.”
The association expects that the task force's recommendations will be presented to the teacher development and practice advisory committee for comments, he said.
In particular the association will expect that “any major legislative, regulatory or policy shift regarding the (teaching) profession will be vetted at that committee prior to government consideration,” he said.
It is in the best interest of Alberta as a whole that, as Minister Johnson says, “every student has the best chance at success.”
Hopefully this new task force will be able to put aside political wrangling and focus its efforts entirely on the very big and important job it has been given.
