It's time to get public education back on track.
We have lots to be proud of regarding the state of education in
our province, such as recent research stating that Alberta ranks
second in the WORLD for reading and science. However, we did so
while having the lowest per-student public education funding in
all of Canada. That’s right, dead last, and to make matters worse,
in Alberta, based on a per-capita GDP, we’re indeed the wealthiest
province in Canada. The results of public education not getting the
proper funding it needs to effectively run our schools is self-evident
in classrooms all across Alberta. Classrooms are over-filled from
recommended guidelines, diverse programs are being cut, and there
is less teaching support for complex student needs. The
compounding effects of these issues has seen distraught teachers in
our province leave their chosen profession altogether. It’s time for
solutions, STOP THE EXCUSES!
Alberta ranks last in education spending
85 per cent of teachers reported seeing a dramatic increase in the complexity and diversity of student needs in 2022
(Alberta Teachers’ Association,forthcoming).
The policy of inclusion of students with special needs is a best practice in education, but
additional supports for students must
be readily available for inclusion to be successful.
Albertans have spoken, and the majority agree that more needs to be done.
When asked about the amount the Alberta
government spends on public schools, more
than two-thirds of Albertans (68 per cent) say the
government is not spending enough. Just under
one in four (23 per cent) believe government is
spending the right amount. Very few believe the
government is spending too much (four per cent)
or are unsure (five per cent).*
* Based on the results of the Perceptions of Education in Alberta Survey conducted between August 11 and 28, 2023. The data is included with permission from Janet Brown Opinion Research.
* Based on the results of the Perceptions of Education in Alberta Survey conducted between August 11 and 28, 2023. The data is included with permission from Janet Brown Opinion Research.
72% of Albertans believe that
class sizes are too big.
The payoff from class size reduction is greatest for children from low-income, marginalized
and vulnerable populations.
* Based on the results of the Perceptions of Education in Alberta Survey conducted between August 11 and 28, 2023. The data is included with permission from Janet Brown Opinion Research.
* Based on the results of the Perceptions of Education in Alberta Survey conducted between August 11 and 28, 2023. The data is included with permission from Janet Brown Opinion Research.
In 2021/22, 50 school boards incurred costs related to
supporting special needs that exceeded the amount of
funding they were provided. The shortfall in funding
for inclusion and ESL supports totalled $200
million across the province.
* Based on calculations using data from school board funding profiles,school board budget
reports and school board audited financial statements. These reports and statements are
available on the Government of Alberta’s website at
www.alberta.ca/k-12-educationfinancial-statements.
Join the movement for getting proper funding.
Add your voice to the growing voice of Albertans who are tired of inadequate funding for public schools and teachers.
