Nathan Neudorf speaks on new elementary school curriculum draft

A draft elementary school curriculum released by the Alberta government on Monday stresses fundamentals in math, literacy along with how to research and to think critically.

Education Minister, Adrianna LaGrange, says parents of younger students asked for a move away from what she calls “education fads” and “unproven methods” of learning. NDP education critic, Sarah Hoffman, says she is relieved that computer science skills, and financial literacy are in the draft curriculum.

Hoffman does say, however, that LaGrange failed by not including First Nations history until Grades 4 and 5 when instruction on European history starts in Grade 1.

Lethbridge East MLA Nathan Neudorf shared his reaction to some of the pushback on this new curriculum. 

“I believe that it’s all there, and the curriculum does include it — First Nations, Metis, and Inuit content. In varying degrees,” says Neudorf “there’s varying degrees whether we’re talking about math, or linguistics”.

The Lethbridge School Division (LSD) shared a statement with Bridge City News on behalf of School Division Board of Trustees Chair Christine Light:

“Lethbridge School Division is carefully examining the revised curriculum and will be taking time over the next few weeks to study all the information in detail. Our staff will use this time to review the draft curriculum in the various subject areas. “We certainly appreciate the fact there are opportunities for both the public and for teachers to provide feedback,” says Light.

“It is essential that our Division participates in this next phase of the process to ensure our students are delivered a curriculum that not only reflects the diversity within our community but empowers every student the skills and abilities needed to engage the world as innovative thinkers who are successful, confident, respectful and caring”.