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On Saturday afternoon, chants of “support public education” rang out on the grounds of the Alberta Legislative Assembly as crowds gathered to demand a better system.
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The rally was held on the steps of the Alberta Legislative Assembly and called for funding, small class sizes and a “positive” curriculum. Albertans from Calgary and Southern Alberta drove through the snow to attend Saturday’s rally, with Northern Albertans and local teachers and parents also showing their support.
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Among the myriad of signs emphasizing the importance of public education and the scarves of the red “Public Education Stand” flying in the sky is an Edmonton public school teacher and parent of two daughters, ages 14 and 16. There was a certain Chris and Karen Fedun.
Chris said it was important for his family to attend the rally.
“The main message for me is that no matter which party is in power, education needs to be at the forefront because of the impact it has on our communities,” he said. said.
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“Currently, we are faced with many large classes, students without support, international students who do not speak the language, and we do not even have an EA to support us. That student who has to struggle alone and sadly.
Karen said governments in power need to prioritize Alberta’s education system.
“If our money goes to public funding, we can provide more resources to our students,” she said.
Chris added that his daughters will also attend the rally and watch their parents “set an example.”
“I wanted them to understand that education is important to all Albertans, not just because we are teachers, but because we are teachers,” he said. I added that I understand the value and want to help. .
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Wendy Parc has traveled from Edson for Saturday’s rally. She held up a sign that read, “My grandson deserves better.”
Polk said she was upset about the current government’s curriculum plans and worried about her grandson, who is currently in kindergarten. He added that there are, but their voices are not being heard.
“Never give up,” she said. “I don’t know if Daniel Smith will listen, but look at the people here. It’s nothing more than
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The meeting was co-hosted by the Alberta Teachers Association (ATA) and the Association of Alberta School Councils (ASCA).
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ATA President Jason Schilling concluded the meeting with a list of public education needs.
“We want our classes to be small so that our students have the best opportunity to learn from our teachers. We want a modern, diverse and forward-thinking curriculum…all students and their We want a curriculum that embraces reality and truly allows every student to see themselves and their families,” Schilling said.
“We want a comprehensive school plan that addresses the complex needs of our students, especially after the difficult years of the last few years. And we are seeking funding to fully support it.”
Schilling wants to keep the momentum of the rally going into the 2023 local elections. He added that ATA, ASCA and ATA locals across Alberta will be hosting community conversations over the next few months and public education advocates will be invited to share their ideas.
ktaniguchi@postmedia.com
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