Premier Smith Launches Task Force to Tackle Classroom Challenges

Premier Danielle Smith announced the formation of a task force aimed at addressing the complexities within Alberta’s classrooms, promising significant changes for teachers, students, and families. The newly established 11-person class size and complexity task force will begin its work “almost immediately,” according to Smith, during her regular Saturday radio broadcast on March 15, 2023.

The task force, co-chaired by Smith and Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides, includes a representative from the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) and various ministers and school board superintendents. Teachers currently working in classrooms will not be members of this group, as the province plans to create a separate teacher advisory council.

Smith emphasized the need for cross-ministry coordination to support students with complex needs. “Some of them might have files with children’s services, so we’ve got the children’s services minister at the table,” she explained. The committee will also include representatives from mental health, assisted living, and social services to ensure a comprehensive approach to educational support.

The composition of the committee features key figures such as Jason Nixon, Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services; Rick Wilson, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction; and Searle Turton, Minister of Child and Family Services. Other members include superintendents and representatives from various school boards, highlighting a collaborative effort to address classroom challenges.

Smith described the current classroom environments as “mind-blowing,” citing instances where teachers manage classes of over 31 students, with many having severe complex needs. She noted, “We’ve got to leverage all the resources of government to be able to help to solve this problem.”

The task force aims to set guidelines for tracking class size and composition, develop new inclusive education policies, and implement recommendations from previous action teams focused on aggression and complexity in the classroom. Smith highlighted the importance of utilizing existing resources efficiently, particularly in areas where the need for support is greatest.

The need for additional educational resources is particularly evident in Alberta’s larger cities, including Edmonton, Calgary, and Red Deer. Smith stated that the committee will identify classrooms with the highest complexity and allocate resources accordingly, aiming to create a calmer teaching environment.

In light of the recent provincewide strike that lasted nearly three and a half weeks, the establishment of this task force marks a critical step. The province invoked the notwithstanding clause to mandate teachers return to work. Smith expressed her commitment to resolving the issues facing teachers and students, stating, “If there isn’t enough teacher resources, we’ll find that out through the process.”

With approximately 750,000 students in Alberta and around 51,000 teachers, the task force’s efforts are essential to address the overwhelming challenges within the educational system. Smith’s administration is determined to implement changes that will improve the learning environment and better support the needs of students across the province.