SOFA

UPDATED POST WITH NEW FAQ’S FROM ALBERTA EDUCATION

AND MINUTES FROM MEETING

On Monday, February 1st, Joan Engel, Christine Bouchard, and Shelley Wells from Alberta Education presented at the SOFA meeting in Calgary to clarify and discuss proposed changes to fine arts education in Alberta.   Approximately one hundred and fifty were in attendance – parents, students, educators, entertainment industry officials, Harry Chase (Liberal MLA for Calgary Varsity) and Kent Hehr (Liberal MLA for Calgary Buffalo).

During the presentation a number of key issues were addressed:

• Alberta Education has received a substantial amount of feedback and they are currently tabulating and considering the comments.
• It was stated that their goal is to create a curriculum that fits within Alberta Education’s “Inspired Education” philosophy
• We were informed that the date for implementation for the new curriculum (Elementary) has been extended by two years to 2014
• They acknowledge that the 1 credit 25 hour instruction option at Senior High Level is not acceptable to a large majority of people
• It was clarified that the process to create Locally Developed Courses (LDC’s) is through each School District and then approved by Alberta Education.

Other issues discussed by those present included the following:

• Great concern was expressed over the Alberta Government’s desire to cut $80 Million plus out of the education budget and how this could impact the progress of fine arts education curriculum revision.  Joan and Christine were not in a position to address this issue as it is beyond the scope of their responsibilities.
• It was brought to their attention that there may not be enough qualified teachers and teaching resources to be able to successfully launch the new curriculum once it has been developed
• Some discussion was held whether or not fine arts education courses should become compulsory.
• There was some confusion as to whether or not the LDC’s which focus on fine arts education (e.g. band ensembles, choir, and drama) will continue to exist in the future. These courses are designated by  last two numbers being “15”.  Ms. Engel indicated it is up to local School Boards to submit proposals for LDC’s to Alberta Education for approval. Furthermore, if another School District wishes to use one of the LDC’s they have to first of all obtain permission from the District that produced the course.

It was made quite clear at the meeting that our next step would be to encourage as many visual arts, dance and drama representatives to become involved with SOFA to strengthen our position.

Further, it was also stressed that we, as concerned citizens of Alberta, should continue to make representation to our elected officials stressing the importance of a good arts education program.

Please take time to view the PowerPoint presentation made by Bill Campbell and Lyle Bennett (SOFA Co-chairs), CLICK HERE.   To review the minutes from the meeting taken by our SOFA Secretary, CLICK HERE

We’ve extended the invitation to Alberta Education to send us a copy of their presentation for posting on our site and respond in writing to the questions submitted during the meeting.  However, they referred us back to their website where they’ve recently updated some of their Frequently Asked Questions.  To view their updated FAQ’s, CLICK HERE

Before our meeting, CBC News Radio (Calgary) aired an interview with Lyle Bennett.  In addition, both Global Television and CityTV (Breakfast Television) attended our meeting and taped a number of interviews. To view Global Television’s broadcast, CLICK HERE, and under the “Global Calgary Top Stories” tab, you will find the video entitled “Fine Arts Cuts”.

Thank you very much for your support in the past and to everyone who was able to attend our meeting.  SOFA also wishes to thank Joan, Christine, and Shelley for presenting at the meeting.