Similar to other provinces in Canada, Alberta offers top-quality education in a number of places. Individuals who are planning to migrate to the area might be persuaded to make the move knowing that there are several opportunities for their children to get into the top school.
Postgraduate studies and special courses are also offered to individuals in various fields. The Alberta Legislature is generally responsible for creating laws about education. The body also makes and controls colleges and universities, both public and private.
Alberta is one of the most populous provinces in Canada and its economy is one of the strongest. Alberta is one of the known Canadian provinces because of its development, resources, and economy. In a lot of aspects, this province is highly developed. It has a constitutional monarchy type of government and has a large petroleum industry that significantly helped in the country’s industrialization and economic boost.
Brief Background of Alberta Education System
Church authorities and organizations used to create and regulate the first schools in Alberta. The first public school in Alberta was created in 1881 in the Northwest Territories. A system of education was developed in the following decade, making public education available in each community. Private schools were also established later on, upon compliance by the creators.
The education system in Alberta is said to be one of the world’s best. Generally, children in Alberta study for 12 years and complete both the elementary and secondary levels. Post-secondary education follows Grade 12. A person can choose between considering a post-secondary school or take into account the possibility of upgrading his skills. Despite the excellence in education, going to school in Alberta can be costly. But there are a number of financial assistance programs that are available for those who want to pursue their study. Below are the steps to further understand the education system of Alberta.
Currently, there are 42 public school jurisdictions and 17 operating separate school jurisdictions in the province. Among the 17, only one is Protestant while the rest comprises a Roman Catholic electorate. The Francophone education authorities are one of the biggest changes in Alberta education which were implemented after the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms in 1982. Now, there are five Francophone authorities available.
The K-12 System
The K-12 system is generally followed in Alberta, Canada with the support of the provincial government. Before school boards levied local taxes on the property but the government removed such for public school boards. Separate school boards, however, still continue to levy taxes. The objective is to funnel all funds from the property tax to support the K-12 system of education. The government also provides financial support for the K-12 system from the General Revenue Fund. Charter schools are also given financial help. Private schools and home schools get support to a certain degree while the balance is to be paid for by parents.
The school boards, private schools, and home schools use the Program of Studies and curriculum allowed and approved by the Alberta Education. Boards with a civil electorate are maximum financial support from the government. Some of the issues that are being addressed regarding the K-12 system in Alberta, Canada include accountability of school boards and employees, level of funds, control between the province and school board trustees, and other disputes.
Over 600,000 students are educated in the province. Overall, Alberta education is one of the most excellent available in the world. The University of Alberta is the oldest university. Other noteworthy schools include the University of Calgary, Mount Royal University, and the University of Lethbridge.
Alberta continues to create and develop programs to enhance the education and learning privileges of students regardless of age.