Parents can now access an online tool that will allow them to find out what their child is learning and how they might be assessed for every subject and grade level at school.
The program was developed by the Alberta government in consultation with Alberta School Councils’ Association, Federation des Parents Francophones de l’Alberta, and parents from across the province.
They participated in online surveys and focus groups to help with the systems development.
Alberta is the first jurisdiction in Canada to create an interactive tool of this kind for parents.
“This online tool is one of many ways in which we are engaging with parents about their child’s education,” said Education Minister Thomas Lukaszuk.
“In addition to course and subject matter, parents can also use the tool to explore online learning materials to help their child with their studies.”
Parents wanted plain language descriptions about subject matter as well as ability to link the resource via mobile devices such as smartphones.
“It makes sense to offer parents one primary source to access learning information for their child, which can then be used in discussions with their child’s teachers,” said Marilyn Sheptycki, president of school councils association.
The new tool replaces Curriculum Handbooks for Parents and Curriculum Summaries and give parents greater flexibility to create an individualized learning profile for their child based on grade and subject level.
The resource is available by visiting www.mychildslearning.alberta.ca for English and www.apprentissagedemonenfant.alberta.ca for French.