Strategic Alliance for Alberta Students with Learning Challenges is a grassroots group concerned that students with learning challenges are not receiving timely, appropriate or adequate supports and resources to maximize their learning potential. The society is actively advocating for changes to the education system that would support children with learning challenges.
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Approximately 11% of Alberta students are currently coded for special education needs (Special Education Statistics, Diverse Learners. 2014/2015. Alberta Education). These are the most vulnerable students in our education system, and it is critical that these students be adequately supported. This is not only important for them to reach their full academic potential but also for them to reach their lifelong personal potential.
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If their needs are not addressed, it has been shown that these vulnerable children will cost society more in the future costs in the form of under/unemployment, increased mental and physical health challenges. This ultimately increases their involvement with social services, health care and the criminal justice system. If given the right interventions early, these children will become successful, productive, contributing members of society.
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Approximately 11% of Alberta students are currently coded for special education needs (Special Education Statistics, Diverse Learners. 2014/2015. Alberta Education). These are the most vulnerable students in our education system, and it is critical that these students be adequately supported. This is not only important for them to reach their full academic potential but also for them to reach their lifelong personal potential.
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If their needs are not addressed, it has been shown that these vulnerable children will cost society more in the future costs in the form of under/unemployment, increased mental and physical health challenges. This ultimately increases their involvement with social services, health care and the criminal justice system. If given the right interventions early, these children will become successful, productive, contributing members of society.
Our Vision
If children receive targeted, appropriate supports at the right intensity and earliest opportunity, they can go on to achieve high levels of success. We want to ensure all Alberta students with learning challenges receive the necessary supports to meet their special needs. Our goal is to ensure every child has what they need to be successful in our education system.
Our Mission
To achieve our vision, we are advocating for increased resources for students with learning challenges, accountability and the implementation of the Standards for Special Education, Amended June 2004 (Standards), and teachers’ professional development in learning challenges faced by students.
To work towards these goals, we believe the following must be done:
We believe that implementing the above strategies would have an immediate, positive impact on all Alberta students and their learning.
To work towards these goals, we believe the following must be done:
- Mandatory early screening for learning and developmental challenges.
- Enhanced teacher training specifically for all learning challenges.
- Implementation of the Learning Commission's classroom size recommendations. Class composition must be considered when determining class sizes, specifically in core subject areas.
We believe that implementing the above strategies would have an immediate, positive impact on all Alberta students and their learning.
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