Alberta releases final report in addressing classroom complexity

The Alberta government has released the final report from the Aggression and Complexity in Schools Action Team.

Last summer, the Aggression and Complexity in Schools Action Team was formed to help create recommendations that will help guide the province’s response to classroom complexity.

The report identifies key challenge areas and provides seven recommendations to address rising aggression and complexity in classrooms.

“Parents and teachers are telling us classrooms are more complex than ever, and they are right. Every child deserves a safe, calm learning environment where teachers can teach and students can learn. We will not accept violence or disruption as the new normal in Alberta schools,” said Alberta Premier Danielle Smith in a media release.

“I want to thank the action team and everyone who shared their experience so we can turn this report into real change in our schools. We will use these recommendations to develop practical solutions that make a real difference in the classroom.”

The 25-member action team engaged with educators, school administrators, education specialists, community partners, disability organizations and others to outline a detailed set of recommendations to enhance safety and support in schools.

The report outlines seven key recommendations, including:

• Design a new inclusive education policy framework.
• Ensure timely access to a continuum of supports.
• Facilitate collaboration within inclusive learning environments.
• Cross-ministry collaboration to ensure seamless transitions and supports.
• Expand and adapt early intervention programs.
• Strengthen pre-service programs.
• Enhance ongoing professional learning and capacity building.

A recently appointed Class Size and Complexity Cabinet Committee will use the recommendations to guide practical solutions and direct funding to where it is needed most.

Over the next three years, school boards will receive $300 million to hire 1,500 educational assistants, which will help provide students with the supports they need in the classroom the Alberta government said.

After hiring these educational assistants school boards may also use this $300 million to hire additional educational assistants or to secure other student supports, such as assessments for complex needs, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech-language pathology and other in-classroom supports.

The additional funding is on top of the funding allocated to hire 3,000 teachers.