Choice in Education Act erodes quality of public schools: critics
Raising concerns around the erosion of public education at the expense of increased supports to alternative schooling, the UCP government introduced the new Choice in Education Act in the legislature Thursday.
The new Bill 15 outlines several changes to the former Education Act overseeing the K-12 system, including the removal of school board oversight in charter school applications, approval of unsupervised home-schooling, and affirming supports to private and independent schools.
“School choice and the freedom of parents to direct their kids’ education is not a policy preference, it is a fundamental human right,” Premier Jason Kenney said at a news conference just hours before the legislation was tabled.
“The legislation enshrines the belief of Albertans in freedom, diversity, pluralism and choice. We believe that parents know better than politicians or bureaucrats about what is in the best interest of their kids.”
Under the previous Education Act, charter school applications had to first seek approval from their local school district while proving they are providing a unique program not offered in the public system.
Now, applications will go straight to the education minister, amid additional policy changes encouraging “vocational” charter schools, particularly at the high school level, which better prepare students for the workplace.
“We are committed to offering a number of education options that allow parents to select the path they feel will best help their children reach their full potential,” Education Minister Adriana Lagrange said.
“I am proud to say that Alberta is the leader in choice available to families, and provides parents with more opportunities for their children’s education than anywhere else in Canada.”
But the Alberta Teachers’ Association says the new legislation focuses too much on independent schools and does little to improve basic public education, which serves the overwhelming majority of Alberta students.
“Parents already have significant choice, and the vast majority choose public education,” said Jason Schilling, president of the Alberta Teachers’ Association.
“In Alberta, public education includes schools in public, separate and francophone school divisions; 93 per cent of Alberta’s students attend those schools. We believe that parents and teachers want to see those students supported most.”
Schilling added that while the support of independent schools is clear, expanding school choice must never come at the expense of public education.
“This year, private schools received a four per cent funding increase while public boards received about two per cent less. This is unfair and inequitable.”
As school divisions such as the Calgary Board of Education and the Calgary Catholic School District struggle with provincial funding shortfalls, Schilling says the ATA is hearing about program cuts and larger classes across the province.
“Addressing this issue should be the priority of government — not catering to a very small group of vocal private and home-school advocates.”
The ATA is equally concerned with a new policy that allows for “unsupervised” home-schooling, which only requires checking in with parents twice a year to ensure they follow Alberta curriculum.
Schilling argued home education should remain subject to accountability and oversight provided by public boards or private operators.
“Unsupervised home education should be a concern to all Albertans.”