Feb. 28, 2020 Update | Next Phase of Active Engagement Postponed to Fall 2020
We have decided to postpone the next phase of active engagement until Fall 2020. This change does not affect the overall timeline of the decision, which will still be made and communicated by October 2021. It also does not affect our commitment to have two active engagement phases between now and the final decision. Changes to the timeline are reflected in the updated Engagement Roadmap.
The primary reason for postponing the next phase of active engagement is so we can gain a clear and common understanding of Alberta Education’s new funding and assurance model and what it means for the CBE. As we gain this understanding, it’s possible we will recognize the need to make adjustments that could affect the options we develop for high schools.
We are continuing to work strategically to develop options for high schools that are sustainable into the future. Taking the time this spring to gain a strong understanding of the new funding and assurance model and its impacts will aid us in this work.
Watch for more news and updates in upcoming editions of our High School Engagement e-newsletter and on this webpage.
Fall 2019 In-Person Sessions and Online Engagement Opportunities
We held 12 in-person sessions and offered online engagement opportunities for staff, students and parents. We have prepared a summary report; verbatim responses are also available for review:
Student Voice - Encouraging Student Participation
Capturing student voice in the high school engagement process is important. It's their education, after all. We offered incentives to help drive up participation in the student online engagement opportunity last fall.
Schools registered to have leadership students participate for a chance to win 'Pizza with the Big Cheese', a pizza party with Christopher Usih, Chief Superintendent of Schools. Leadership students were asked to help increase participation of their peers in the online engagement. And it worked! Over 600 students participated. The winning student groups were:
- 'Us to You' led by Naomi Mabbott at Ethel M. Johnson School
- Leadership, Option Class led by Tonia Bates at Harold Pannabaker School
- Intro./ Intermediate/ Advanced Leadership class led by Polly Chow at Lord Beaverbrook High School
Every student who completed the survey was also entered to win one of three $100 Cineplex Gift Cards. The lucky winners were:
- Cole at Ethel M. Johnson School
- Jessica at Nose Creek School
- Josh at Central Memorial High School
Watch for more incentives designed to increase student voice when we gather feedback on scenarios.
Background
Over the next two years, we will be asking for your input and feedback on how we can balance student enrolment across 20 of our high schools. Within the next five years, our projections show that 10 CBE high schools will be operating between 100 and 150 per cent of their capacity, while seven high schools will be operating between 50 and 85 per cent of their capacity. Only three high schools are projected to be within the balanced utilization range (85-100 per cent) that best supports student learning.
When student enrolment at a school is either too high or too low it affects student access, flexibility and choice in programming and extracurricular activities including athletics and clubs for students. It simply does not make sense to have several schools with an abundance of available space while many others are full beyond their capacity.
Who is affected?
Decisions will be made by October 2021 with implementation occurring in the 2022-23 school year.
Students in Grade 7 in the 2019-20 school year will be entering Grade 10 the year changes are implemented. This means students in Grade 7 and below will be most affected by the changes we make.
While current high school students will not be affected by changes, their perspectives on the high school experience are a valuable piece of the conversation and will help us in the decision-making process.
Get involved, share your ideas and help us balance enrolment in our high schools.
High School Overview Sheets
Note | Most communications related to high school engagement will be directed to families with students in Grades 5 to 9. If you would like to receive all communications and do not have a student in this grade range, please subscribe to email updates (see righthand sidebar for subscription form).
