Attention students of Alberta! I’m talking K-12!
With the recession, the deficit and increasing strain on our spending, the provincial government is proposing cuts all across the board. We already know this – the controversial elimination of written diplomas in sciences and maths have caused quite the stir already. Now, the government has gone a step further (too far, in my opinion).
The proposed curriculum changes “provide vision and direction for new programs of study” (Alberta Education). What this means is:
–Â Fine Arts courses would change from being full, term long (125hr, 5 credit) courses into modules (25hrs, 1 credit). This would mean, if you wanted to take “Educational Arts” you would take (in grade 10) Tap Dance, Acting, Jazz Band, Drawing, and Arts Education (art history and careers). You would have to take ALL 5 classes.
– There is a possibility that large-scale school art communities (such as bands, choirs and dance troups) would be eliminated entirely.
–Â The courses would be based on “exploring” arts as a whole, instead of “focusing” on a discipline. This is applied, also, to High School (where we should be focusing on a discipline!)
–  This would result in the elimination of connection courses between Jr. High and High School (such as band or painting) because Jr. Highs would not have the same art courses as High Schools
Many people are upset about this new framework. What will it achieve, besides less focus on the arts as an option? More money for the government? Is that what it comes down to – money? Are artistic ventures really that much more money (compared to athletics)? Since when is it ok to cut out education for an entire sector of people?
I have questions, and I’m sure some of you do as well. Speak up. There is a public meeting this Monday, November 9th (TODAY!)Â at 7:30 at Lord Beaverbrook High School.
Read the proposal and form an educated opinion. Â
Check out the student and teacher run website SaveOurFineArts to get our side of the story.
I don’t think 75hrs over 3 years is enough to “discover” a discipline, much less attain the “transferable skills set” the government believes this plan will create. Do you?
I heard about that too at the Vic Lewis festival in Canmore! Were you there?
We definetly need to stop this! The Fine Arts are too important to be forgotton!
Mm! I heard about this too, but I totally forget where. I agree, these cuts into education need to stop.
I don't understand how they can expect a student to take those five classes that are all in different fields. I also don't understand how you can possibly learn what you should in 25 hours for each field. This is ridiculous.
Hey guys,
I was the kid handing out all those flyers at Vic Lewis. This is very much a serious issue which should not be just brushed by. Check out the website, saveourfinearts.ca and register on the site! The register button can be found conveniently in the top right corner!! SOFA aims to have 10 000 name of concerned stakeholders, so everyone's name is important!
Thanks
Sam Gregory