The Alberta Government has presented amendments to the School Act to help modernize the nearly 30 year old legislation.

Yesterday afternoon (November 15), Education Minister David Eggen tabled Bill 28, which could result in several amendments to the current School Act.

One of the biggest changes is with the age of entry for Kindergarten students across the province. If passed, the amendment would mean that a child would have to be five years old as of December 31st of any given school year to enroll.

"We wanted to make sure that there was a similar age of entry," said Eggen. "Some Catholic School Boards and Public School Boards in the same town or jurisdiction had the different ages and we just kind of wanted to level that playing field."

Until now, individual school boards have been allowed to set the age of entry themselves.

Minister Eggen said the rule doesn't prevent parents from seeking earlier education for their child before Kindergarten.

Another amendment that has drawn much attention focuses on the Transportation Section of the School Act that Eggen said was concerning.

"A good flash point to think about is the 2.4 kilometre walk limit. We know that very few people think that works really at this point in time. I hear from my partners across the province that we can work out a better way."

Under the proposed amendments, the subsection that says transportation should be provided for kids who live more than 2.4 kilometres from their school would be repealed. Minister Eggen said they will work together with school boards and stakeholders to decide the best course of action in regards to transporting students.

Other key elements of the School Act amendments include establishing standards between First Nations and School Boards to help Indigenous students succeed, and requiring teachers who become Acting Principals to possess a Leadership Certificate issued under the School Act.

If Bill 28 passes, many of the amendments will become effective immediately while others, including the age of entry for Kindergarten, will be enacted in September 2020.

 

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