Consultation to begin on new Alberta curriculum for some junior high classes

Alberta’s government is continuing the push to make changes to what students learn in classrooms, this time for junior high.

The province says engagement is starting to create draft curriculums for several subjects, including grade 7-9 math, grade 7-9 social studies, grades 7-10 physical education and wellness, and career and life management (CALM).

It adds the engagement will make sure future junior high curriculum aligns with the new elementary curriculum.

Engagement participants will have the chance to give feedback on content for career education, financial literacy, basic life skills, and home maintenance, according to the province.

The goal is for school authorities to get students ready for their careers while also supporting their success in the classroom and life after school.

Beginning this month, education partners, including system leaders, First Nations education directors, and subject experts will review draft curriculum and content, the province says.

The government is also planning to work with the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) and school authorities to recruit teachers to review draft content and curriculum and give their input.

A draft of the new curriculum is expected in the spring and the new curriculum will likely be implemented in the 2026-27 school year.

Since the 2022-23 school year, new curriculum has been introduced in six subjects: K-6 English language arts and literature, K-6 math, K-6 physical education and wellness, K-6 French first language and literature, K-6 French immersion language arts and literature, and K-6 science.

This school year, more than 500 schools are piloting the draft K-6 social studies curriculum.

In the 2025-26 school year, schools will have the option to pilot the draft junior high and career education curriculum in classrooms and give their feedback.