Alberta's classrooms have become increasingly complex, with more incidents of aggression occurring, paired with increased challenges with behaviour and the special learning needs of students. To address these issues head on, Alberta's government is creating an action team composed of teachers and education partners that will provide recommendations to help guide new policy and address complex classrooms.
"We have heard loud and clear from teachers and parents that we need to do something about aggression in classrooms, and that is exactly what we are doing. Every student and staff member deserves to feel safe, supported and respected at school, and the action team will help reach that goal. Creating this action team is one of several concrete steps we are taking to improve school safety and better support students' diverse needs."
Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education and Childcare
The team, named the Aggression and Complexity in Schools Action Team, will make recommendations to Alberta's government on short- and long-term actions that will support students and educators. The action team will consist of 20 education system leaders including representatives from school boards in Edmonton and Calgary and the Alberta Teachers' Association. To ensure their work is informed by front-line experience, the action team will also work closely with teachers, education support workers, school resource officers and representatives from student and family advocacy groups. The list of action team members will be published online once finalized.
"Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) appreciates government's commitment to address classroom complexities. ASBA looks forward to this collaborative effort, including local school board perspectives, to help shape meaningful, long-term solutions that support students and educators."
Marilyn Dennis, president, Alberta School Boards Association
The action team will deliver a report with advice and recommendations to Alberta Education and Childcare to inform a combination of practical solutions and policy by fall 2025. Some recommendations could begin rolling out as soon as the 2025-26 school year. The action team may also continue to be engaged to provide advice to Alberta Education and Childcare on implementation of policy or program changes that result from its recommendations.
"The College of Alberta School Superintendents recognizes the growing complexity within today's classrooms and the impact it has on learning, safety and well-being. We welcome the creation of the Aggression and Complexity in Schools Action Team as an important step in addressing these challenges. By working collaboratively with government, educators and community partners, we can help ensure classrooms remain safe, supportive spaces where every student has the opportunity to thrive."
Mike McMann, president, College of Alberta School Superintendents
Quick facts
- In December 2023, a survey published by the ATA found that more than half of Alberta teachers experienced aggression in the first three months of the school year.
- Most respondents reported lacking training and confidence to manage aggression, and many were dissatisfied with how incidents were handled.
Related information
