A new bill in Alberta aims to enshrine provincially mandated literacy and numeracy screening tests into law, marking a first for government assessments in the province. Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides highlighted the importance of these early years screening tests, introduced in 2022, as they enable teachers to promptly identify students with learning gaps. By providing targeted support early on, educators can prevent minor challenges from escalating, ensuring students receive timely assistance during their crucial formative years.
However, critics argue that the government’s broad testing strategy is inefficient, claiming that the screening tests do not offer significant insights beyond what teachers already know about students struggling with literacy and numeracy. Richelle Marynowski, an education professor at the University of Lethbridge, expressed concerns that the tests undermine teachers’ autonomy and effectiveness, suggesting that smaller class sizes would allow for more personalized support.
Under Bill 6, the Education (Prioritizing Literacy and Numeracy) Amendment Act 2025, all public, Catholic, francophone, charter, and independent schools in Alberta would be legally mandated to conduct annual screening tests for students in kindergarten to Grade 3. The government plans to expand testing to Grade 4 and Grade 5 students in the upcoming school year, although this expansion is not yet included in the Education Act. Unlike other standardized tests in the province, such as diploma exams and provincial achievement tests, which are mandated by provincial policy, these screening tests would be formally required by law if the bill is passed.
If approved, Bill 6 would also necessitate schools and school divisions to share screening test results with parents and the education minister. The timing of the screening varies based on grade level and individual student needs, with assessments occurring at the start of the school year, midyear, or both. Support for the bill has been voiced by the College of Alberta School Superintendents and Dyslexia Canada, with the latter highlighting the importance of early screening in fostering every child’s literacy development.
The legislation follows a recent contract dispute between 51,000 public, Catholic, and francophone teachers and their employers, leading to a strike over pay disparities and inadequate support for students in overcrowded classrooms. The government’s swift response with Bill 2 compelled teachers back to work and imposed a contract that had been rejected by the majority of Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) members. The legislation included provisions to limit the ATA’s ability to challenge the bill in court using the notwithstanding clause.
Funding of $11 million in this year’s provincial budget has been allocated to assist schools in supporting students with learning challenges, with plans to increase this amount to $15 million annually by 2027-28. Despite this, NDP education critic Amanda Chapman raised concerns that the funding falls short of what schools require to hire sufficient staff. Chapman emphasized the need for reduced class sizes and additional resources to enable teachers to provide individualized support to students.
ATA President Jason Schilling criticized the screening tests, citing their time-consuming nature and lack of post-assessment support for students. He emphasized that without adequate resources, the tests merely contribute to bureaucratic processes. Concerns were also raised regarding the emotional and psychological impact of the assessments on young students, with some feeling distressed by the testing experience.
Despite objections, Education Minister Nicolaides assured that schools have the discretion to exempt English language learners from the screenings where deemed inappropriate. If Bill 6 is enacted, the law would come into effect in the 2026-27 school year.