Structural Reform Priorities
- Centralized provincial governance of curriculum and standards
- Municipal responsibility for facility operations
- School-level parent engagement replacing board representation
- Evidence-based scheduling for adolescent health
The NPA proposes structural reforms to Alberta's education system modelled on European governance approaches. Centralized curriculum authority combined with local facility management and school-level parent engagement creates a more efficient and equitable system.
Governance Model
| Function | Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Curriculum and Standards | Provincial government |
| Facility Maintenance | Municipal government |
| Parent Engagement | School-level councils with principals |
| Parent Concerns | Principals as primary contact |
Centralized Curriculum Authority
Provincial control of curriculum ensures consistent educational quality across Alberta. Every student receives the same foundational education regardless of community, eliminating disparities between urban and rural school divisions.
Municipal Facility Management
Transferring building maintenance and operations to municipal governments aligns facility management with existing local infrastructure responsibilities while removing administrative burden from educational leadership.
School Board Elimination
Eliminating school trustees establishes principals as the primary point of contact for parent concerns. School-level parent councils provide direct engagement with building leadership, replacing distant board-level representation with meaningful local involvement.
Later Start Times
Secondary students (Grades 7-12) would begin classes at 10:00 AM, aligning school schedules with adolescent sleep biology. Research demonstrates consistent benefits from later start times:
- Health Outcomes: Improved physical and mental wellbeing
- Attendance: Reduced absenteeism rates
- Academic Performance: Enhanced concentration and work quality
- Engagement: Improved classroom participation
Curriculum Development
Comprehensive K-12 curriculum revision developed through collaboration among parents, teachers, and academic experts ensures content reflects both educational best practices and community values while maintaining rigorous standards.