The new Kindergarten to Grade 6 draft social studies curriculum is ready to pilot in classrooms this fall.  

The draft social studies curriculum focuses on career education, knowledge and skills development, educational programming, and preparing students to be active and engaged citizens.      

“I am incredibly proud of the work that’s gone into developing this new K-6 social studies curriculum, and I am excited to see how it transfers into the classroom through piloting this fall. I look forward to further collaboration with school leaders and teachers as we continue our work to build a comprehensive curriculum that builds students’ critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, and empowers them to be active citizens,” Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education said.  

The curriculum content has been adjusted to encourage the development of critical thinking skills, including research and analytical skills, enhance the development of skills, and engage students in learning that promotes understanding of diversity across Canada and throughout the world.  

In September, school authorities can determine how they want to take part in the pilot and decide which grades participate. 

Throughout the pilot process, teachers will be provided with the information and tools they need to implement the draft curriculum in their classrooms.  

Teachers will be given planning and instruction preparation, learning and teaching resources, professional learning opportunities, and the chance to provide feedback on how the draft curriculum was experienced in classrooms.   

Alberta Education will consider all feedback from classroom piloting to finalize the new K-6 social studies curriculum prior to implementation.