Province proposes legislation to strengthen early reading, math support

ECHO STAFF

Alberta’s government is proposing amendments to the Education Act to help schools identify and support students with complex learning needs in reading and math.

The changes would require school boards and independent early childhood services operators to screen all students from kindergarten to Grade 3, share results with parents, and provide data to the Ministry of Education and Childcare.

“Alberta’s classrooms are more complex than ever, and our teachers need the right tools to support every student,” said Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education and Childcare. “Early screenings will help ensure children with diverse needs get the help they need to thrive.”

Screenings are short assessments of reading and math skills that help schools identify students needing extra support before gaps grow. Data from the screenings will also guide provincewide efforts to respond to classroom complexity.

“These foundational skills are the cornerstones of every student’s learning journey,” said Michael McMann, president of the College of Alberta School Superintendents.

Alicia Smith, executive director of Dyslexia Canada, praised the move, saying it “strengthens the education system’s ability to identify and respond to student needs and ensures children who need extra help learning to read receive it.”

If passed, the legislation would take effect in the 2026-27 school year and apply to all public, separate, francophone, charter and accredited independent schools, as well as independent ECS operators. Budget 2025 includes $11 million to support math and reading instruction, rising to $15 million by 2027-28.

Since 2021, Alberta has invested $92.5 million to strengthen foundational reading and math skills.