Alberta Teachers Association releases survey results, prompting call for reduced class sizes [Video]

The Alberta Teachers’ Association is calling for Alberta Education to reduce class sizes and to increase classroom supports as it raises concerns about “significant challenges” teachers in the province are facing.

The call for action came Tuesday as the ATA released the results from a survey completed by 1,934 teachers and 214 school leaders in December. The ATA’s “fall 2023 pulse rapid research study” was conducted Dec. 1-12.

“The findings outlined in this report highlight the significant challenges teachers in Alberta are encountering as they try to meet the growing diversity and complexity of needs of their students,” a report summarizing the survey results said. “The rising number of students requiring supports, including those learning EAL (English as an additional language) and those with various exceptionalities, is a critical issue that has been exacerbated by systemic issues in the education system.

“The study’s qualitative data consistently highlights lack of funding, diminished resourcing, inadequate supports and disconnected senior …