Government of Alberta News Release
September 28, 2001
A strong learning system continues to improve opportunities for Albertans
Edmonton? Alberta Learning?s 2000/2001 Annual Report reports high satisfaction and achievement levels across Alberta?s learning system reflecting the quality of education provided. New initiatives such as the addition of 1,800 post-secondary spaces, and increased funding to expand kindergarten hours are examples of improvements made to the system this year.
"Alberta has an excellent education system, and we are constantly looking to improve," said Minister of Learning, Dr. Lyle Oberg. "We continue to work with education stakeholders and the community to ensure learning opportunities are meaningful and accessible. Alberta Learning is focused on being flexible, responsive and accountable, and I am happy to report we continue to see the commitment to lifelong learning becoming a greater part of Albertans? lives."
Highlights of Results:
- Out of 43 measures, the system has improved or maintained performance on 41.
- Overall, student achievement test results for the 2000/2001 school year indicate a continued high level of achievement in the number of students meeting the acceptable standard. Plus, the overall number of students achieving the standard of excellence exceeded the provincial target.
- 94% of high school students and 88% of parents are satisfied with the quality of kindergarten to grade 12 education.
- 95% of apprenticeship graduates are satisfied with the quality of their technical training and 92% are satisfied with their work experience.
- 77% of Albertans are satisfied with the preparation adult learners receive for the workforce.
- 83% of all post-secondary graduates obtained employment, with the majority of them finding work in jobs related to their education.
Spending Highlights:
Increased funding for kindergarten to grade 12 by $175 million for a total of more than $3.3 billion. Increased funding for post-secondary education to about $1.1 billion, which includes an increase in grant funding to post-secondary institutions of $80 million. Increased funding also included:
- Providing funding to increase kindergarten program hours from 400 to 475 hours.
- Making $37 million available to the Alberta Initiative for School Improvement for projects that are designed to improve student learning.
- Providing $10 million to post-secondary institutions to train additional health care professionals.
Alberta Learning?s 2000/2001 Annual Report highlights the many initiatives underway in the Ministry. The performance results provide important information for the development of the Ministry?s business plan for the 2002-2005. The 2000/2001 Annual Report is available on the Internet.
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This announcement is available on the Internet at:
For more information contact:
Dr. Lyle Oberg - Minister of Learning - (780) 427-2025
Jerry Bellikka - Learning Communications - (780) 427-0965 - Cell: (780) 990-8866
To be connected toll free dial 310-0000
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