Alberta’s government is seeking advice to address violence and aggression in schools. Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides says it’s a serious problem as learning disruptions and mental health concerns are becoming more and more common. Nicolaides says a team of 20 education system officials and teachers will develop potential policy options and solutions over the next six months. He says some of the recommendations could be implemented as soon as the fall. Alberta School Boards Association president Marilyn Dennis says students often have complex needs that are best supported through psychologists, counsellors and other health professionals. Dennis says the advisory group is a positive step and finding new ways to support students and teachers in the classroom is critical work that needs to be done. Nicolaides said Monday that he’s heard concerns from teachers who have experienced violence in their classrooms, but he doesn’t think hiring more educational assistants is the only solution. “Different groups have different perspectives and different ideas about what to do,” he said. “We need to put everybody together — government, our partners — and figure out what the practical next steps are actually going to be.” The bureaucracy and lack of action are frustrating for mom and student advocate Wing Li. “It’s confusing because it seems like a make-work project when they need to kick in urgent solutions,” said Li, with Support our Students. “We need more resources. We know why classrooms are large. We know why there’s overly complex classrooms. It’s because we don’t have resources in the public education system.” According to Statistics Canada, Alberta has the lowest funding per student, at about $11,500 compared with the national average of almost $13,700. Earlier this month, members of the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) voted in favour of strike action. They’re negotiating with the province over wages and class sizes. The ATA must provide 72 hours strike notice before any job action can happen. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 30, 2025. The Canadian Press With files by Jacqueline Wilson
