extends to grade two for French immersion students. The program focuses on foundational reading skills and includes a testing system that provides insight into students’ progress. “It aligns perfectly with the government of Alberta Education’s dashboard,” she adds, noting that the district has been ahead of provincial mandates by implementing this system for the past seven years. Their early adoption of this approach has yielded impressive results, with students in their elementary schools consistently meeting or exceeding provincial averages in government testing programs. Board Chair Dale Karpluk further emphasizes the district’s early learning initiatives.“The earlier we can build skills and work with our students, the better off we are in later grades,” she notes. Drawing on her experience as a former principal, she stresses the value of consistent professional development for teachers. “We have had consultants consistently come in and work with our staff in an ongoing process to enhance teaching practices,” she says. The influence of these consultants extends beyond elementary grades.“The physics teacher does not just teach physics,” Karpluk says. “The students have to know how to read the physics question to do it.” By integrating literacy into every subject, the district ensures that all teachers contribute to building students’ reading skills. Lewis also discusses integrating STEM and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) into early education. “We have a very high-flying technology department in our school division,” she says, outlining a comprehensive approach that includes both technical and educational components. A dedicated team of teachers works with students from kindergarten to grade 12, ensuring high-quality technology experiences from the earliest grades. MIDDLE SCHOOL STRUCTURE AND EXPANDING HIGH SCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES In a district as geographically diverse as Grande Yellowhead, middle school organization presents unique challenges as only some communities follow a traditional middle school model. “Some of our EARLY LEARNING AND STEM EDUCATION Grande Yellowhead District Schools significantly emphasizes early childhood education, viewing it as a crucial foundation for long-term academic success. Lewis highlights the importance of early literacy and numeracy as top priorities for the district. “All our teachers are trained in a program called Write to Read,” she explains.This initiative targets the early years, covering kindergarten and grade one, and 380 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 10
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