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- Aug 9, 2019
It's official. Alberta truly is the most American of all provinces:
discoverairdrie.com (A)
discoverairdrie.com (A)
Province adds anti-semitism education to grades 7–9 social studies
Students will explore the realities of antisemitism in the newly drafted Grades 7–9 social studies curriculum, according to the province.
The provincial government explained that since October 7, 2023, when the Jewish community in Israel faced its largest targeted and deadly attacks since the Holocaust, antisemitism has been on the rise around the world.
"There is no place for hate, discrimination and racism in Alberta and the classroom is no exception. To make sure all students, including those from the Jewish community, feel safe, welcomed and cared for in the classroom, Alberta’s government will ensure that the new draft grades 7 to 9 social studies curriculum will teach students about the prejudice that groups face."
During the 2023–24 school year, the Alberta government worked closely with Jewish organizations and education partners to inform the social studies curriculum. More involvement will start later this winter to make sure that the new curriculum's inclusion of this material will empower students to speak out against the rise in antisemitism.
"I firmly believe we must do everything possible to combat rising antisemitism and educate young Albertans about the realities of antisemitism. Ensuring all students learn about the injustices faced by those who historically were, and continue to be, marginalized, or who have experienced discrimination will help us confront hate and build stronger communities,” explained Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education.
According to the province, The inclusion of antisemitism in the new draft grades 7 to 9 social studies curriculum builds upon the Alberta government’s commitment to have students learn about injustices faced by those who historically were, and continue to be, marginalized or who have experienced discrimination.
"In November 2023, Alberta’s government made Holocaust education a mandatory component of the social studies curriculum and the newly developed draft K to 6 social studies curriculum also includes content on antisemitism."
As the draft social studies curriculum is being developed, Alberta Education will keep in touch with the Jewish Federation of Edmonton, the Calgary Jewish Federation, and other Jewish organizations.
Rocky View Schools provided a statement to DiscoverAirdrie on the recent announcement.
"RVS carefully reviews all changes that impact student learning. We encourage our families and staff to participate in Alberta Education’s engagement on draft curriculum."
The new draft K–6 social studies curriculum was released in April 2024 for optional classroom piloting, which started in September 2024 before its implementation in the 2025–26 school year.