Information Sessions on Navigating the Education System

The Cause

Strategic Alliance for Alberta Students with Learning Challenges is registered under the Societies Act in the Province of Alberta. The society, led by a volunteer board of directors, is a grassroots group concerned that students with learning challenges within Alberta's education system are not receiving timely, appropriate or adequate supports and resources to maximize their learning potential. The society is actively advocating for changes to the education system that would support children with learning challenges.

In October 2018, there were over 200 registrants for the society's first information session titled "How to Navigate the Education System," and was hosted at the Alberta Teachers' Association in Edmonton. Presentations, followed by Q & A, were made by Strategic Alliance for Alberta Students with Learning Challenges' executive director, a public school board trustee, an MLA, Alberta School Councils' Association president and executive director, Alberta Education's Education Supports Sector's executive director, and CASA Family Advisory Council.

The society would now like to host a series of collaborative information sessions with other stakeholders to help Albertans understand the different ways they can advocate for the needs of their children. We would like to include all stakeholders in these information sessions including parents/caregivers, community organizations, school councils, school trustees, MLAs, teachers and government ministries. Many parents and caregivers do not know how or where to access support or resources for their children. If children receive timely, appropriate support earlier in their journey, they have better future outcomes. We would like to help parents and caregivers by giving them the information they need to navigate the education system so their children can reach their full potential.

Who Will it Benefit?

Every family would benefit from these information sessions as the education system is complex and multi-layered. These information sessions would help strengthen relationships with all education stakeholders (parents/caregivers, teachers, school trustees, community organizations, MLA, government ministries) so that together we can ensure every child reaches their full potential.