Preamble
WHEREAS the following visions, principles and values are the foundation of the education system in Alberta;
WHEREAS education is the foundation of a democratic and civil society;
WHEREAS education inspires students to discover and pursue their aspirations and interests and cultivates a love of learning and the desire to be lifelong learners;
WHEREAS the role of education is to develop engaged thinkers who think critically and creatively and ethical citizens who demonstrate respect, teamwork and democratic ideals and who work with an entrepreneurial spirit to face challenges with resiliency, adaptability, risk-taking and bold decision-making;
WHEREAS students are entitled to welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environments that respect diversity and nurture a sense of belonging and a positive sense of self;
WHEREAS education is a shared responsibility and requires collaboration, engagement and empowerment of all partners in the education system to ensure that all students achieve their potential;
WHEREAS the educational best interest of the child is the paramount consideration in making decisions about a child’s education;
WHEREAS parents have the right and the responsibility to make informed decisions respecting the education of their children;
WHEREAS parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that may be provided to their children;
WHEREAS the Government of Alberta recognizes the importance of an inclusive education system that provides each student with the relevant learning opportunities and supports necessary to achieve success;
WHEREAS the Government of Alberta recognizes the importance of teaching essential knowledge to help students develop foundational competencies;
WHEREAS the Government of Alberta recognizes the need to smooth the transition for students between secondary education and post-secondary education or entry into the workforce;
WHEREAS the Government of Alberta recognizes the importance of enabling high quality and socially engaging learning opportunities with flexible timing and pacing through a range of learning environments to meet diverse student needs and to maximize student success;
WHEREAS the Government of Alberta recognizes public schools, separate schools, Francophone schools, private schools, charter schools, early childhood services programs and home education programs as being valued and integral in providing choice in education to students and parents;
WHEREAS the Government of Alberta believes in and is committed to one publicly funded education system that provides a choice of educational opportunities to students and that honours the rights guaranteed under the Constitution of Canada in respect of minority language and minority denominational education through the dimensions of public, separate and Francophone schools;
WHEREAS the Government of Alberta is committed to providing choice to students in education programs and methods of learning; and
WHEREAS the Government of Alberta is committed to encouraging the collaboration of all partners in the education system to ensure the educational success of Alberta’s First Nations, Metis and Inuit students;
THEREFORE HER MAJESTY, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, enacts as follows: