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Learning
Business
Plan 2004-07
March
24, 2004
PDF
version |
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ACCOUNTABILITY
STATEMENT
This Business Plan for
the three years commencing April 1, 2004 was prepared under my direction
in accordance with the Government Accountability Act and
the government’s accounting policies. All of the government’s policy
decisions as at February 27, 2004 with material economic or fiscal
implications of which I am aware have been considered in preparing
the Business Plan.
The Ministry’s priorities
outlined in the Business Plan were developed in the context of the
government’s business and fiscal plans. I am committed to achieving
the planned results laid out in this Business Plan.
[original
signed]
Dr. Lyle Oberg,
Minister of Learning
March 4, 2004
THE
MINISTRY
In
collaboration with learners, parents, learning providers, business,
industry, government agencies and non-governmental organizations,
the Ministry of Learning strives to create opportunities for Albertans
to learn throughout their lives. Learning's 2004-07 Business Plan
identifies how the Ministry plans to work over the next three years
to enhance lifelong learning for Albertans.
The Ministry
is comprised of core program divisions that provide learning services
and standards for the learning system, and integrating and supporting
divisions that provide services and support for Ministry-wide operations.
Core program services are provided by the Adult Learning Division,
the Apprenticeship and Industry Training Division, the Basic Learning
Division, and the Learner Transitions Sector. Integrating and support
services are provided by the Communications Branch, the Corporate
Services Division, the Information and Strategic Services Division,
and the System Improvement and Reporting Division.
LINK
TO THE GOVERNMENT BUSINESS PLAN
Learning
is a priority to Albertans. Alberta's knowledge-based economy and
society require innovative, well-educated, skilled and adaptable
citizens. The Government of Alberta's Strategic Plan identifies
four areas of opportunity that recognize knowledge and lifelong
learning are key drivers of economic and societal prosperity. The
Leading in Learning key area of opportunity provides strategic direction
for Alberta Learning's priorities. The key areas of opportunity
Unleashing Innovation; Competing in a Global Marketplace; and Making
Alberta the Best Place to Live, Work and Visit are also reflected
in Alberta Learning’s priorities.
Alberta Learning
ensures that its core businesses and goals are directly aligned
with and support Goal Two of the Government of Alberta's business
plan, which states:
- Albertans
will be well prepared for lifelong learning and work.
In addition,
the Ministry supports other goals of the Government of Alberta,
including:
- Albertans
will be healthy.
- Alberta's
children and youth will be supported in reaching their potential.
- Albertans
will be self-reliant and those unable to provide for their basic
needs will receive help.
- Aboriginal
communities and people in Alberta will have improved social and
economic circumstances.
- Alberta
will have a prosperous economy.
Alberta Learning's
vision, mission, principles and values define the Ministry. The
Ministry's vision is its view of the future. The mission describes
the Ministry's purpose and reason for existence. The principles
identify the Ministry’s method of operating, and the values
demonstrate the beliefs or traits that guide Ministry actions. The
core businesses are the ongoing key responsibilities of the Ministry
that support the mission and provide a framework for achieving results.
VISION
The
best learning system in the world.
MISSION
Alberta
Learning, through its leadership and work with stakeholders, ensures
that learners are prepared for lifelong learning, work and citizenship
so they are able to contribute to a democratic, knowledge-based
and prosperous society.
CORE
BUSINESSES
Core Business 1: Support the Learning System:
Lead, Promote and Support Excellence in the Learning System
through Adult Learning, Apprenticeship and Industry Training, Basic
Learning, and Learner Transitions
Goal 1 - High Quality Learning Opportunities for
All
Core Business 2: Support the Learner: Provide Opportunities
for Learner Success
through Adult Learning, Apprenticeship and Industry Training, Basic
Learning, and Learner Transitions
Goal 2 - Excellence in Learner Outcomes
Core Business 3: Support the Ministry to Ensure Excellence
of the Learning System
through Communications, Corporate Services, Information and Strategic
Services, and System Improvement and Reporting
Goal 3 - Highly Responsive and Responsible Ministry
|
PRINCIPLES
Learner
Centred – The lifelong learning system is focused on the
learner.
Accessible – Albertans have access to affordable,
quality learning opportunities.
Collaborative – Learning is a lifelong human endeavor
that best occurs when partners and stakeholders work together to provide
a holistic approach and a supportive environment.
Accountable – The learning system is accountable
to Albertans for quality results, system sustainability, and fiscal responsibility.
Responsive – The learning system is flexible and
meets and anticipates learner needs.
Innovative – The learning system demonstrates leading
edge innovation for improved results.
Equitable –Albertans have equitable access to lifelong
learning opportunities.
VALUES
- Respect
- Integrity
- Trust
- Openness
- Caring
SIGNIFICANT
OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES
The following opportunities
and challenges have been identified as the key strategic drivers that
could impact the Ministry's ability to achieve its goals. They present
both opportunities and challenges in terms of the Ministry's efforts to
prepare learners for the future. Alberta Learning examines these drivers
to determine the appropriate strategies and initiatives that will enhance
lifelong learning opportunities for Albertans.
Complexity
of the Learning System
|
Global
competition, the increasing complexity of society, the varying needs
of learners, and the necessity of ensuring our programs are responsive
to changing industry and business needs increase the complexity
of the learning system. Rapidly changing economic, demographic,
and social forces, coupled with finite resources, create a demanding
environment for the achievement of learning system goals and outcomes. |
Sustainability
of the Learning System
|
There
are challenges and opportunities associated with sustaining a high
quality learning system in an environment of continuing fiscal pressures,
public demands for choice, a changing demographic profile and increasing
system complexity. Finding ways to sustain the system will continue
to be essential given the priority for lifelong learning and its
relationship to quality of life. |
Public
Expectations
|
The
demands on and expectations for the learning system are many. Albertans
value their world-class learning system and expect it to improve
continuously, be sustainable, and be responsive to diverse student
needs. Albertans also increasingly expect to have a say in decisions
that impact learning. In the face of these expectations, there is
a greater need to clearly communicate complex learning issues, to
demonstrate the return on investment in learning and to demonstrate
the benefits of lifelong learning to all Albertans.
|
Globalization
|
The
increasingly dynamic global environment and its growing complexity
and volatility present unique opportunities and challenges for Albertans.
International competition for skilled labour, investment and high
value-added industries, and the growing need for a highly skilled,
knowledgeable workforce, among other issues, will continue to influence
the province. |
Knowledge
Economy
|
In
modern societies, knowledge, innovation and education are the key
drivers of economic and societal prosperity. In the emerging knowledge-based
economy, with its emphasis on ideas, communication and innovation,
lifelong learning is more important than ever. People are the source
of new knowledge, ideas and innovation. Learning is the foundation
that will enable the province to secure economic growth, societal
prosperity and healthy communities, thereby improving the quality
of life for all Albertans. |
Technology
|
Rapid
technological advancement is transforming the way Albertans live,
work, learn, communicate and play. The learning system faces ongoing
opportunities and challenges related to both equipping learners
to work in a world where information and communication technologies
play an influential role and ensuring all Alberta's learners have
equitable access to the use of technology. The learning system also
needs to equip educators with the skills that are required to teach
technology and learning. |
Economics
|
Alberta's
economy will continue to create employment growth, particularly
for highly skilled Albertans. There is a greater need to focus on
and highlight the return on investment in learning. As the economy
diversifies, future economic strength depends on supporting the
development of a knowledgeable and innovative citizenry and a highly
skilled workforce to maintain the Alberta Advantage. |
| Demographics |
Immigration,
inter-provincial migration, strong growth in the Aboriginal population,
an aging population, rural depopulation and an increasing post-secondary
population are all transforming Alberta's social and demographic
fabric. While government has implemented policies to ensure accessibility
to and affordability of learning opportunities, demographic shifts
and the changing social structure will exert additional pressures
on the sustainability of the learning system. |
STRATEGIC
PRIORITIES 2004-07
As evidenced
in the significant opportunities and challenges, Albertans live in a dynamic
and challenging global environment. Learner needs are diverse and require
access to the skills, knowledge, and experiences that will best prepare
them for success in this environment. The learning system must continue
to provide Albertans with these learning opportunities.
The Ministry has identified
strategic priorities to respond to the significant opportunities and challenges
influencing Alberta Learning's ability to achieve its goals and strategies
for 2004-07. Through the Ministry's review of external and internal challenges,
the strategic priorities described below have been identified. These are
in addition to the important ongoing core functions of the Ministry.
| 1.
Alberta’s Commission on Learning
Linkage: Goal 1 Strategy 1.A
|
To
ensure our system continues to maintain excellence in the future,
Alberta's Commission on Learning has made recommendations that will
result in promoting learner excellence through continuous improvement
of the Kindergarten to Grade 12 (K-12) learning system, including
transitions to, from, and within the K-12 system. Alberta Learning
will develop implementation plans for government-approved recommendations
made by Alberta's Commission on Learning, including the Languages
Initiative; the Learning and Technology Policy Framework; the First
Nations, Métis and Inuit Education Policy Framework; and
the K-12 Funding Framework. |
| 2.
Access for Adult Learners
Linkage: Goal 1 Strategy 1.A
Strategy 1.C
Goal 2 Strategy 2.D
Strategy 2.E
|
Increasing
access to adult learning opportunities, including apprenticeship
and industry training, will generate returns in the form of increased
entrepreneurship and flow of new knowledge, ideas, new products
and services, healthier and better-informed citizens, a well-supported
economy, and a more prosperous society. Equally important will be
ensuring that Albertans are ready to be successful in the lifelong
learning system and that transition points into, within, and out
of the system are appropriately bridged for all learners. The Adult
Learning Strategic Framework and the Post-secondary Learning Act
will serve as the basis for future development, expansion of, and
investment in the adult learning system, and will also will help
inform institutional and departmental business plans, policy and
program development. |
| 3.
First Nations, Métis and Inuit Learner Success
Linkage: Goal 2 Strategy 2.A
|
Improving
First Nations, Métis and Inuit learner success is a priority
for Alberta Learning. Aboriginal peoples of Alberta play an important
role in our province. The collaboration and involvement of all stakeholders
will focus on increasing learner success and moving to close the
education level and labour force participation gaps identified in
the Aboriginal Policy Initiative. |
| 4.
Working Effectively with Partners and Stakeholders
Linkage: Goal 3 Strategy 3.A
|
Another
strategic priority is continuing our work with partners and stakeholders
to achieve our mission. To provide Albertans with the tools for
lifelong learning, work, and citizenship, we must work collaboratively
with partners and stakeholders. Alberta Learning works with partners
on a number of cross-ministry initiatives and, in particular, co-leads
work on the Alberta Children and Youth Initiative. In addition,
the Ministry supports and leads several undertakings through the
Aboriginal Policy Initiative, the Economic Development Strategy
and the Health Sustainability Initiative, as well as contributing
to the government's administrative cross-ministry initiatives. |
| 5.
Pan-Canadian Initiatives
Linkage: Goal 3 Strategy 3.A
|
Alberta
Learning has established itself as a leader, nationally and internationally,
in educational matters. The Ministry will continue to exercise this
leadership as a means of strengthening intergovernmental relationships
and enhancing Alberta learner and stakeholder opportunities beyond
the province's borders, such as in partnerships with the governments
of the Northwest Territories and British Columbia. Leadership in
this area will include a pan-Canadian assessment program, an on-line
learning portal and reforms to student financial assistance. Pursuant
to the Alberta International Education Strategy, the Ministry will
also strengthen recruitment of foreign students to Alberta and otherwise
support Alberta's K-12 and post-secondary sectors in their international
undertakings. |
CORE
BUSINESSES, GOALS, STRATEGIES AND MEASURES
Alberta
Learning has identified three goals with specific outcomes that describe
the end results the Ministry wants to achieve in fulfilling its mission.
Alberta Learning strategies for 2004-07 support the three ministry goals.
Key initiatives are the Ministry's priority activities that contribute
to the success of the strategies for 2004-07.
Core performance measures
indicate the degree of success a ministry has in achieving its goals and
outcomes. In assessing progress, targets are considered met if the result
is within 5% of the target value, and targets are considered exceeded
if the result is more than 5% above the target value (except for provincial
achievement tests).
CORE
BUSINESS ONE: Support the Learning System: Lead, Promote and Support Excellence
in the Learning System
GOAL
1: High quality learning opportunities for all
What
it means
Alberta
Learning strives to provide high quality learning opportunities for all
Albertans by setting policies and standards for the learning system, including
curriculum development and standards in the basic learning system, by
working with industry to facilitate the development of training and certification
standards in the apprenticeship and industry training system, by certifying
learners and others who meet industry standards, by providing funding
for the learning system, and through quality assurance of learning programs.
High quality learning opportunities for all also means increasing the
level of educational attainment by providing increased access to and participation
in learning programs and promoting barrier-free learning pathways. Alberta
Learning will continue to provide high quality learning opportunities
through initiatives that align with recommendations from Alberta's Commission
on Learning.
Outcomes
1.1
The learning system meets the needs of all learners, society and the
economy.
1.2 All Albertans can participate in quality learning.
Strategies and Key Initiatives
Strategy 1.A
Promote learning excellence through the continuous improvement of the
learning system.
Key Initiatives
- Work with stakeholders
to develop and execute Phase One implementation plans for government-approved
recommendations from Alberta's Commission on Learning.
- Develop an approach
for pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten.
- Expand the Adult
Learning Strategic Framework including improving access to learning
opportunities and enhancing sustainability of the system.
- Work with stakeholders
to communicate and implement the provisions of the Post-secondary Learning
Act concerning adult learning.
- Work with learning
system partners and stakeholders to share, integrate, and sustain the
successes and effective practices from cycle one of the Alberta Initiative
for School Improvement.
- Work with learning
system partners and stakeholders to implement approved recommendations
from the Minister's Forums on School Councils Final Report.
- Develop and implement
a renewed vision for the K-12 learning system that includes:
- A quality
physical education program complemented by daily physical activity.
- English and
French Social Studies curriculum.
- Working with
educational partners to develop programs of study, learning resources,
assessment models and classroom assessment materials for the Languages
Initiative.
Strategy 1.B
Respond to emerging labour market demands and support Alberta's transition
to a knowledge-based economy.
Key Initiatives
- Align immigration
policy and programs to better reflect Alberta's economic and social
priorities.
- Facilitate temporary
foreign worker agreements and implement student visa Memorandums of
Understanding.
- Address skilled
trades challenges in collaboration with industry stakeholders.
- Support the implementation
of new apprenticeable occupations.
- Implement curriculum,
resources, and student assessments for the Integrated Occupational Program.
Strategy 1.C
Increase the level of educational attainment within Alberta through expanded
access, awareness, and participation.
Key Initiatives
- Enhance access
to post-secondary learning opportunities.
- Implement the Campus
Alberta Quality Council.
- Implement strategies
under the Raising Awareness About Planning For Post-Secondary Studies
program to enhance knowledge of parents and learners about planning
for post-secondary studies.
- Encourage parents
to plan and save for their children’s post-secondary education
by implementing the Alberta Centennial Education Savings Plan.
- Develop option
for veterinary school, in conjunction with the Ministry of Agriculture,
Food and Rural Development.
Strategy 1.D
Integrate new learning technologies to support development of the learning
system.
Key Initiatives
- Implement the Learning
and Technology Policy Framework, including the continued implementation
of LearnAlberta.ca and SuperNet to develop multimedia and on-line resources
for student learning.
- Implement technology
standards and solutions to improve access to technology within the learning
system that includes videoconferencing, central servers, and aggregated
purchases.
- Increase access
to learning information and services provided by the Alberta Learning
Information Service.
Outcome
1.1 The learning system meets the needs of all learners, society and the
economy.
Performance
Measures
Outcome
1.2 All Albertans can participate in quality learning.
Performance
Measures
CORE
BUSINESS TWO: Support the Learner: Provide Opportunities for Learner Success
GOAL
2: Excellence in learner outcomes
What
it means
Alberta
Learning strives to achieve excellence in learner outcomes by supporting
learners in their quest for success. This support is provided through
systems such as learning assessment and student financial assistance,
and by providing consultation and technical services to apprentices and
employers. Excellence in learner outcomes means that learners are well
prepared for lifelong learning, work, and citizenship, and are ready to
compete on the global stage.
Outcomes
2.1
Learners demonstrate high standards.
2.2 Learners complete programs.
2.3 Learners are well prepared for lifelong learning.
2.4 Learners are well prepared for employment.
2.5 Learners are well prepared for citizenship.
Strategies
and Key Initiatives
Strategy 2.A
Improve First Nations, Métis and Inuit learner success.
Key Initiatives
- Pursue priority
initiatives under the First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education
Policy Framework to improve Aboriginal learner success.
Strategy 2.B
Improve assessment of learner achievement.
Key Initiatives
- Implement a process
for diploma examinations to provide a basis for more reliable assessment
of students’ achievement over time.
- Implement the
“Beyond MIRS” pilot project to assess viability and usefulness
of supplementing provincial achievement test data with classroom-based
data.
Strategy 2.C
Improve completion rates for all learners.
Key Initiatives
- Work collaboratively
with learning system partners to develop a comprehensive provincial
strategy to increase high school completion rates.
- Work with post-secondary
institutions to improve the information base concerning non- completion.
Strategy 2.D
Improve learning opportunities for Albertans by enhancing transitions
to work and further study for learners.
Key Initiatives
- Implement responses
to the Lifelong Learning Strategy, such as:
- Creating barrier-free
pathways for Albertans to be successful lifelong learners.
- Providing opportunities
in local communities for adults to return to learning to meet their
personal, learning or employment goals.
Strategy 2.E
Enhance accessibility and promote consistent practices of learning programs
for all learners.
Key Initiatives
- Complete implementation
of the Special Education Review recommendations.
- Improve the design
and delivery of student financial assistance.
Outcome 2.1
Learners demonstrate high standards.
Performance
Measure
Outcome 2.2
Learners complete programs.
Performance
Measure
Outcome 2.3
Learners are well prepared for lifelong learning.
Performance
Measure
Outcome 2.4
Learners are well prepared for employment.
Performance
Measure
Outcome 2.5
Learners are well prepared for citizenship.
Performance
Measure
CORE
BUSINESS THREE: Support the Ministry to Ensure Excellence of the Learning
System
GOAL
3: Highly responsive and responsible ministry
What
it means
Alberta
Learning strives to be a highly responsive and responsible Ministry through
effective and efficient policy and planning systems, management of information
technology, continuous improvement and accountability systems, open and
effective communication services and financial and administrative support.
Being responsive and responsible also means working collaboratively and
enhancing effective communications with partners, stakeholders and Albertans.
Outcomes
3.1
Improved results through effective working relationships on Cross-Ministry
Initiatives and with stakeholders.
3.2 The Ministry demonstrates leadership and continuous improvement.
Strategies
and Key Initiatives
Strategy 3.A
Work collaboratively with partners and stakeholders for the learning system.
Key Initiatives
- Work with learning
system stakeholders to further develop Alberta’s international
education initiatives.
- Work with intergovernmental
partners, such as the Northwest Territories, British Columbia and the
Western and Northern Canadian Protocol to further develop Alberta’s
unique cooperative arrangements and to further strengthen Alberta’s
leadership in pan-Canadian initiatives through the Council of Ministers
of Education, Canada; Canadian apprenticeship councils, and others.
- Initiate, develop
and support Cross-Ministry Initiatives including the Aboriginal Policy
Initiative, Economic Development Strategy, Health Sustainability Initiative,
and Alberta Children and Youth Initiative. Initiate, develop and support
cross-ministry key administrative initiatives including the Alberta
Corporate Service Centre Initiative, the Corporate Human Resource Development
Strategy, the Corporate Information Management/Information Technology
Strategy and Service Alberta.
- Work with other
ministries and stakeholders to develop strategies to promote rural development
and a value-added economy.
- Implement a departmental
stakeholder strategy to clarify roles and responsibilities within the
learning system.
- Work with the Ministry
of Innovation and Science, post-secondary institutions and other stakeholders
to further increase research and development activity within Alberta’s
post- secondary system.
Strategy 3.B
Promote financial sustainability of the learning system.
Key Initiatives
- Support government-approved
recommendations from the Alberta Financial Management Commission.
- Implement the
K-12 Funding Framework Review recommendations for a new funding model.
Strategy 3.C
Implement an enhanced accountability framework for the K-12 system that
incorporates the work of the Review Committee on Outcomes.
Key Initiatives
- Work with the school
boards to implement the expected outcomes and measures for the K-12
school system.
Strategy 3.D
Provide Albertans with timely, accurate, and relevant information about
the learning system.
Key Initiatives
- Enhance effective
communication with stakeholders and Albertans.
Strategy 3.E
Develop long-term human resource capacity for the Department.
Key Initiatives
- Continue to address
human resource development by implementing the priorities of the Alberta
Learning Human Resource Plan.
Outcome
3.1 Improved results through effective working relationships on Cross-Ministry
Initiatives and with stakeholders.
Performance
Measures
Outcome
3.2 The Ministry demonstrates leadership and continuous improvement.
Performance
Measures
ORGANIZATIONAL
STRUCTURE SUPPORTING OUR BUSINESS PLAN
The Ministry's
three core program divisions, Adult Learning, Apprenticeship and Industry
Training, and Basic Learning, along with the Learner Transitions sector,
provide learning services and standards for the learning system. They
carry out the mission and provide a framework for achieving results and
allocating resources. The divisions and sector work closely with their
provincial ministry partners to ensure program continuity and smooth transitions
for learners. Alberta Learning's core program divisions and sector support
the three Ministry core businesses.
ADULT
LEARNING DIVISION
Division
Function
- Provide funds
to institutions through operational and envelope funding.
- Coordinate the
effective delivery of student assistance programs with stakeholders
and delivery partners, process applications for financial assistance
on a timely basis and encourage and reward excellence through scholarships
and awards.
- Approve programs
of study and mandates at public post-secondary institutions.
- Facilitate course
and program transfer agreements within the post-secondary system and
approve programs offered by private degree-granting institutions.
- License vocational
programs offered by private institutions and provide permission to non-resident
providers to offer degree programs in Alberta.
- Provide planning,
coordination and policy support to adult learning providers and information
on the adult learning system to the public.
APPENTICESHIP
AND INDUSTRY TRAINING DIVISION
Division
Function
- Develop course
outlines and examinations that meet industry standards.
- Research and develop
new initiatives for trades training delivery.
- Lead and support
interprovincial mobility initiatives.
- Respond to industry
needs for new trades and occupations.
- Provide planning,
coordination and policy support to the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry
Training Board and its network of industry committees.
- Promote apprenticeship
in collaboration with industry and learning stakeholders.
- Assist apprentices,
trainees and employers with registration and provide advice on training
and certification.
- Provide support
for Albertans, Canadians and immigrants pursuing alternative routes
to journeyman certification.
- Provide consultation
and technical services throughout the apprenticeship and industry training
system.
- Monitor the workplace
for compliance with the Apprenticeship and Industry Training Act
and regulations.
- Forecast training
needs and work with institutions to coordinate technical training.
- Verify work experience
and training, administer exams and issue certificates.
BASIC
LEARNING DIVISION
Division
Function
- Develop and revise
K-12 programs of study to ensure they are relevant and responsive in
meeting the learning needs of Albertans.
- Select and develop
learning and teaching resources to support effective and efficient classroom
instruction.
- Ensure that Alberta's
teachers are certificated and equipped with the knowledge, skills and
attributes needed to support learners in meeting standards set by the
Minister.
- Work with school
authorities to enhance, provide access to, and support the development
and implementation of programs for learners with diverse learning, linguistic
or cultural needs.
- Develop and implement
programs, policies, regulations and legislation that further the capacity
of school authorities to meet the learning needs and learning choices
of Albertans.
- Maintain strong
relationships with school authorities.
- Monitor public,
separate, francophone, charter and private school authority education
plans and annual reports.
- Approve First Nations,
private and charter schools.
- Conduct investigations,
reviews and hearings to ensure an open, fair and effective learning
system.
LEARNER
TRANSITIONS SECTOR
Sector
Function
- Lead and support
business plan goals that relate to the barrier-free movement of learners
into, within and out of the Alberta learning system.
- Provide learning
opportunities through immigrant settlement, English as a Second Language,
community adult learning and literacy programs.
- Work with other
Alberta Learning stakeholders and divisions to increase awareness and
participation of under-represented groups in the Alberta learning system.
- Develop standards
and guidelines for evaluation of foreign credentials, promote best practices
in foreign credential recognition, and provide high quality support
and assessment services to new Albertans and potential foreign workers.
- Work collaboratively
with other ministry partners to integrate, enhance, develop, implement
and evaluate cross-ministry initiatives for children, youth and their
families.
INTEGRATING
AND SUPPORTING BUSINESS DIVISIONS
Similar to core
program divisions, integrating and supporting business divisions are also
part of the ongoing work that the Ministry undertakes to achieve its goals.
The Ministry's integrating
and supporting divisions and branches, Communications, Corporate Services,
Information and Strategic Services, and System Improvement and Reporting,
provide services that focus on ministry-wide operations and facilitate
integration and accountability across all divisions.
COMMUNICATIONS
BRANCH
Branch
Function
- Provide useful,
timely and clear information to Albertans about the learning system.
- Provide strategic
communications advice and planning services.
- Provide specialized
writing and editing skills.
- Represent the Ministry
to the public and media.
- Facilitate effective
communication with Ministry staff and stakeholders.
Corporate
Services Division
Division
Function
- Provide legislative
planning services, administrative services, financial services, human
resource planning and corporate records management.
- Develop and coordinate
the budget process for the Ministry business plan and monitor budget
compliance.
- Plan, support and
coordinate the implementation of the Corporate Human Resource Development
Strategy and Human Resource Plan for the Department.
- Calculate and award
funding to all school authorities.
- Analyze financial
reporting submitted by school authorities.
- Review funding
support provided to school authorities to ensure a high percentage of
dollars is directed to student learning.
- Produce and distribute
learning resources.
- Ensure the Department
receives labour relations advice.
- Advise, consult
and assist school authorities in matters pertaining to financial health
to help ensure their financial accountability and sustainability into
future years.
Information
and Strategic Services Division
Division
Function
- Develop policy
positions, options and responses; coordinate international education,
immigration and federal/provincial policy; conduct research; and integrate
policy direction across the Ministry.
- Facilitate Ministry
planning and decision making with planning, knowledge management, and
risk management processes and information. Provide consultation expertise
and implement Department-wide consultations.
- In conjunction
with business areas, facilitate effective and integrated use of information
management and technology systems by the Ministry.
- Provide and support
technical systems of the Ministry.
- Issue High School
and Equivalency Diplomas and official transcripts of courses and marks.
- Through the corporate
data warehouse, collect, manage and provide learning system information
required by the Ministry.
- Provide leadership
and support for the implementation of evolving technologies in the learning
system in conjunction with stakeholders.
- Design, develop
and deliver print and electronic learning resources to support program
delivery in the learning system.
System
Improvement and Reporting Division
Division
Function
- Lead the development
of accountability frameworks and performance indicators, measures and
targets.
- Conduct applied
research, periodic audits or monitoring, and program evaluation.
- Report Ministry
and learning system results.
- Develop and administer
grade 3, 6, and 9 Provincial Achievement Tests and grade 12 Diploma
Examinations, providing individual, school, jurisdiction and provincial
level results to support teaching and learning.
- Administer the
General Educational Development Test to adult learners.
- Coordinate Alberta’s
participation in national and international assessments.
EXPENSE
BY CORE BUSINESS
MINISTRY
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
CONSOLIDATED
NET OPERATING RESULT
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