Paige Beck, a 16-year-old student, is determined to maintain her rigorous routine despite the disruption caused by the teachers’ strike in Alberta. The strike, which commenced on Oct. 6, has impacted over 51,000 teachers due to unresolved disputes between the Alberta Teachers’ Association and the provincial government. The main issues of contention revolve around classroom sizes and salaries, prolonging the strike into its third week.
As a Grade 11 student enrolled in a Grade 12 biology course, Beck is facing challenges in keeping up with her studies during the strike. She expressed concerns about missing significant class time, especially since standardized exams, known as “diploma exams,” play a crucial role in determining final grades and university admissions.
In response to the strike, the province announced adjustments to the November diploma exams, making them optional for students. However, exams scheduled for January and June remain unchanged, leaving students like Beck to independently prepare for their biology exam, which constitutes 30% of her grade.
Another student, Grade 12 student Jane Kundert, is grappling with the pressure of maintaining grades for early admission to the University of Alberta’s kinesiology program, while also awaiting the outcome of January diploma exams for nursing program applications at other institutions.
Despite the potential impact of back-to-work legislation proposed by Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, students like Kundert are conflicted about the strike’s consequences on their academic and extracurricular activities. The absence of teacher-led extracurricular responsibilities, including sports and clubs, poses additional challenges for students’ overall high school experience.
Moreover, the strike’s effect extends to student-athletes like Joe Klespitz, a 16-year-old football player, who faces uncertainty regarding athletic scholarships due to the disruption of school sports activities. Should the strike persist, provincial championships for football and volleyball may face cancellations, further complicating students’ opportunities for recruitment and showcasing their talents to post-secondary coaches.
