This unique veterinary school will provide research into the detection, containment and eradication of diseases that can spread from species to species and affect humans, and prepare veterinary medical practitioners and researchers focused on food supply safety. The school will also specialize in producing large-animal veterinarians to address shortages of these types of specialists in the province.

“There is increasing concern about animal diseases and the threat that they pose to human health and – as we’ve experienced with BSE – economic prosperity,” said Learning Minister Dr. Lyle Oberg. “This new program will bring Alberta to the leading edge in research into these kinds of diseases, as well as help meet our demand for large food animal veterinarians.”

In keeping with the province’s Campus Alberta vision for a seamless learning system, the new veterinary school will coordinate with other provincial animal-medicine programs in universities and colleges throughout the province.

Read more at Alberta Learning … http://www.learning.gov.ab.ca/news/2004/August/nr-VeterinaryProgram.asp

This is the first time since 1981 that a major review of Alberta’s post-secondary learning legislation was completed. We can’t take our system into the 21st century with 1981 legislation. Bill 43 was tabled in May with the intent that stakeholders would have an opportunity throughout the summer to provide feedback on it. Government expected to make changes to this legislation based on input from students, institutions and other stakeholders, and we continued to consult extensively with these groups throughout the summer and fall.

The resulting legislation and amendments, now before the Alberta Legislature, will drive the Campus Alberta vision for a post-secondary education system where students will have better access to opportunities for learning, no matter where in the province they choose to do that learning. This seamless learning system means students will have better access to courses and programs throughout the province, as well as increased access to degree-granting opportunities.

Bill 43 also provides an opportunity to address concerns. I recognize rising tuitions are a concern for students, just as the increased costs of providing services is a concern for institutions. In Bill 43, we’ve proposed revisions to give institutions the flexibility they need to grow, clarify exactly what tuition fees should include, and ensure institutions remain open and accountable to their students, while continuing to make sure tuition increases are predictable and manageable for students.

The new tuition fee policy replaces the current 30 per cent cap with other controls to protect students. Right now, tuitions at most institutions are still less than 30 per cent of their operating expenditures, and these will continue to be regulated exactly as they are now – limited to a maximum annual increase of $276 in 2004-05, with annual adjustments based on Alberta Consumer Price Index (CPI). For the few institutions that would go over the 30 per cent threshold, they will only be permitted maximum annual tuition fee increases of CPI plus two per cent – up to a maximum of five percent total.

The new policy also makes sure that any material and service fees required for the completion of courses and programs are included as part of tuition fees. Right now there are limited restrictions to what extra course and program fees can be charged. With Bill 43, these additional fees will be subject to the same controls and restrictions we are putting on tuition increases and must be included in that calculation.

Bill 43 also responds to concerns that were expressed to me regarding the accountability of student associations and the funds they control on behalf of students. Student association executives are responsible for substantial amounts of student funds, and they must be accountable for these funds. I consulted extensively with student associations in building this portion of the legislation to find out what level of accountability they would find acceptable. As a result, this legislation gives the Minister of Learning the authority to investigate into a student association ONLY in cases of demonstrated financial irregularities.

Post-secondary education is one of the best investments anyone can make, especially in Alberta where there are great jobs, the cost of living is low and the standard of living is high. Alberta graduates enjoy among the highest gross salaries in the country. They also have the highest net salaries considering Alberta’s standard of living and lower tax burden.

We have an excellent learning system in Alberta, and I believe Bill 43 will ensure we are prepared to bring our learning system into the future.

Yours truly,

Dr. Lyle Oberg
Minister of Learning

Press release from Alberta Learning,
February 4, 2003

Edmonton… Thorough and thoughtful. That’s how Alberta’s Minister of Learning is describing the work done so far by Alberta’s Commission on Learning. The Minister recently reviewed the Commission’s status report and has asked them to share their progress with Albertans.

“Alberta’s Commission on Learning has shown dedication to its task,” said Minister of Learning Dr. Lyle Oberg. “They’ve been diligent and I have confidence in their approach to reviewing Alberta’s education system. I appointed them with the expectation that they would look critically at our system today and focus on preparing it for the future. After reviewing their status report, I’m satisfied that things are moving in this direction.”

The Commission’s report, titled The Homework Continues, provides an overview of the Commission’s progress, highlights some of the major themes that emerged during the public consultation process and outlines planned next steps. The Commission will be meeting with stakeholders, conducting research, talking to experts and consulting with Aboriginal Albertans and youth. A final report is expected by early fall.

“We’ve made quite a bit of progress in the past seven months,” said Commission Chair, Patricia Mackenzie. “We’ve consulted with thousands of passionate and committed Albertans and we’ve completed a considerable amount of research. It’s been hard work for us, but, in many ways, the most difficult work is still ahead. We want to make strong recommendations that are achievable and put students first. This is an important task and an incomparable opportunity to help prepare our province for the future.”

The Commission’s status report, The Homework Continues, is available online at http://www.learningcommission.gov.ab.ca. Photocopies can be requested by contacting the Commission office at (780) 427-3434. Dial 310-0000 to be connected toll-free from anywhere in Alberta.

Brokerlink

http://www.brokerlink.ca

Edmonton… Outstanding student achievement in Alberta is paying off.

The Government of Alberta is responding to an increase in academic excellence by boosting the maximum amount available for Heritage Scholarships from $20 million to $22 million. The increase was necessary in large part due to an eight-per-cent increase in the number of eligible applicants for the Alexander Rutherford Scholarships.

This year, approximately 8,400 students will be awarded a Rutherford Scholarship worth up to $2,500, an increase of almost 700 students over the previous year.

“The increase in eligible Rutherford recipients is a true testament to the hard work of students in Alberta,” said Minister of Learning, Dr. Lyle Oberg. “The Alberta Heritage Scholarship Fund was designed to encourage excellence by recognizing outstanding achievement, and we will continue to ensure students are rewarded for their hard work and dedication to learning.”

The change to the Alberta Heritage Scholarship Regulation was made through an Order-In-Council.

The Alberta Heritage Scholarship Fund Endowment Program was created in 1980 to reward outstanding Albertans and encourage them to reach their full potential. Through Alberta Heritage Scholarships, Alberta Learning administers more than 40 scholarships and bursaries, providing financial assistance to almost 10,000 students a year.

The Alexander Rutherford Scholarships are awarded on the basis of achieving an 80 per cent average on five designated subjects in Grades, 10, 11 and 12. Applicants must be residents of Alberta who plan to enrol or are enrolled in a full-time post-secondary program of at least one semester in length. For more information on the Alexander Rutherford Scholarship and for applications, visit http://www.alis.gov.ab.ca.

Edmonton… Apprentices in Alberta are reaping the benefits of a new $3.3 million scholarship created by industry, the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board, and Alberta Learning. In its inaugural year, 165 scholarships of $1,000 each have been awarded from the endowment to encourage registered Alberta apprentices to complete their training.
“The collaboration of industry and government has been vital in maintaining a successful apprenticeship system,” said Minister of Learning, Dr. Lyle Oberg. “These new scholarships recognize apprentices who continue to demonstrate excellence in their training and their trade.”
The annual scholarships are open to all registered Alberta apprentices, and trainees in designated occupations. Some of the scholarships are designated for a specific trade, occupation or group of trades.
“The generosity and leadership of industry has made the new Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Scholarships possible,” said Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board Chair, Cliff Williams. “It is important that industry and government continue to work together to recognize apprentices’ hard work and dedication to their trades. By enhancing Alberta’s skilled workforce, we are contributing to the Alberta Advantage.”
Application forms for the scholarships will be posted in the Spring 2003, on the Apprenticeship and Industry Training website at http://www.tradesecrets.org. They will also be available at Alberta Scholarship Programs and Apprenticeship and Industry Training offices.

Edmonton… More than 650 educators from across Alberta and Canada will explore the latest advances and possibilities in virtual education at the sixth annual Online Learning Symposium, October 29 to 31 in Edmonton. This year’s theme, Utilizing Learning Objects in Educational Environments, reflects emerging online trends and technologies that support lifelong learning.
“More and more new opportunities are becoming available as online learning continues to expand the boundaries of the home, classroom and lecture theatre,” said Dr. Lyle Oberg, Alberta’s Minister of Learning. “The anytime, anywhere power of online technology serves to enhance the traditional learning experience to the benefit of students and educators.”
In Alberta, interest in online kindergarten to Grade 12 education has grown rapidly since its introduction about six years ago. With 4,700 full-time and 4,000 part-time students in 21 programs, Alberta has more online students and schools than any other Canadian province, and is recognized as a national and international leader in this form of education.
At the post-secondary level, Alberta institutions have shown tremendous leadership in delivering online education. Online initiatives from colleges, technical institutes and universities are creating a seamless learning environment for Albertans.
Online learning programs include students participating in home education or blended programs, Alberta students temporarily living abroad, foreign students receiving their education from Alberta, and virtual classrooms uniting students and teachers at different locations.
Alberta’s online education initiatives will be further enhanced by the innovative collaboration at the symposium. The Online Learning Symposium, one of Canada’s largest e-learning conferences, is hosted by Alberta Learning and the Alberta Online Consortium. It features 102 sessions that cover recent research in online education, to panel discussions involving students, parents and superintendents.
The Alberta Online Consortium is a collaborative effort among Alberta school jurisdictions and post-secondary institutions to enhance online education opportunities. The Consortium joins a rich history of cooperative programs in Alberta, which address issues of access and provide quality-learning opportunities for students.
The Symposium will be held at the Mayfield Inn and Suites beginning October 29 with greetings and the keynote address at 7 p.m. More information about the Alberta Online Consortium and the Online Learning Symposium is available at http://www.albertaonline.ab.ca.
Background:
Event Details
Location: Mayfield Inn and Suites (16615, 109 Avenue), Edmonton, Alberta
Date and Times: October 29, 7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. October 30, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. October 31, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Online Learning Symposium Key Note Speaker

The keynote speaker is David Porter. Mr. Porter has over 25 years of experience in education and in particular, vast experience related to online education. Porter was involved in developing and operating distance-learning programs for the British Columbia government through the Open Learning Agency. He is currently working with NewMedia Innovation Centre in Vancouver to develop its e-learning research activities. Porter has also managed and provided leadership in a number of international projects and initiatives with Mexico, India, and in the Caribbean that focused on developing and expanding technology-mediated teacher training and the distance and distributed learning capacity of academic programs in those regions.

Quick Facts on Online Learning in Alberta
· Alberta has more online students and schools than any other Canadian province.
· Alberta leads the country in all aspects of Information and Communication Technology implementation in schools, according to a 2002 Microsoft Canada study.
· Alberta’s Computers For Schools program has delivered more than 35,000 new or recycled computers to schools across the province.
· Alberta is piloting an ‘e-textbook’ for Grade 9 Science students which offers an electronic format as an alternate means of accessing the print version of the textbook and will include multi-media components.
· SuperNet will bring high-speed Internet access to more than 4,700 sites in Alberta including all schools, post-secondary institutions and libraries.
· Over 16,000 visitors use the LearnAlberta.ca web site each month and access interactive, multi-media learning and teaching resources that directly relate to Alberta’s curriculum and benefit students, teachers and parents across the province.
· Alberta Learning supports many partnerships that provide professional development for teachers related to online learning including TELUS Learning Connection, Galileo Educational Network, the Alberta Regional Consortia Teaching and Learning Program, and Media Awareness Network workshops.
· Each year Alberta Learning distributes approximately $20 million in Technology Integration Funding to enhance online learning in Alberta’s publicly funded schools.
Web sites that support and enhance teaching and learning
· LearnAlberta.ca [http://www.learnalberta.ca]
· Alberta Online Consortium [http://www.albertaonline.ab.ca]
· The TELUS Learning Connection [http://www.2learn.ca]
· Physical Education Online [http://www.learning.gov.ab.ca/physicaleducationonline]
· Bio-DiTRL [http://database.sunsite.ualberta.ca/pls/biod1/ditrl.home]
· Galileo Educational Network [http://www.galileo.org]
· Tools4Teachers [http://www.tools4teachers.ca]
· Teaching and Learning with Technology [http://www.tlt.ab.ca]
· ICT Cyberbase [http://www.ictcyberbase.com]

Edmonton… Alberta Learning Minister Dr. Lyle Oberg will lead representatives of Alberta’s education community on a mission to Asia, October 20 to November 6 to strengthen and expand international education initiatives in Japan, China, Vietnam and Thailand.

The mission will promote Alberta’s world-class education system, international partnerships, opportunities to study in Alberta, and Alberta’s expertise in educational goods and services.

“This mission supports our goal of ensuring that Albertans are well prepared to take full advantage of global opportunities,” said Dr. Oberg.

The mission objectives directly support Alberta’s International Education Strategy, and will potentially benefit Alberta students, educators and learning institutions.

Dr. Oberg will meet and address education contacts and government leaders in Sapporo, Tokyo, Harbin, Beijing, Hanoi and Bangkok.

“Alberta’s schools and post-secondary institutions already have strong ties to Asia with partnerships such as student exchanges, second language training, and reciprocal scholarship programs and distance learning programs,” said Dr. Oberg. “The collaborative nature of this mission will strengthen existing partnerships and allow for exciting, new opportunities to be explored.”

Participants taking part in all or a portion of the mission include representatives of the Alberta School Boards Association, four school jurisdictions and nine post-secondary institutions. These participants will be responsible for paying their own expenses.

The Minister will be joined by MLA’s and Standing Policy Committee on Learning and Employment members Yvonne Fritz and Bob Maskell, as well as the Minister’s executive assistant. Fritz will also take a lead role in representing government at a number of meetings related to the Kindergarten to Grade 12 and Post-Secondary sectors. Maskell will be participating in the China portion of the mission only and brings his experience as a past principal involved in establishing a twinned relationship with a school in China. Estimated cost for the official delegation is $55,000.

Mission to Asia -Participants
Basic Learning sector participants
Alberta School Boards Association
Lethbridge School District No. 51
Grande Yellowhead Regional Division No. 35
St. Paul Education Regional Division No. 1
Pembina Hills Regional Division No. 7
Alberta Distance Learning Centre, Pembina Hills Regional Division No. 7

Post-Secondary sector participants
University of Alberta
University of Calgary
University of Lethbridge
Bow Valley College
Grant MacEwan College
Lakeland College
Medicine Hat College
Mount Royal College
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology