International schools teaching the Alberta curriculum can expect some upcoming changes to arts education. The Kindergarten to Grade 4 arts program will be the first curricula to change, with Grades 5 to 8 to follow in the next couple of years, and Grades 9 to 12 after that.

The new K to 4 arts curriculum will be implemented in 2019. Shifts in the program will include:

• Greater focus on the development of creativity, relationships, and cultural connections, while still maintaining the technical development unique to each discipline.
• Focus on modern interpretations of art media which will give teachers the flexibility to create relevant and meaningful student learning experiences where students can see themselves reflected in what they are learning.
• First Nations, Métis, and Inuit perspectives and cultures will be addressed in a more authentic, balanced, and comprehensive way.
• The relationship between arts, identity, and Francophone cultures will be addressed in an authentic manner.  

Shelly Smith-Dale, Arts Coordinator at The International School of Macao. Do you know what the Alberta arts curriculum at TIS encompasses?