ASCA Examines COVID-19 Impact on Alberta Students
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Alberta School Councils’ Association receives $15,000 Grant to Survey Educational and Social Wellbeing
[Edmonton, AB] – The Alberta School Councils’ Association (ASCA) has received a $15,000 project grant from Alberta Education to examine the perceived effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on student’s academic development, as well as social and mental health. Survey responses will provide the ASCA Board of Directors with parent's perspectives on their children’s educational experience. These perspectives will be used to advocate for changes that contribute to student success.
“As a provincial-level partner in education, ASCA advocates on behalf of parents through its Member School Councils, and often undertakes activities to represent the collective perspectives of parents and guardians of Alberta’s students to the Minister of Education and other education partners and stakeholders.” says Brandi Rai, President of the Alberta School Councils’ Association. “We are grateful the Minister of Education has provided ASCA with project funding to conduct this broad audience survey. Throughout the pandemic, we have heard concerns from parents across Alberta related to academic progress, and social/emotional growth and mental health challenges.”
The grant will be used to conduct an online survey for parents on the ASCA website, with results shared with the Ministry of Education after closing. The survey is anonymous, takes under 10 minutes to complete, and will be open until July 11, 2022. All parents in Alberta are encouraged to participate.
“This survey will portray parents’ experiences of their children’s learning progress and social/emotional wellbeing. Additionally, ASCA wants to know what interventions and/or supports parents believe would be most beneficial for their child(ren). With these perspectives gathered in one place, ASCA can focus on influencing positive change that will benefit all Alberta students.”
Alberta School Councils’ Association is the provincial association representing parents on school council. ASCA works to build strong school communities, ensuring parents are recognized and respected as knowledgeable, supportive contributors to their children’s education, and are provided a variety of opportunities to be authentically engaged in all levels of the education system.
Parents are encouraged to take the COVID-19 Impact Survey on the ASCA website.
Inquiries may be directed to:
Wendy Keiver, Executive Director 780-454-9867 x101 or toll free 1-800-661-3470 or 780-940-9572 (cell)
Jolaine Kochisarli, Communications Specialist 780-454-9867 x102, 780-991-6434 (cell)