Dear fellow petitioners, The following is an email that the new Education Minister Gordon Dirks sent to myself on Oct 29th, a couple days after his byelection win. After reading this dismissive cut-and-paste letter, I had the sinking feeling that we're in for more of the same. As you may know, the main reasons why I am requesting for the meeting are to ensure that he, as a new minister: 1) is aware and informed of the things that we had fought so hard for with Johnson 2) knows that there remains issues that require resolution (eg. ensuring standard algorithms are mandated and not optional in the curriculum, ensuring that textbook publishers are not dictating the curriculum, investing in teacher training, applying recommended changes to grade 6-9 as well) 3) is ensuring that all the schools and teachers are aware and actively following through on the recommended changes we had advocated for, and 4) will halt the planned drastic whole system changes toward a more discovery/inquiry-based curriculum. Along with you, I will try my best to get through to Dirks, but perhaps the next time, we should follow through and actually elect a new governing body. I am tired of the sense of arrogance and entitlement innate to this PC government. If you have any further thoughts and suggestions, please let me know. Kindest regards, Dr. Nhung Tran-Davies (mrgranthd@yahoo.ca) Gordon Dirks' letter: "Dear Dr. Tran-Davies: Thank you for your September 21 and 25, 2014 emails sharing information about your Back to Basics math petition and requesting a meeting to discuss your remaining concerns. As you know, the ministry has taken action to help ensure emphasis on the basics, while incorporating 21st century competencies such as communication, critical thinking and problem solving. An update to the Alberta Kindergarten to Grade 9 Mathematics Program of Studies was made in June 2014 to clarify student expectations regarding the mastering of basic number facts from Grades 1 to 5. These clarifications include the explicit use of the terms “recall” and “multiplication tables,” as well as the expectation that students will understand and master at least one effective strategy. Strategies may include traditional algorithms such as long division and vertical addition. Over time, students refine their strategy to increase their accuracy and efficiency. The updated documents as well as summaries of the clarifications are available on Alberta Education’s Mathematics webpage. Please note that specific strategies are not prescribed in the outcomes of the program of studies. Decisions related to teacher practice are the responsibility of teaching professionals, and the Ministry of Education supports teachers in choosing the best approach with which to meet the needs of their students. To this end, our staff have been working with the Alberta Regional Professional Development Consortia to inform teachers across the province of the updates and to provide teachers with support in helping students learn the basics and develop competencies. Alberta Education is committed to ensuring student learning includes the basics and incorporates 21st century competencies. We want our students to be prepared for a world in which math skills are a vital part of a successful and productive life. Currently, my schedule does not permit me to meet with you. However, I will have my staff look for a time for us to meet that accommodates both our schedules. I encourage you to continue your conversation with Alberta Education staff. Amaya Ortigosa, Team Leader, Mathematics K–9, can be reached at amaya.ortigosa@gov.ab.ca or 780-422-5079. I appreciate your interest in the education of Alberta students. Sincerely, Gordon Dirks Minister of Education