Educational Update 1997
LANGUAGE ARTS AND MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM FRAMEWORKS AND STANDARDS TESTING SCHEDULE
Note: Updates to this section since the release of the letter in June 1997 are noted in red. For further updates see the Educational Change Update (June 1999).
Curriculum frameworks for science and social studies were previously scheduled for implementation during the 1997-98 school year. Timelines have been extended in order to align Manitoba curriculum development with the Pan Canadian Science Project and the Western Canadian Protocol Social Studies Project.
Until further notice from Manitoba Education and Training, schools are to continue to use existing curricula for Kindergarten to Senior 4 science and social studies.
Senior 3 Social Studies (Canadian History) will continue as a compulsory course until new social studies curricula are implemented. It should be considered as a required Compulsory Complementary course under New Directions' graduation requirements. NOTE: An announcement regarding changes to the graduation requirements for the English, Français, and French Immersion programs was made on December 11, 1997. The changes are related to Senior 3 Social Studies.
Physical Education/Health Education
Until the new curriculum framework for physical education/health education is released, schools are to use existing physical education/health education curricula. As well, they should ensure that within the time allotted to physical education, including health, in Grades 1 to 8, between 60 and 65% should be allocated to physical education and 35 to 40% to health education. In each of Senior 1 and 2, the existing breakdown should remain in effect, that is 55 hours (½ credit) for physical education and 55 hours (½ credit) for health education.
The new Manitoba Curriculum Framework of Outcomes for physical education/health education will be released for the 1998-99 school year when schools will have the opportunity to use the document for a voluntary planning year. When completed, the new Physical Education/Health Education curriculum is expected to move to 25%/75% for Health Education and Physical Education respectively for Kindergarten to Grade 8 and 50%/50% for each of Senior 1 and 2. Schools/school divisions wanting to move in the direction of the new curriculum in terms of scheduling may choose to do so.
Manitoba Education and Training remains committed to the role of The Arts in children's educational experiences. The Arts are compulsory from Grades 1 to 8.
Curriculum development in the area of The Arts is scheduled to occur within the next several years as operating and staffing resources are allocated to this New Directions' priority. As indicated in my letter of March 22, 1996 to superintendents and principals, new curricula in The Arts will be developed along four strands: Music, Visual Arts, Dance and Drama. Curriculum will be developed to ensure the distinct nature of each of these four strands.
This Educational Change Update letter further directed schools as follows:
Until new curricula for The Arts are developed, schools are to use existing curricula. All four strands need not be offered in schools. Rather, schools may elect to offer a major focus in one strand of The Arts or they may choose to offer a major/minor focus in two strands. Schools are encouraged to provide students with a rich experience in one or two strands of The Arts and to work with Advisory Councils for School Leadership in determining which strand(s) to make available to students.