Students Learning Through Competencies
Competencies are combinations of knowledge, skills and attitudes that students develop and apply for successful learning, living and working. They emphasize aspects of learning that apply within and across all subject areas. Alberta’s Kindergarten to Grade 12 curriculum promotes development of the following competencies, which are streamlined expressions of the competencies in the Ministerial Order on Student Learning (#001/2013):
Students are the artists, scientists, thinkers, innovators and leaders of the future. They will be tasked with solving the problems of today, while imagining and creating a new tomorrow. Competencies are critical for equipping students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes that they will need to successfully navigate their personal journeys in learning, living and working.
Students use and develop competencies when they encounter unfamiliar or challenging situations. Competencies help students draw and build upon what they know, how they think and what they can do. In school, students develop and apply competencies through subject-area content and learning experiences.
Alberta Education Competencies
The following resources are designed to explore practical strategies to support student development of Alberta’s competencies across the curriculum and in every classroom.
Overviews and Learning Guides
Learning Through Competencies Learning Guide
Shark Lake Development Project – Michael Strembitsky School Video
Creativity & Innovation
(La créativité et l’innovation)
Cultural & Global Citizenship
(La citoyenneté culturelle et mondiale)
Managing Information
(La gestion de l’information)
Personal Growth & Well-being
(Le développement et le bien-être personnels)
Posters & Information Sheets
Competencies Posters
Competencies Poster (8.5 x 11)
Competencies Poster (11 x 17)
Français (8.5 x 11)
Français (11 x 17)
Competencies in Subjects
Arts Education
English Language Arts
Health & Life Skills, Career Management
Math
Physical Education
Science
Social Studies
Edmonton Public Schools Competency Info Sheets
Collaboration
Communication
Creativity & Innovation
Critical Thinking
Cultural & Global Citizenship
Managing Information
Personal Growth & Well-being
Problem Solving
Cards
The competency cards facilitate the implementation of competencies throughout the K-12 programs of study. Variations of the cards have been designed to support a variety of learning contexts. A customizable template is also available.
Competency cards can be used in a variety of ways. Students can reflect on how well they incorporate competencies during independent work, group activities and inquiry tasks. The cards can be used for formative assessment, self-reflection, and goal setting. Cards can also be used to deepen understanding of competencies themselves, including an awareness of definitions, indicators and action verbs through activities such as discussions, stations and games such as Charades or Taboo.
Cards to Download:
Editable Competency Cards
Student-Friendly Competency Cards
Competency Cards – single
Competency Cards
Wellness Student Cards
Environmental Competency Cards
Français:
Cartes individuelles des compétences éditable
Cartes individuelles des compétences pour étudients
Cartes individuelles des compétences
Vue d’ensemble des cartes des compétences
Videos
Preparing Youth to Build and Thrive in Future Careers
Career video designed to inspire middle and high school students to think about how cultivating skills today – like communication, collaboration, and critical thinking – can influence their futures. The video content is aimed at students deciding what courses to take or thinking about possible careers, critical thinking, clear communication skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with others are invaluable skills when navigating our changing world. The future may seem far off, but students can begin practicing these skills and attitudes today to help them thrive in the workforce of the future.