‘We have heard loud and clear from teachers and parents that we need to do something about aggression in classrooms’
The Alberta government has announced the creation of a new task force to address escalating violence and behavioural challenges in schools.
The Aggression and Complexity in Schools Action Team will be composed of 20 educational leaders and front-line stakeholders and is expected to deliver policy recommendations by fall 2025. The team will include representatives from major school boards in Edmonton and Calgary, the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA), and other education partners. It will also consult closely with teachers, education support workers, school resource officers, and family advocacy groups to ensure that its recommendations are grounded in real-world classroom experience.
“We have heard loud and clear from teachers and parents that we need to do something about aggression in classrooms, and that is exactly what we are doing,” said Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education and Childcare. “Every student and staff member deserves to feel safe, supported, and respected at school, and the action team will help us reach that goal. Creating this action team is one of several concrete steps we are taking to improve school safety and better support students’ diverse needs.”
‘An important step’
Education leaders have welcomed the initiative. Marilyn Dennis, president of the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA), said the association supports the government’s commitment to tackling classroom complexity.
“ASBA looks forward to this collaborative effort, including local school board perspectives, to help shape meaningful, long-term solutions that support students and educators.”
Mike McMann, president of the College of Alberta School Superintendents, added: “The College of Alberta School Superintendents recognises the growing complexity within today’s classrooms and the impact it has on learning, safety, and well-being. We welcome the creation of the Aggression and Complexity in Schools Action Team as an important step in addressing these challenges. By working collaboratively with government, educators, and community partners, we can help ensure classrooms remain safe, supportive spaces where every student has the opportunity to thrive.”
Some recommendations may be implemented as early as the 2025–2026 school year. The task force could also be called upon to advise on policy or programme implementation based on its findings.
