Education Minister Adriana LaGrange. (Government of Alberta)

By David Opinko

Diploma exams to be optional in Alberta this semester

Oct 13, 2020 | 11:42 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Alberta’s Ministry of Education has confirmed what many Grade 12 students were likely to be waiting for, that they will not all have to take their diploma exams.

Education Minister Adriana LaGrange made the announcement on Twitter Tuesday morning.

“We have been clear that we are committed to updating our school re-entry plan as necessary. As such, I have made the decision to allow students and their parents to choose if they write Diploma Exams in October/November.”

On the same thread, she continued that, if a student writes their diploma exam, it will still be worth 30 per cent of their final mark.

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An emailed statement to LNN from the Ministry of Education states, “As we continue to listen to students, parents and education partners, it’s clear that some students may not feel comfortable or be in the best position to write exams at this time. We know these are challenging times, and that’s why we want to ensure students and their parents have the flexibility to make the best decision for their own situation this exam season.”

In late September, Kennedy Moland, a Grade 12 student at Chinook High School, wrote to government officials, which was forwarded to LNN, regarding her concerns about holding diploma exams during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Some of these include at-home learners facing significant learning gaps compared to their in-class peers, teachers and students alike struggling to adapt to the new teaching environments, and challenges faced by students who are opting to stay at home due to health complications having to go to their school to take their tests.

“I do not feel that Diploma Exams are valid during a time like this, especially under the circumstances we are currently influenced by. This entire year is devoted to keeping both staff and students safe, as well as family and friends outside of school. While I was talking with one of my teachers, he made a great point, “If we know that things are different, why would we be expected to do the same?” This is something I could not agree with more and would love to stress over and over. There is no way we could go about writing Diploma Exams in a way that is safe for students mental and physical health,” reads a section of Moland’s letter.

Officials say they will continue to monitor the situation and will make decisions on future diploma exams as we approach their administrations.