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Background Information

• Classroom complexity is a current and relevant topic in education today. Disruptions to learning during the COVID-19 pandemic only exacerbated the increasing diversity of needs that teachers across Alberta are seeing in their classrooms. The impetus for system education leaders to address classroom complexity is a pressing and relevant challenge. System education leaders’ understanding of leading an inclusive education system and providing a continuum of supports and services to address the needs of all learners are key components of any systematic approach to addressing classroom complexity.
• In 2022, Alberta Education introduced the Classroom Complexity Grant designed to support school authorities with addressing classroom complexity challenges throughout their school authorities.
• In 2023, CASS conducted a research study which included a survey of superintendents (or designates) and a literature review. The findings in that report included recommendations to address classroom complexity within an inclusive education system.  These recommendations fell under the following themes:
  • funding and resource allocation,
  • build professional capacity,
  • supports for complex students,
  • mental health programs and supports, and
  • collaboration.
• In 2022, Alberta Education released the resource Implementing a Continuum of Supports and Services: A Resource Guide for School and School Authority Leaders which outlines a philosophical and practical framework for leading within an inclusive education system.