Stop The Brain Drain

Stop The Brain Drain

The diversity and flexibility of the Alberta education system is one of our greatest strengths.

But, arbitrary rules and regulations around university entrance in Alberta are leading many of our best and brightest to head to other provinces, or even overseas, where their talents are recognized.

The problem is that Alberta post-secondary schools require an Alberta Diploma for admission.

For students who attend a public school, this is - of course - no problem.

But, for a wide range of students, this presents some challenges.

Alberta-born students who live outside the province may not have access to an Alberta Diploma, but may wish to return to Alberta for post-secondary.

Recent immigrants may not have matching transcripts to fulfill an Alberta Diploma, even if they have learned all the same things.

Home education is increasingly popular, and many families would prefer more flexibility than is possible following the implied requirement for post-secondary admission.

Of course, there is - at least in theory - a way around this problem as it is sometimes possible to gain admission by showing equivalent work through a portfolio.

But, how this is measured, what is accepted, and where it's accepted is inconsistent across different universities - and sometimes even across different departments within the same university.

Unfortunately, when the vast majority of US universities and many Canadian universities (including the University of Saskatchewan, right next door) accept one or more third-party standardized test results like the IB and SAT exams, it's just much easier for these students to apply elsewhere.

It makes no sense for the Alberta taxpayer to fund the K-12 education of students only to have them leave thanks to senseless bureaucratic red tape!

Parents want their children to remain in Alberta, especially when that’s what the children want too!

That’s why we’re calling on Alberta’s Minister of Advanced Education to require Alberta post-secondary institutions to accept a variety of standardized tests of good reputation.

Initially proposed by a former Executive Director of the Alberta Home Education Association, Shawna Sundal, we would have liked to see this idea implemented already, but if we act now, it can be in place in time for fall.

This pluralistic approach is more in keeping with Alberta’s excellence in K-12 education and ensures that all students are given a fair shake in post-secondary admissions.

If we do this right, we'll even attract more of the best and brightest from other jurisdictions to come and study here!

If you agree, please sign our petition calling to Stop The Brain Drain.