What the Commission on Learning said
The Commission recommended that...
"Choices should continue to be available within and among public and separate schools, private schools, alternative programs, distance learning, and home schooling. The only proviso is that the range of options outside the public system should not become so extensive that it detracts from the core of a strong public education system, willing and able to serve all students." (p. 37)

"Continue to provide high quality choices for parents and students while, at the same time, preserving and enhancing public schools." Recommendation 25

"In terms of private schools, the Commission heard arguments for and against their current funding arrangements. Alberta's current support for private schools is amongst the most generous in the country and the Commission does not recommend any changes to the current funding arrangements." (p.79) Every Child Learns, Every Child Succeeds, Commission on Learning, 2003

A Rush to Judgment
AISCA finds the Commission's comment that private schools are generously funded out of place and politically damaging because the Commission did not study independent school funding. When the Commission states that Alberta's current support for private schools is amongst the most generous in the country, it does this without reviewing the facts. The Report on page 141 states: "Private school funding is not included in our analysis."
To recommend no change in current funding of independent schools is to devalue the enormous benefit of these schools as part of Alberta's educational system. With no up to date comparative funding analysis done in relationship to public jurisdictions and no review of changed conditions, the statement leads the public to believe that funding of independent schools is adequate when it is not for many. AISCA believes that the current funding for independent schools needs to be reviewed. The suggested proviso of the Commission to change the direction of education also requires a critical review.