There are also NO studies I could find that show solid learning outcomes for classes with 35+ students. In fact there are decades of research that show very large classes tend to harm learning.

In case you don't want to read all the studies, here is the coles notes version. Studies agree that classes below 24 (in AB some of our classes are approaching 40!) are optimal. Smaller classes benefit marginalized kids most. Hiring aides is NOT the same as shrinking classes.

Small class sizes for improving student achievement in primary and secondary schools: a systematic review https://t.co/aCbxWbvIkK

Meta-Analysis of Research on Class Size and Achievement https://t.co/f8RYbKHiEA

How does your kindergarten classroom affect your earnings? Evidence from project STAR. https://t.co/XEDJRNgXgN

Experimental Estimates of Education Production Functions https://t.co/zWQYvbHy7S

Yesterday the minister said class sizes don't impact students and all the research says it doesn't matter. I'd like to draw your (and his) attention to these studies that show how smaller class sizes impact learning:

Apparently the Premier DOES know what teachers want.

McDavid just took a $5m a year discount to stay in Edmonton. Maybe teachers should ask the Oilers to fund classrooms.

And here I was hoping the teachers would sign before McDavid.

Unless Cartmell makes a similar statement I'd bet this wins Knack the election.

This is where the UCP has led Alberta. I've dedicated my life to helping students and sacrificed time with my family, my money, and my well being to be accused of being a pedophile.

I've been a high school teacher for more than 20 years in 4 countries (as well as BC). Why is Alberta staring down the barrel of the largest strike in it's history. One word: Disrespect. https://t.co/rd3l64di3X And unfortunately, that disrespect will end up costing everyone.

And looking beyond the end of the strike, not only will kids learning be impacted, teachers will almost certainly work to rule. This means no extra-curricular sports, clubs, field trips, band, or grad. All for the low price of tens of millions of dollars a day!

I mean, what could possibly go wrong with nearly half a million unsupervised teens running around our communities? And don't forget that these kids won't be learning what they need to in order to graduate.

AND their kids won't be educated. And remember this is only for the 6 - 12 age group. What about the 13 - 18 year old kids? You know, those kids getting ready to go to university? Nothing. Nada. Go hang out at the mall but please don't cause any problems there.

And realistically parents WON'T be able to find childcare. There simply aren't enough providers to suddenly cope with hundreds of thousands of new kids. So parents might get enough money to pay for their kids lunch but they will still have to stay home.

So if the strike last ONE WEEK the government will already have DIRECTLY PAID more money then it would have to just pay teachers more. And this plan doesn't actually provide for education. It's childcare.

First of all, there are about 350,000 students eligible (it applies to students between 6 - 12). Assuming most students are enrolled that's slightly more than $10m/day. Adding 1% to teacher salaries would have cost $51m FOR THE ENTIRE YEAR.

Rather then spend money on the actual Education system, the UCP wants to create a shadow Education department by giving $30/day to parents for childcare expenses. There are SO many issues with this plan but I feel compelled to point out a few of the more egregious ones.