Review: Alberta school lesson on oil sands prompts threats from parents amid sensitivity over industry’s image.

The article from the Globe and Mail: Alberta school lesson on oil sands prompts threats from parents amid sensitivity over industry’s image sheds a light on the autonomy of educators to enhance critical thinking inside classrooms. Adriana LaGrange (via her press secretary) stated that educators should encourage “critical thinking and independent decision making”, which is correct, given the one-sided rhetoric on this topic on both sides of the aisle. However, the backlash over a lesson at the Iron Ridge Intermediate Campus which showed two videos about the oil sands (one from the Government of Alberta and one from Greenpeace) sparked parental outrage over a negative outlook to the oil industry.

What seems to be the case is that the one-sided rhetoric from both environmental groups and the Alberta PC government seem to be a causal factor to the outrage over an assignment that was clearly designed to promote critical thinking and options for improvement.

“The students then received a written assignment that asked how Albertans should manage competing demands on the province’s land for uses such as oil development, wind and solar power, agriculture and recreation.”

James Keller (Calgary) – The Globe and Mail

However, with the Alberta PC vowing to get politics out of the classroom, it sure seems like the government want politics out of classroom; however, only the politics that stifle their interests. This again sparks further backlash from environmental groups and the cycle continues.

Ultimately, the argument comes down to the oil-industry vs. the environmentalists. What the battle is actually between economics vs. social responsibility. For myself, I am very aware of the contribution that Alberta has made in the energy sector for its province and the nation. However, to be blind and not look at alternatives that can be a benefit to the industry and be socially responsible to the environment is wholly irresponsible.

The author concludes that teachers should not be caught in the cross-hairs of the oil industry, or from environmental groups for that matter. Dealing with vitriol especially through the tool of social media is unwarranted and has no place in the educational system. However, as educators we must accept the burden to educate the society leaders of tomorrow, and take on the social responsibility to create the future adults in our society. Moving outside of the rigid structure, allowing for pedagogical autonomy, and embracing an interdisciplinary approach will allow educators to be more in-tuned to the dynamic economic, social, and political aspect prevalent in a modern world.

For the full article click on the link here: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/alberta/article-rcmp-intervene-after-school-lesson-on-albertas-oil-industry-prompts/

Article Author: James Keller – Reporter for The Canadian Press for 10 years, first in Halifax and then in Vancouver, before joining The Globe in 2015 as assistant B.C. editor. During that time, he worked with reporters in the B.C. bureau to shape coverage of the Vancouver’s illegal marijuana sector, B.C.’s opioid crisis, and the election of the province’s minority government.