A bold investment in student success

  • Posted: February 12, 2026

News release

February 12, 2026 Media inquiries

Alberta’s government is making an immediate and bold investment of $143 million to
create new complexity teams where they are needed the most.

With new data from 89,000 classrooms across 1,549 schools, Alberta now has more insight into class size and complexity in classrooms. Although the data shows that average class sizes in Alberta are largely within acceptable ranges, it also confirms that composition and complexity is growing rapidly.

Using this data, the Alberta government will invest $143 million to establish 476 complexity teams, comprising one teacher and two educational assistants, and dispatching them to 476 K–6 schools. Complexity teams will work to support the diverse needs of students including academic, behavioural, social, emotional or other. This can include helping students learn English, managing disruptive students or helping coded students with more enrichment. These teams will provide in-class assistance to teachers.

Early intervention and foundational stability are the primary benefits of placing complexity teams in   K-6 schools. Research indicates that addressing student needs during the formative K-6 years is more effective and less costly than attempting to remediate behavioral or academic gaps in secondary school. By integrating these teams directly into elementary environments, schools can identify challenges at the earliest possible stage, preventing minor delays from becoming permanent learning barriers.

“We said we would use better data to make better decisions, and that is exactly what we are doing. Every child deserves a safe, supportive classroom where they can learn, and every teacher deserves the backing they need to do their job well. We will keep taking practical, evidence-based action to make that a reality across Alberta.”

Danielle Smith, Premier

“Establishing complexity teams will help teachers manage increasingly diverse classrooms and most importantly, make sure that more students are able to receive individual attention. By focusing on grades K-6, we can make sure student needs are addressed early, before they become larger issues.”

Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education and Childcare

Complexity teams will help identify student needs early, support learners with diverse challenges, and provide in-class assistance to teachers. They will also be able to bring in additional specialists when needed, giving schools the flexibility to respond directly to students’ needs.

“Classrooms today are more complex than ever, and this funding acknowledges the realities our students and teachers face every day. We are committed to directing these resources where they will have the greatest impact, supporting student success and well-being, and ensuring excellence in teaching and learning happens in every classroom.”

Nicole Buchanan, chair, Red Deer Public Schools.

Of the total investment, $129 million will go to schools that are prioritized highest in the province for complexity factors; $14 million will go to schools with unique complexity challenges that require different or additional strategies to support students.

“Today’s investment of dollars to support teaching and learning is a positive step towards addressing the ongoing issue of classroom complexity. We are pleased that the Government of Alberta is using a data-informed approach. Our focus is on implementing these measures effectively and creating the conditions for overall student success.”

Lynnette Anderson, chief superintendent, Edmonton Catholic Schools

Laying the foundation for long-term solutions

While this funding delivers immediate support, it is only the beginning. The Class Size and Complexity Cabinet Committee will continue working closely with school boards, collecting and assessing data, and bringing forward recommendations for longer-term actions to strengthen classroom supports across Alberta.

Alberta’s government remains committed to supporting students, teachers and school leaders by ensuring they have the right resources, at the right time, in the classrooms where they are needed most.

“CASS applauds the Government of Alberta’s investment in complexity funding, empowering schools to support diverse learners, strengthen inclusive systems, and ensure every student receives the care, expertise and opportunity they deserve.”

Mike McMann, president, College of Alberta School Superintendents

Quick facts:

  • Data released on Open Alberta is from 89,000 public, separate and francophone classes across the province, including information on class size, class composition and occurrence of complexity factors.  
  • Class size and complexity data confirms:
    • Alberta’s average class size is 25
  • Average class size by grade division:
    • Kindergarten to Grade 3 – 22 students
    • Grades 4 to 6 – 25 students
    • Grades 7 to 9 – 26 students
    • Grades 10 to12 – 26 students
  • Average class size by region:
    • Rural – average of 23 students
    • Urban and metro – average of 26 students
  • Five per cent of classrooms have been identified as high-priority.
  • Thirty-six per cent have been identified as medium priority.

Metro School Board Complexity Team Allocation

School BoardNumber of Complexity Teams (K-6)
Calgary Roman Catholic Separate School Division53
Calgary School Division118
Edmonton Catholic Separate School Division42
Edmonton School Division101
Total314

Urban and Rural School Boards Complexity Team Allocation

Prairie Rose School Division1
St. Paul School Division1
Sturgeon School Division1
Westwind School Division1
Wetaskiwin School Division1
Wild Rose School Division1
Total162
Prairie Land School Division1

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