What is Speak Out?
What goes on at www.speakout.alberta.ca?
This fully moderated website allows Alberta youth to safely connect with each other and talk about issues that are important to them and their education. You can find out what students have said at the Speak out Forums and see if your educational experiences are similar or really different. You can discuss your perspective and ideas on how to improve the system or just share what it’s like for you in your school – what’s working, what’s not and the changes you’d like to see.
What is the Student Engagement Initiative – Speak Out?
The Student Engagement Initiative – Speak Out is all about you! We want to hear your voice on what is working for you and what we can do together to improve your education experience. In order to get your feedback, we have launched this website (www.speakout.alberta.ca) as a place where you can share your thoughts, opinions and experiences with your peers and with us. We have been holding Speak Out Forums around the province to have face-to-face small group discussions since the fall of 2008. Each year, we host an Annual Speak Out Conference where we bring together about 200 students from across Alberta to work together to have an impact on the education system. We also have a Minister’s Student Advisory Council of 24 youth who share their ideas and provide advice to the Minister of Education and to Alberta Education.
Who can participate in the Student Engagement Initiative – Speak Out?
You must be at least 13 years old to participate in our online discussion boards. To participate in our forums, conference or to be eligible for the Minister’s Student Advisory Council, you must be between the ages of 14-19 at the time of application. You don’t need to attend a certain school – or even still be in school. We are looking for youth with different backgrounds, opinions and experiences.
Who is Alberta Education?
Alberta Education is part of the Government of Alberta. We support the needs of students, parents, teachers and administrators from Early Childhood Services through Grade 12. We work on education initiatives that affect you every day. We develop curriculum and set standards. We evaluate curriculum and assess outcomes. We are active in teacher development and certification. We oversee basic education policy and we fund and support school boards. Alberta Education funds almost 600,000 students and about 34,000 teachers in the province. What does this all mean for you? It means that we can help your ideas become reality.
Will our suggestions be taken seriously?
Yes! The online discussion boards are monitored and ideas, suggestions, comments, etc. are logged so that we know what you have been saying. Also, remember that your submissions are fully anonymous. We are tracking your ideas only.
Speak Out Forums:
What are Speak Out Forums?
Speak Out Forums are small group discussions that have been happening all over the province since the fall of 2008. At the forums, students in Grades 9-12 are invited to talk about their educational experience with us. We are talking about your learning styles, what is working for you, and what you would like to see happen in schools. We are discussing the things that might be holding you back from achieving your full potential. We are also talking about what kinds of things we can do together to get past those obstacles and improve everyone’s educational experience -both adult and student actions. We also have the DVD Tool Kit which allows students to speak out anytime and anywhere. We send you all of the supplies. After your forum, send us your results and we'll write the report for you and post it online under the "Forum" tab on www.speakout.alberta.ca. Check out the Google map of Alberta to see where Speak Out Forums have been hosted around the province. Click on any pin to view the "What We Heard" report for each event.
How can I apply to attend a Speak Out Forum?
Speak Out Forums are arranged with various schools and school divisions across the province. You will be notified by your school if a Speak Out forum has been arranged in your area and your school representative will be in charge of deciding who will attend the forums.
Can I host my own Speak Out Forum?
Yes you can! Just email us at speakout@gov.ab.ca and we'll send you everything you need to host your very own Speak Out Forum. It is an incredible opportunity to show leadership and take action at your school.
The Annual Speak Out Conference:
What is the Annual Speak Out Conference?
Once a year, we bring together approximately 200 youth from across Alberta between the ages of 14-19. During the conference, students come together to discuss their different opinions, perspectives and suggestions for improvement.
Who can apply to attend the Annual Speak Out Conference?
To be eligible to attend the Annual Student Conference, you must be between the ages of 14-19 years and live in Alberta. You don’t need to attend a certain school – or even still be in school. We are looking for youth with different backgrounds, opinions and experiences.
How can I apply to attend the Annual Speak Out Conference?
You can apply online on our website under the "Conference" tab. You will need to have a chaperone (teacher, supervisor, guardian or parent) attend with you even if you are 18 or 19. Also, youth under the age of 18 must provide a signed parent consent form to the Speak Out Team in order to participate.
How are participants for the Annual Speak Out Conference chosen?
We will select conference participants on the basis of ensuring that we have equal representation from different areas of the province, equal gender representation and diverse representation of backgrounds, opinions and experiences. We have divided the province into zones. We want equal numbers of guys and girls from each area. When you fill out the application form, we ask questions about your background, experiences, opinions and perspectives. We will be making our selection based on this information. We want to get as diverse a group of youth in the room as possible – from those who excel in school to those who struggle; from those who love school to those who only go because of their friends or sports or clubs or because there is nothing better to do.
How will I know if I have been selected to attend the Annual Speak Out Conference?
You will receive an email notification once your application has been received. The Speak Out Team will contact you a few weeks prior to the conference to let you know if you’ve been selected.
The Minister’s Student Advisory Council:
What is the Minister’s Student Advisory Council?
The Minister’s Student Advisory Council is made up of 24 youth, aged 14 through 19, from across Alberta who act as ambassadors of Speak Out in their communities and schools. These members will be responsible for gathering the student voice from their peers and their community and letting us know what is important to you for your education. The online application form and further information can be found under the "Council" tab.
What would I have to do as part of the Minister’s Student Advisory Council?
This is a volunteer position and there is no cost to you. (Travel, meals and accommodation expenses will be covered). You’ll be a member for a minimum of one year. You can reapply at the end of your term if you are interested in continuing. You’ll participate in various activities including forums, conferences, and online discussions. You will be an ambassador of Speak Out in your community and school and will promote the initiative in your community. Members of the Council will travel to Edmonton a few times during the year to discuss the pressing issues in their area, share their ideas and provide advice to the Minister and the department of Education.
Who can apply to be a part of the Minister’s Student Advisory Council?
To be eligible to be a part of the Minister’s Student Advisory Council, you must be between the ages of 14-19 years at the time of application and live in Alberta. You don’t need to attend a certain school – or even still be in school. We are looking for youth with different backgrounds, opinions and experiences. All you need is enthusiasm and commitment.
How can I apply to be a member of the Minister’s Student Advisory Council?
You can apply online under the "Council" tab on our website. If you are under the age of 18, you will need to provide a signed parent consent form.
Do I need a chaperone to accompany me at Council meetings?
No. We will provide a guide for you while you are on Council business.
Are there costs associated with being a member of the Minister’s Student Advisory Council?
No. Alberta Education will cover all the costs associated with your commitment to the Council, including training, transportation, lodging and meals.
How are participants for the Minister’s Student Advisory Council chosen?
We will select Council members on the basis of ensuring that we have equal representation from different areas of the province, equal gender representation and diverse representation of backgrounds, opinions and experiences. We have divided the province into zones. We want one guy and one girl from each area. When you fill out the application form, we ask questions about your background, experiences, opinions and perspectives. We will be making our selection based on this information. We want to get as diverse a group of youth in the room as possible. We are looking for enthusiastic and committed youth with different backgrounds, opinions and experiences.
How will I know if I have been selected to be a member of the Minister’s Student Advisory Council?
You will receive an email notification once your application has been received. All applicants will receive written notification of the status of their application following the selection process.
Speak Out Contests:
How will I know if I have won a contest?
You will be notified by e-mail. Once we hear back from you, you will be asked to have your parent or guardian complete a consent form. Your User ID will also be posted on the contest page.
How will I receive my prize?
Once we receive your consent form back, we'll ask for your contact information and send your prize to you by mail.
Privacy and Terms of Use:
Is this really what all students in Alberta think about education in Alberta?
The data found on this website are the thoughts and opinions of Speak Out members. None of the information has been gathered in a scientific way and cannot be generalized to the entire student population in Alberta. So please, don't use this information for school projects or other research. Use this website as it was intended: good, clean fun and one way to Speak Out on education in Alberta.
How will the information collected on this website be used?
In addition to the online discussion boards being monitored and ideas, suggestions, comments, etc. being logged, we may choose to quote your message board posts in newsletters and other promotions (i.e., TV, magazines, newspapers, radio, internet, product packaging, etc.) in order to bring the best of our community to a larger audience. When republishing your quotes for wide distribution, we will identify you only by your screen name.
Why does Speak Out want to know how old I am?
The Speak Out registration process is designed to ensure that no one under the age of 13 joins Speak Out online. If we receive notice or otherwise learn that a Speak Out member has provided incorrect information during registration and is actually under 13 years old, we will close the account.
Will others know my identity on this site?
No. We use avatars and fictional usernames on this site so that your contributions are anonymous. Your e-mail address is used for registration but is not made public.
Technical Troubleshooting:
I have a login, but it won’t work. What do I do?
Please e-mail us at speakout@gov.ab.ca to let us know that you are having problems and we will be able to help you.
I am having problems registering.
Please e-mail us at speakout@gov.ab.ca and let us know what username you are trying to use and what error message you have received.
How do I get an avatar?
When you register, make your selection.
How do I edit or delete my profile?
You can edit your profile by going to the “Discuss” Tab. If you want to delete your profile, just send an e-mail to speakout@gov.ab.ca and we’ll do that for you.
How do I post a reply to an existing thread?
You first need to log in or create an account before posting to the discussion boards. You can post a reply to an existing thread by first clicking on the appropriate discussion board link and then clicking on the thread you want to reply to. There is an “Add Reply” button on the top right-hand corner of the page. Simply click on that button to post a reply. You can also post a “Quick Reply” by clicking on the button at the bottom of the thread you want to reply to.
How do I start a new thread?
You first need to log in or create an account before posting to the discussion boards. You can start a new thread in any discussion board by first clicking on the appropriate discussion board link and then clicking on the “New Topic” button on the top right-hand corner of the page.
How do I respond to a member privately or learn more about a member who has made a post?
You can’t. The Speak Out website keeps members anonymous in order to encourage open and honest discussion. Members are only identified by their avatars and fictional usernames.
I am having problems posting.
Because posts are moderated before going live on the site, it may take a short while for your post to appear. If your post still does not appear after 12 hours, please read our posting guidelines. If you feel you have followed these guidelines and your post still has not appeared, please let us know by e-mailing us at speakout@gov.ab.ca.
How do I upload videos and photos?
You can’t. The Speak Out discussion boards do not support uploads at this time.
How are posts moderated?
Posts made to Speak Out discussion boards are pre-moderated. That means that we read them before they are published to make sure they adhere to our guidelines of keeping it respectful, safe (no names, places, contact info), clean and keeping an open mind. We will do our best to get your posts up promptly. We won’t edit your comments but to ensure that your comment is posted, we do ask that you follow the Posting Guidelines and Terms of Use.
What if a specific post offends me or I think it is offensive in general?
Our posts are moderated before going live on the site so this should not be an issue. However, if you feel a particular post may be offensive, please let us know by e-mailing us at speakout@gov.ab.ca.
For any other problems not listed here, please contact us at speakout@gov.ab.ca.