In 1999, far reaching consultation began in Alberta that included representatives from seven key stakeholder groups to explore how enveloped funding could be used by schools to meet unique and contextual needs around student learning. In 2000, the Alberta Initiative for School Improvement (AISI) was born, allotting school jurisdictions approximately $121.00 per student to build programs, processes, structures, or activities that would support growth and innovation in teaching and learning.
Defined as "a bold approach to improving student learning by encouraging teachers, parents, and the community to work collaboratively to introduce innovative projects that address local needs", AISI continued from 2000 to its termination in 2013. During that time, an expansive provincial, national, and international network of educators, researchers, and critics who participated in various ways to examine issues of pedagogy, leadership, professional learning, and organizational effectiveness was created.
To read more about AISI, see The Life Cycle of an Action Research Network: