"Alphabetização" (literacy) of young children involves a school exclusively devoted to the early years, parental participation, and teachers specialized in early literacy. This is the basis of José Carani's proposal for an "escola familia" in the municipality of Cambé (Brazil). This "Note from the Field," based…

Mathematics teachers, researchers and specialists in educational technology from Quebec, Canada developed virtual tools that make interactive simulations of games of chance. These tools were presented to a group of teachers from New Brunswick through workshops and they then got to test and validate them with their students. Semi-structured…

Between 1985 and the present, curriculum developers, educators and Elders in Nunavut have been working towards reconceptualization of curriculum to better meet the strengths and needs of Inuit students and to reflect, preserve, and revitalize Inuit worldview, language, and culture. This article outlines the development of the 1989 curriculum…

Teacher education in universities is under pressure. In many new education policies there is a renewed focus on teacher quality, and therefore quality initial teacher education. In some countries this renewed focus has led to a resurgence of "alternative approaches" to teacher education such as Teach for America / Australia. One of the most…

Curriculum integration, focusing on multidisciplinary tasks/projects relevant to the real-world, lends itself to authentic assessment practices. However, attempting to incorporate assessment "of", "for", and "as" learning can be challenging. Using data from two mixed method case studies (n=52, n=27) which tracked middle school student learning…

Exploratory and descriptive research was conducted in a secondary school to reveal the realities and difficulties of the implementation process that awaits teachers under Quebec's Educational Reform. A team of teachers agreed to be observed while simulating implementation one year ahead of other schools. Results underscore the importance of…

We examined the complexities of developing and implementing school curricula that reflect the goals for equality for students outlined in the Canadian Multiculturalism Act. Stories of teaching and learning experiences were presented to teacher-researchers as a means of generating discussion about differences in perspective pertaining to the…

Stories that were written by my grandfather at the turn of the 20th century spiraled into my daily life as a nurse-teacher at the turn of the 21st century. In this paper, I explore a common plotline of my Afi (Islandic for grandfather) and me as pioneers by linking his life stories to the tensions I experience in my contemporary professional…

Explores the current educational reform in Quebec outlining the major aspects of the curriculum reform. Describes the structure of the curriculum, including programs of study and general principles. Discusses the implications of the proposals. Questions of emphasis include language and mathematics, technology, cultural pluralism, and English…

Traces the context in which the minority English-language community in Quebec is coming together to take ownership of the reforms in its schools. Provides a glimpse of the English-speaking community and focuses on the Linguistic Boards, school governance, and curriculum reform. Discusses the context and model of implementation for reforms in…

Examines the reforms in the Quebec education system focusing on curriculum reform, the governance of public schools, and teacher education and certification. Discusses the implications for classroom practice and policy making. States that for the reform to be successful, a better relationship between teacher organizations and the government must…

Observes secondary school students' use of computers for learning. Identifies limited use of computers for learning by students, dependency of students on teachers for integration, and constraints of teachers on students in terms of teachers' difficulties and attitudes toward computers. Discusses implications for planning and implementing computer…

Analyzes provincial curriculum guidelines to determine the extent to which they feature inquiry as a teaching and learning strategy. Compares the analysis with results of a survey of student teachers to determine to what degree inquiry is being taught in schools across Ontario (Canada). Makes proposals for improving education in inquiry methods.…

Recounts an episode in Canadian educational history where Quebec Catholic public schools launched a program to provide university studies to secondary students who otherwise could not afford it. The post-World War II program also was designed to redefine the cultural identity of French Canadians and make them economically competitive. (MJP)

Presents an analysis of seven studies on field-based Canadian teacher-education programs. Describes conflicting views held by multiple participants and their differing perceptions of course work, field experiences, and beliefs about personal professional competence. Underscores the importance of several factors for creating a strong field-based…