This booklet is the first in a three part series dealing with individual and societal expectations of education in Canada and the relationship between basic goals and the principles of financing. The main body of the presentation covers the current state of public expectations of school as an institution serving the needs of society. The author sees some Canadian education needs to be the need for (1) decisionmaking; (2) Canadian identity; (3) economic wellbeing; (4) the preservation and development of the environment; and (5) self-renewal of the individual and of society. A concluding chapter summarizes some additional requirements, such as the need to make an educational system that is accountable and responsive to history, and one that has clearly specified goals; effective school-to-parent and school-to-community relations; and student input into the educational process. A 42-item bibliography is included. Related documents are EA 005 382 and EA 005 383. (Author/DN)