An array of qualities exists that distinguish the schools of Canada. Three qualities that constitute achievement are discussed in this paper. First, schools have generally acquired a place of high regard in the eyes of the public. Second, this country has built a teaching corps the quality of which is unmatched in the English-speaking world.…

Terry Heinrichs's rejoinder (in this issue, p169) criticizes this author and the Canadian boards of education for firing Malcolm Ross and Paul Fromm. In essence, Heinrichs agrees that the firing of James Keegstra was justified, as Keegstra brought his hatred into his classroom. Heinrichs thinks the case is very different when hate mongers preach…

Argues that Canada's policy of encouraging the study of heritage/international languages not only contributes to economic and cultural development, but plays an important role in the intellectual growth of the individual and in the construction of a world where communication and peace are possible. (contains 12 references) (MDM)

Following a review of Alberta (Canada) provincial policies related to teacher preparation, certification, evaluation, and professional development, the Council on Alberta Teaching Standards advised the Minister of Education on ideas that should be included in a framework to improve educational quality. The policy positions outlined in this paper…

Historical and philosophical tensions between Ontario's central provincial educational system and local school boards have been mitigated by division of administrative responsibilities. The province's vastness and cultural diversity are persistent sources of tension. Historical tensions are significant, for colonial schooling standards and French…

Education is central to two recent international efforts to address an impending ecological global crisis. "The Earth Charter" and the UN document "Decade for Education for Sustainable Development 2005-2014" challenge all people to consider the socio-ecological, ethical, local and global dimensions of human life. These…

Cutbacks to outdoor education and outdoor education centers are inconsistent with the Ontario boards' goal of lifelong learning. Although traditional curricula consist almost entirely of public meaning, outdoor education yields personal meaning engendered by direct experience with what is being learned. Outdoor experiences are also essential for…

Physical education is declining in North American secondary schools. It has difficulty fitting into educational reform's public schooling vision. The article examines key elements in designing new physical education and accessing knowledge from multiple experts to develop programs. It simulates the knowledge acquisition process and presents a…

This paper brings together and discusses the implications of various statements of children's rights and legislation protecting children. The Declaration on the Rights of the Child, proclaimed by the General Assembly of the United Nations on 20 November 1959 is detailed in terms of individual and social rights. The new (1979) Youth Protection Act…

Field notes written by students and guides during an eight-day university credit course in canoeing and wilderness living are presented as a dialogue to illuminate the spiritual experience of self-realization and well-being that comes to many students during the trip. (SV)

Raphael Cohen-Almagor's article "Hate in the Classroom: Free Expression, Holocaust Denial, and Liberal Education" (2008) calls for sanctions on those K-12 public school teachers whose deployment of "hate speech"--and/or associations with others who deploy it--creates a "poisoned environment" in the classroom. While…

The realization that a substantial segment of Canadian society could participate in a college education only if barriers of time and distance were removed led to an emphasis upon the concept of distance education as a necessary and desirable component of the programming of a community college. Recently, however, critics have argued that the…

Voices concerns about the way the cooperative education program is being handled in Canada. Outlines the history of the program and discusses methods for implementation. (JOW)

This review essay describes in detail two recent publications: "Formative Assessment: Improving Learning in Secondary Classrooms" (Centre for Educational Research and Innovation [CERI], 2005, Paris, OECD) and "Towards Coherence Between Classroom Assessment and Accountability" ("The 103rd Yearbook of the National Society…

Market-oriented industrial nations other than the United States have experienced rapid structural changes in their economies and reemployment problems among dislocated midcareer workers. The Swedish active labor market approach is a socialized one. This system has been criticized for excessive reliance on microeconomic labor market programs to…