A critical analysis of the findings of an Estates General (a combination congressional hearing/government study) concerning the quality of education in Quebec (Canada). The study painted a bleak picture of educational quality and literacy and recommended severe program changes and budget cuts. (MJP)

Evaluates the effect of multicultural education on racism in Canada. Maintains that racism is still an integral part of Canadian life and, in some instances, appears to be on the rise. Argues for a vigorous and consistent educational policy emphasizing multicultural and antiracist training. (MJP)

Reports on current educational issues in Quebec (Canada). Briefly covers some of the major issues addressed in the Estates General, the commission study on the future of education in Quebec. A Montreal School commissioner challenged the government's numbers concerning dropouts. Decentralization, whole language learning, and school rankings also…

Presents a scathing review of supply-side economics and its effect on social programs. Argues that the Reagan administration purposefully incurred massive government debt in order to justify reducing social spending. Maintains that Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney followed a similar course. Includes trenchant criticism of Canada's public…

Identifies British Fabian-Socialism and French gauchisme (a hybrid of Marxism and existentialism) as the political-philosophical antecedents of the Quebec separatist movement. Argues that the current movement has scrapped these influences in favor of racial-ethnic nationalism and has embarked on a campaign of rabble-rousing propaganda. (MJP)

Criticizes the recent trend of six-figure-plus salaries for higher education administrators in Canada. Maintains that these salaries reflect neither market value nor individual performance but rather result from aggressive self-promotion and institutional chicanery. Argues that those individuals motivated primarily by money should work in the…

Briefly discusses the adjustment process that non-native teachers go through when teaching Canadian native students. Notes some of the cultural differences between the two groups including concepts of time, conflict resolution, and respect. Concludes that the ever-changing nature of native culture requires teachers to be flexible. (MJP)

Attempts to sort out and address many of the issues, controversies, and concerns surrounding Ontario's adoption of a common curriculum. Finds confusion and factionalism on both sides exacerbated by a preponderance of jargon. Identifies and defines key features of the common curriculum. (MJP)

Portrays the current social studies curriculum reform in British Columbia as a process hampered by disagreements over the input and participation of teachers. Charts the deterioration of this process culminating in the British Columbia Social Studies Teachers' Association's withdrawal from the process. (MJP)

Provides a brief overview of the educational conditions in Canada's Yukon Territory and discusses their effect on curriculum development. Describes three social studies curriculum projects from inception to completion. The projects are "Our Land Too: Women of Canada and the Northwest 1860-1914"; "Klondike Gold"; and…

Discusses the shift in thinking among the current generation of young Canadian Indians. Political attitudes have moved from an accommodating stance (Kiyam) to a more committed and confrontational position (Semac). Briefly addresses why some Indians prefer to stay on reservations. (MJP)

Reviews the implementation and early successes and failures of multicultural education in Canada. Although multicultural education was officially adopted as an educational policy in 1971, it has been reworked and revamped as problems and challenges have arisen. Discusses those incidents that necessitated structural changes in the policy. (MJP)

Asserts that social studies often emphasizes abstract concepts illustrated with obscure historical references. Argues that the introduction of feminist issues of social justice, exploitation, violence, and power can galvanize many of the central issues of social studies. Considers the use of language and how it restricts and validates certain…

Examines recent developments related to the teaching of values in public schools. Maintains that the character education movement supports direct teaching of a set of core values designed to foster civic virtue. Discusses the "six pillars of character" being promoted in the United States by the Character Education Partnership. (CFR)

Maintains that, over the past 25 years, Native Americans in Canada have managed to gain control of their own educational systems. Contends that, with the current political structure, achieving and maintaining continuity and stability is difficult but not impossible. (CFR)