The Canadian System of Education.

Overview & Synopsis

This survey describes the organizational structure of Canada's public institutions for preschool, primary, secondary, university, adult and technical education. General information is presented concerning teacher qualifications, school organization, higher education, and school financing. Major emphasis is on the provincial government which has the autonomy to legislate and administer education policy, standards, teacher training programs, curriculum, textbooks, and guidelines for trustees. A summary is included of varying procedures throughout the provinces regarding school age requirements, grade structure, promotion, school calendar, and such special programs as bilingual instruction in English and French, Catholic and non-Catholic schools, and curriculum innovation. It is noted that local education boards have the delegated authority to operate schools directly and to provide funds with provincial and federal assistance. The survey shows, however, that the federal government has jurisdiction over education programs for Eskimos, Indians, inmates of federal penitentiaries, and dependents of members of Canadian Armed Forces. Listed are 20 federal departments or agencies and 10 national organizations involved with education in Canada. Appendices contain: an organizational chart of Department of Education, Alberta; addresses of all provincial Departments of Education; and a list of 37 current publications available from the Educational Division, Dominion Bureau of Statistics. (JSB)