Education in Canada: An Overview.

Overview & Synopsis

This reference book provides a basic understanding of how education works in Canada, from preschool to adult education. Chapter 1 examines Canada's elementary and secondary schools and covers: (1) decision making for public schools (roles and responsibilities of provincial, local, and federal governments); (2) paying for public education (revenue sources and allocation, public funding of "separate" religious schools, summaries of governance and finance for each province); (3) a profile of Canada's schools (student population, graduation rates, preschool programs, school organization, school day and year, textbooks and materials, elementary schools, secondary schools, diploma requirements for each province, bilingual education, language instruction for immigrant students, education for Native children, special education, school-based social services, private schools, special subject schools, home schooling, educational assessment, public opinion); and (4) teachers (the workforce, gender issues in the teaching profession, teacher education, teaching conditions). Chapter 2 explores postsecondary education in Canada, including: (1) overview (history, enrollment patterns, program choices, Native student participation, personal benefits, recent policy changes, portable courses and credits); (2) profiles of the university system and the community college system (admission requirements, programs of study, language of instruction, school year, tuition fees, accommodation, institutional governance, accountability, faculty, research); (3) highlights (cooperative education, distance education, international dimensions); and (4) financial support (institutional funding, student loans, tax supports for postsecondary education). Chapter 3 discusses lifelong learning and adult education in Canada, including vocational programs, apprenticeship training, the Canadian Labour Force Development Board, adult continuing education, and literacy programs. Chapter 4 looks at educational trends in Canada, including greater emphasis on curriculum outcomes and assessment, the technology revolution in the classroom, school-to-work transitions, trends in postsecondary education, and trends in skills development and training. A final section includes useful addresses and other contact information for provincial departments of education, federal agencies, and national education organizations. (SV)