Cheryl Wood (Blog 4)

This week chapter four discussed the structure of education in Canada. Right from the beginning we found out that Canada is the only country in the world with no federal education department (page 89). I found this rather interesting. It really made me think about the pros and cons to education differing province to province/territory. With Canada spanning over such a large mass it can be beneficial in some ways but difficult for those who may move from one province or territory to another.   

The text states that home schooling is permitted in all the provinces and territories (page 106). Home schooling can be a great opportunity for some children although it can hinder other students. A few of my distant relatives were home schooled and in their case it hindered them. Their education is not up to par with other children their ages. Once the children got older the parents were unable to teach them the curriculum due to the parents themselves not knowing it, as education has changed a fair amount since they were in school. They didn't have the determination to pursue their children’s’ education like they should have. These children will not be given the same opportunities as schooled children due to their lack of education. Maybe the lack of determination on the parent’s part was due to the lack of resources readily available.

The text mentions the requirement of school councils being a regulated way to generate parental involvement in education (page 97). I never really thought of this before but it makes sense.

Discussion Question:

1)With Education being different province to province does this hinder Canadian students or is this beneficial?

2)What other ways might be used to generate parental involvement?