Lexi Valcourt - Blog 4

Chapter four of the textbook focused on the structure of education in Canada. I really enjoyed reading about all the options offered in choice of schooling here in Canada. The topic of school choice also made some relevant and interesting points. Charter schools and alternative schools give parents choice when they look for schools to enroll their children. Charter schools are not affiliated with any religious faith, do not charge tuition, and have a small student population. Some specialize in areas like traditional indigenous teachings, rural leadership, and leadership in young girls. The text offered both pros and cons when discussing charter schools. Some pros were that these schools provided needed flexibility in education which some children desperately need. Another advantage is that since charter schools are held accountable in performance in order to stay running, they will in turn do everything they can to meet the unique needs of their students. Those opposed to charter schools operating in Canada made the arguments that these schools provide different education which reduces the “common core” of education provided in the public system and that these schools only offered limited availability which could be seen as unfair.

 I have always been intrigued by the idea of “school choice” which is a reality in cities like Edmonton. I do believe that schools should have competition in order to encourage constant improvement and that families should be able to select the school which they feel will support and value the abilities of their child best. But does this create a system of constant competition where some students get left out? A few years back I went to hear Pasi Sahlberg speak on the topic of the educational system in Finland, where children achieve much more academically than any other place in the world. Sahlberg is a strong promoter of “school choice” and believes that this kind of system forces schools to try new methods, work harder to meet the needs of their students, and work with students families in providing the best possible education for their children. Do you think this kind of system would work in Manitoba? Why or why not?