Poste - Canadian Coalition for the Rights of Children

Preparation for Responsible
Life
Schools try different ways to prepare students for living
responsible lives, such as seniors visiting programs and
food drives. There is little information about the
effectiveness of these programs.
Access to Technology
Canada is implementing a nation-wide initiative to bring
computers and the Internet into schools. In 1993, the
federal government and the private sector launched
SchoolNet, a national electronic network which is
working to connect with every school system in Canada.
The program includes federal funding for satellite
technology for all Aboriginal schools under federal
jurisdiction. 103 At this time, 85 percent of Canadian
schools are connected to the Internet. 104 Furthermore, the
Computers for School Program, sponsored by Industry
Canada and Telephone Pioneers, plans to have 250,000
computers in schools and public libraries by March 31,
2001. 105
Despite reductions in education spending, most provinces
have expanded the role of technology in schools and
devote many resources to acquire computer equipment.
For example, Alberta is connecting every school to the
Internet and will spend $85 million by 2000 to make
equipment available to students. Ontario allocated $40
million for computer equipment. Nova Scotia requires
that every new school have computer equipment and
laser wiring. 106 The Northwest Territories Department of
Education, Culture and Employment is a major funder of
a digital communications network to link communities
and deliver educational programs. 107 The Yukon, Prince
H O W D O E S C A N A D A M E A S U R E U P ?
Northwest Territories:
• A major focus of the school system is Dené and Inuit cultural perspectives. 99
• Two special language and culture curricula have been developed: Dené Kede, taught in the Western Arctic; and
Inuuqatigiit, taught in Nunavut schools. 100
• Civics education covers rights and duties of citizenship, government and politics, and participation in a democratic
society.
• A teacher’s resource book for Grades 7 to 9 discusses historical and language realities in circumpolar nations. 101
Yukon:
• Developing a specific Yukon curriculum in cooperation with parents, community organizations and the Council of
Yukon Indians. 102
87
Voices
Coalition Questionnaire:
Do you think schools do a good job of educating
students about positive relationships with others
and about practical things you can use in your
everyday life, e.g. time management and how to
search for a job?
I think it depends on the teacher; some of
them try and educate us on these things as
much as possible but most teachers just
stick to the lesson plan and never talk about
anything else.
—Colleen, aged 16, Ontario
Teachers teach us how to make a
bibliography, how to organize our notes, but
will a nice project on ancient Egypt really
help you in life? A business teacher is the
only teacher that will come close to teaching
students about searching for a job. In the
teachers’ opinion, if you have a problem, go
to the guidance counsellor.
—Ana, aged 16, Ontario
Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador and British
Columbia similarly support education programs to
enhance access and develop skills through the Internet. 108
Some educators are worried that technology will eclipse
more traditional lessons in science, mathematics, writing,