Describes and assesses some Australian federal initiatives in education and discusses their applicability to Canada. Presents more information relevant to the current discussion in Canada on educational developments. (Author/RK)

The proportional size of the Canadian "echo generation"--baby-boomers' children born 1980-95--varies across the provinces and is largest in Ontario and the West. Effects on elementary, secondary, and postsecondary enrollments are discussed, as well as possible interprovincial agreements on provision of postsecondary education. (SV)

Demographic projections concerning the shortage of teachers in Canada, their pay scale, the feminization of teaching, the gender gap in salaries, and teacher autonomy have often been incorrect, or correct for the wrong reasons. Instead of relying on demographic predictions, teachers should contemplate who they really want to be professionally,…

Child poverty in Canada is related to parents' low-wage employment, prevalence of single-parent families, and parents' low educational levels. Discusses how schools can alleviate impacts of child poverty by improving instruction to students with low achievement, strengthening preschool education, and building links with parents and the community.…