This study has a dual purpose: (1) to show how computer-assisted discourse analysis of a 1.5-million-word specialized corpus can uncover patterns of language use that provide insights into the beliefs and values of a particular social group, making possible a "new way of looking at old puzzles" (Stubbs, 2010); and (2) to examine how the…

This fact sheet reports on how education in British Columbia (BC) compares to education in the rest of Canada. Statistics show that BC's spending on students had declined to close to $1,900 less per student than the Canadian national average. One of the outcomes of inadequate funding is a heavier workload for BC's public-school teachers with…

This paper provides insight on how postsecondary students' financial situation was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Results are based on the recent Statistics Canada crowdsourcing data collection completed by over 100,000 postsecondary students between April 19 and May 1, 2020.

This handbook aims at helping policy makers and social partners to look at the issues involved in financing work-based learning programmes--programmes that are part of formal vocational education and training and combine learning in the workplace with learning in the classroom--and to make better choices between the policy options that face them…

This article describes a study that examined the volume of secondary course failure and its direct budget impact on Ontario's K-12 public education system. The study employed a straightforward, descriptive accounting method to estimate the annual expenditure tied to secondary course failure, taking into account some factors known to be…

The Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training provides leadership and direction for post-secondary education and skills training across the province to help British Columbians succeed and reach their full potential. This 2022/23 service plan outlines how the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training will support the government's…

Mature higher education markets are drifting headfirst into the perfect storm. The convergence of shifting demographics, increased competition, decreased government funding, and the reality of a global marketplace has become the new normal in Canada, like in many other parts of the world. Most within the academy have come to accept this reality,…

The British Columbia Teachers' Federation and a number of its locals annually present to the Select Standing Committee. They do so because they think it is important to inform the committee and the public about the difference between the education funding decisions made by government and the reality of the needs in the schools. In reading through…

The author explores the technology procurement process in Ontario's publicly funded school districts to determine if it is aligned with relevant research, is grounded in best practices, and enhances student learning. Using a qualitative approach, 10 senior leaders (i.e., chief information officers, superintendents, etc.) were interviewed to reveal…

Substituting open educational resources (OER) for commercially-produced textbooks results in demonstrable cost savings for students in most higher education institutions. Yet OER are still not widely used, and progress toward large-scale adoption in most colleges and universities has been slow. This article reviews the literature informing…

The British Columbia Teachers' Federation (BCTF) is pleased to have the opportunity to present its views on priorities for the 2017 provincial budget to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services (the Committee). The BCTF represents 41,000 members who are teachers and associated professionals in public schools across British…

With buildings consuming almost half (49 percent) of all energy used in the United States, and three quarters of all electricity, there is a compelling need for investment in energy efficiency upgrades. These energy saving improvements "represent a significant opportunity to save money, reduce climate impact and generate jobs," according…

Canadians share a common interest in finding ways to raise incomes and reduce dependence on income support programs. Canadian Literacy and Learning Network (CLLN) and DataAngel Policy Research Incorporated have produced a report that explores the potential of an investment in adult literacy to simultaneously raise Canadians' earnings and reduce…

Canadians share a common interest in finding ways to raise incomes and reduce dependence on income support programs. Canadian Literacy and Learning Network (CLLN) and DataAngel Policy Research Incorporated have produced a report that explores the potential of an investment in adult literacy to simultaneously raise Canadians earnings and reduce…

Canadians share a common interest in finding ways to raise incomes and reduce dependence on income support programs. Canadian Literacy and Learning Network (CLLN) and DataAngel Policy Research Incorporated have produced a report that explores the potential of an investment in adult literacy to simultaneously raise Canadians earnings and reduce…