Since its opening three years ago, Oasis Skateboard Factory (OSF), founded by teacher Craig Morrison, has attracted considerable media exposure and received a Ken Spencer Award from the CEA for its innovative program. OSF is one of three programs offered by Oasis Alternative Secondary School, one of 22 alternative secondary schools of the Toronto…

In October of 2010, Canadian Education Association (CEA), in conjunction with colleagues from SCOPE (Stanford Centre for Opportunity Policy in Education), hosted an event entitled "Achieving Equity through Innovation: A Canada-United States Colloquium." This two-day event provided an important platform for the exchange of ideas,…

Community education combines many desirable aspects of past and present educational movements into a dynamic concept of education. It draws together a community's resources into a cooperating relationship. (Author)

Describes advantages and forms of cooperation between schools and the elderly community, including political support for schools, older adults as educational resources, change of attitude toward elderly, and school involvement in community education. (LFL)

A new model of learning communities based on lifelong learning is emerging. The approach integrates nonformal and formal learning so that all learning is recognized. The expertise and learning resources that exist in every community are mobilized so that community purposes are achieved. Examples are given of learning communities in rural British…

Describes the explosion in intergenerational programs linking school children and seniors in Ontario and in other Canadian provinces. Discusses program benefits, form and content of programs, service-reciprocity programs, age segregation in today's society, and social context for the increase in programs. United Generations Ontario is dedicated to…

In the present era of accountability, there is a real and justifiable temptation to use collaboration to focus strictly upon instrumental goals that have an immediate impact on classroom practices. However, without some time and reflection devoted to why teachers do what they do, a sustainable culture of collaboration is unlikely to emerge. Based…

Argues for local control of education by Native Canadians. Position based on benefits of parent responsibility, rather than on criticism of Canadian Indian policy or treaties. Examines Indian education history, noting positive examples of Native communities taking educational responsibility. Concludes local control makes good educational policy.…

The inclusion of students with mental handicaps in their neighborhood schools and classrooms provides a diverse learning community within which a living curriculum can be ongoing. The democratic goal of schools is to ensure that all students learn. Successful inclusion efforts require support systems from both specialists and community volunteers.…

The growing dominance of the creative economy challenges cities and regions to move beyond the impulse toward "big ticket" economic development strategies like stadiums and convention centres and consider increased support for community-level strategies that encourage social and cultural diversity. Vibrant street scenes, eclectic…

Advocates restructuring of public school systems in order to better accommodate the needs of students in more efficient and effective ways. Calls for parental and political support in moving away from predominately staff-oriented systems and towards more patron-oriented alternatives. (JD)

Applying the concept of "neighborhood effects" to education in a federal state such as Canada permits the argument for federal presence in public schooling. Includes four sets of examples of neighborhood effects that meet criteria specified for federal action. Notes five differences between Canadian and American public education.…

Explains and illustrates features of community economic development (CDC) organizations using two Canadian examples (Learnxs Foundation, Inc., and Learning Enrichment Foundation). Proposes CDCs as a way to improve youth employment and community development. Discusses youth employment programs in Germany, Austria, Britain, and the United States and…

Declining population in rural Saskatchewan has led to declining resources. The Minister of Education has proposed consolidating schools and creating school councils that, although involved in local decision making, will not govern directly. It is unclear whether boards of education will remain intact or be consolidated with other human services…

The United Nations' Child Friendly Cities movement is committed to implementing the Convention on the Rights of the Child. School boards can participate by augmenting a safe physical environment with a policy environment that treats children with respect; encouraging meaningful participation in school governance; recognizing and addressing the…