Findings from two studies indicate that the nature of Canadian children's environments within their families, schools, neighborhoods, and communities has very strong effects on children's development and the prevalence of childhood vulnerability. Rather than stemming primarily from poverty, childhood vulnerability may arise from the environments…

Analyzes the anticipation of educational change in British Columbia associated with the Year 2000 document. The perspective on change involves positive and negative aspects dependent on values and beliefs embedded in the culture. The study of four teachers and their classrooms shows that the seeds of change have been planted. (KS)

To advance understanding of the issues concerning teachers' working conditions, the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario commissioned one of the authors to do an analytical review of literature on teachers' working conditions. This resulted in the publication, "Teacher Working Conditions That Matter: Evidence for Change." The…

A two-year study in Alberta on the effects of classroom lighting found that elementary school students exposed to full-spectrum lighting with measurable ultraviolet output had fewer dental caries, larger gains in height and weight, larger gains in achievement, and better attendance. Students exposed to high-pressure sodium vapor lamps had the…

Explains how Dr. Ronald R. Edmonds discovered five characteristics common to 55 United States schools exhibiting academic effectiveness. Explains the characteristics: large portion of principal's time spent in classrooms, global understanding of school's major purpose, orderly school climate, teacher behavior, and close monitoring of students…

Classroom life was observed for six weeks in four British Columbia classrooms: Grades one, four, split-grade six/seven, and nine. Despite differences in teaching styles and methods, classroom environments were similar, demonstrating active student engagement, shared enjoyment, and guided independent thinking. Teacher attitudes toward mandated…

Cites findings of a study of 242 students enrolled in the University of British Columbia teacher education programs which suggest students may not be adequately prepared for managing mainstreamed classrooms. Discusses implications for the Canadian educational policy of placing handicapped children in mainstreamed classrooms and for teacher…

A survey of over 2,000 parents in Quebec found that parents are involved in their children's education at home by organizing their child's time, monitoring and helping with homework, encouraging and motivating, and discussing school matters. Some parents volunteer in school activities if invited, and some attend school conferences and committees.…

Describes development of the School Culture Inventory (SCI). Interviews of staff, parents, and students in three high-performing secondary schools in British Columbia identified common attitudes and values related to organizational culture, which were then used to construct student, parent, and teacher surveys comprising the SCI. Pilot testing…

Community mapping is a relatively new technique using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and scientific software to generate visual representations of community characteristics. In North York (Ontario), community mapping provided information about the influence of community resources, including educational, recreational, cultural, health, and…