Bankrupt Education

Scholars of political science, claiming to represent the views of many Canadians, say that the school system is out of step with the requirements of citizenship in a liberal democracy. Educators should promote literacy, convey principles of justice, and develop moral character, they say, and are not doing so. The solution is a reconsideration of the whole tradition of liberal education. Paper edition (unseen), $17.95. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Shortly after Canadian confederation, Thomas D'Arcy McGee proclaimed that education was "an essential condition of our political independence" and that its role was to form citizens for the new regime. Comparing this idea of education for citizenship, or civic education, to the modern goals of education, Liberal Education, Civic Education, and the Canadian Regime explores the founders' principles, their sources, and the challenges that threaten their vision for Canada. The collection's first essays analyze the political thought of early Canadians such as Brown, McGee, Ryerson, and Bourinot, while later chapters examine enduring principles of liberal democracy derived from Aristotle, de Tocqueville, and Hobbes. The final chapters bring the discussion forward to such topics as the decline of Canadian Catholic liberal arts colleges and the emerging role of our Supreme Court as a self-appointed "moral tutor." Moreover, as it deals with the changing roles of universities in contemporary Canada, Liberal Education, Civic Education, and the Canadian Regime engages current debates about the value and place of a traditional liberal education and the consequences of turning our back on the concepts that inspired our founding leaders. Considering whether Canada’s early documents and traditions can revive past debates and shed light on contemporary issues, this highly original collection presents education as an essential condition of our independence and asks whether current educational principles are threatening Canadians’ capacity for self-government.

Education Reform and Social Change is about addressing and changing the structures, policies, and practices of schools that differentially advantage white, middle class, native English speakers over students of color for whom English may be a second or additional language. It is also about helping people to think critically about what it is schools do and to consider more democratic, participatory, and equitable approaches. The chapters in the text provide first-hand documentation of the voices, struggles, and visions of students, parent activists, advocates, attorneys, and educators involved in educational and social change processes. It chronicles real-life efforts of people challenging the status quo and working to build a more participatory, equitable, and transformative future. The goal of this book is twofold: first, to consider the structures, policies, and practices that shape and limit educational change, and learning and teaching; and second, to document grassroots collaborative and creative efforts to change them. It offers a critical framework both for conceptualizing and for actualizing educational change. Organized into four sections, this book provides a theoretical and practical framework for thinking about educational reform and social change -- one that moves from the broader structural concerns that are embedded in policy, to case studies that document activism and collaborative efforts to change school, city, and state policies, to classroom-based directions and initiatives, and to the construction of personal and collective visions for a more democratic, equitable, and just education. Each section includes an overview of the chapters, necessary background information to help the reader contextualize what follows, and guiding questions to encourage reflective thought and engagement with the text and to invite personal linkages. Two resource sections are included at the end of the volume: "Radical Educational Reform, Critical Pedagogy, and Multicultural Education: Selected Readings and Resources" and "National Organization Networks and Resources with a Critical Perspective."

The Encyclopedia of Law and Higher Education is a compendium of information that tells the story of law and higher education from a variety of perspectives. As many of the entries in this encyclopedia reflect, the editor and contributors have sought to place legal issues in perspective so that students of higher education and the law can inform policy makers and practitioners about the meaning and status of the law and also raise questions for future research as they seek to improve the quality of learning for all. Key Features Includes boxed excerpts from 30 key cases in tandem with their related case entries Provides educators with enough awareness of the legal dimensions of given situations to enable them to better frame questions for their attorneys to answer Addresses emerging technologies such as webcams, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube and the challenges they create for both legislators and the judiciary Balances the tension between the proactive and reactive dimensions of education law Key Themes Cases in Higher Education Law Concepts, Theories, and Legal Principles Constitutional Rights and Issues Faculty Rights Governance and Finance Organizations and Institutions Primary Sources: Excerpts From Landmark U.S. Supreme Court Cases Religion and Freedom of Speech Statutes Student Rights and Welfare Technology

International growth in higher education, the introduction of new providers and increased public and state interest in university structures, levels of fees and funding models have made governance in higher education a vital and sometimes controversial topic. Governing Higher Education Today provides challenging perspectives on the longer-term dynamics and policy trends in a world market for higher education. Through international perspectives and case studies, it considers: The emerging national responses, which are likely to shape institutional governance in the next decade. An analysis of the trends and strategic directions in governance and policy in higher education. Insights from practising thought leaders on the future of higher education governance and policy. Traditions and values within higher education governance. Lessons and trends in the interaction of institutions and government. Whether you sit on a governing body, work in a university leadership role or in a governance or policy team, teach or study higher education, Governing Higher Education Today provides a thoughtful yet practical guide to the future of university governance with international applicability.

Teaching with the Wind tackles the question, "Can education for a Canadian civic spirituality bridge the sometimes incommensurable worldviews of faith-based schools and secular public schools?" An affirmative answer is offered based on two foundations. First, that a national soul can be identified and thus serve as the content of spiritual education in Canada schools. Second, that a reconstructed approach to the contemplation-in-action method found in world religions and philosophy can provide an appropriate pedagogy for Canadian spiritual education. This book argues that education for civic spirituality is of paramount importance as Canada continues its transition from a Judeo-Christian and bicultural nation to a multi-faith and multicultural nation within a secular democracy. It offers a direction that would enrich religious and secular education systems as well as Canada as a whole.