CHAPTER 2-
OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT ENHANCEMENT
WITHIN PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEMS IN THE MARITIMES

Introduction

The Canadian public education system was created to meet the democratic goal of mandatory, accessible education for all citizens. Initially public education was provided by way of small community school houses. However, as the public education system evolved the methods for providing education began to change. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, governments began to amalgamate schools in an effort to provide more cost efficient education through modernized learning resources, curriculum and structures. The initial effort to improve learning helped raise education levels among the general public; but in the 1980s many students, parents and communities began to grow dissatisfied with the existing systems.

Public education systems in the Maritimes are responding to the diversity of learning needs of modem students through a variety of programs and mechanisms. These opportunities to enhance public education are particularly valuable in rural areas, where curricula are constrained by small student numbers.

Chapter 2 outlines a range of opportunities available within the existing public school systems that can help improve and enhance learning. Site-based management, advisory councils, and multi-disciplinary community based projects are examples of enhancement opportunities where parents and communities can become more involved. Challenge for credit, distance education, independent study and locally developed programs are examples of how students can take added personal initiative in reaching their educational goals. Partnerships with other schools and educational institutions are also addressed to show ways in which schools can improve education by sharing resources.