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U P D A T E

Vol. I, no. 1, March 1996

M I S E  À  J O U R

Vol. I, No 1, Mars 1996
In February 1995, the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC) adopted the Pan-Canadian Protocol for Collaboration on School Curriculum. In identifying science as the first area for collaboration under this new protocol, ministers recognized that, as Canada moves into the twenty-first century, it is essential that all jurisdictions provide students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes for scientific literacy.

The project supports the spirit and intent of collaboration as described in the protocol. All jurisdictions except Quebec are participating in the development of a common framework of science outcomes for K-12. Throughout the project, anglophones and francophones will work together to ensure the development of deliverables in English and French.

The final document arising from the Pan-Canadian Science Project will contain the following elements:

  • a vision statement for science education
  • a summary of current trends in science education
  • terms and definitions for a common framework of science outcomes
  • a conceptual map for a common framework of science outcomes
  • general outcomes (grades 3, 6, 9, 12) for science education
  • specific outcomes, grade by grade, and illustrative examples as required, for science education
The project will be developed using the lead jurisdiction model, meaning that an anglophone lead jurisdiction and a francophone lead jurisdiction will be responsible for ensuring the development of the final document and all of the draft documents leading to this final product. The anglophone lead jurisdiction for the project is British Columbia. The French-language lead jurisdiction is Manitoba (francophone). All participating jurisdictions are represented on the project team, which will work with the coordinators from the two lead jurisdictions to develop the deliverables.

The processes and procedures of the Pan-Canadian Science Project will maximize stakeholder involvement, with that involvement occurring within the context and mechanisms of the various jurisdictions at key times throughout the project. At appropriate points, draft documents will be provided to participating jurisdictions for review within their jurisdictions. This review process requires participating jurisdictions to distribute draft documents developed within the Pan-Canadian Science Project to their stakeholders such as educational partners from elementary and secondary schools, postsecondary institutions, business and labour organizations, parent groups, science professionals' organizations, science interest groups, and representatives from other ministries, and to prepare a report for the lead jurisdictions. The lead jurisdictions will respond to individual jurisdictions' comments and will send a summary of all jurisdictional reports to the project team.

Communication is essential to the success of the project, including communication within and between ministries and departments of education, with educational partners, and with partner organizations. On a national level, information will be disseminated by CMEC via the CMEC Secretariat. On a jurisdictional level, ministries and departments of education will ensure appropriate communication with partners and stakeholders throughout the project. Last Revised: 1996 03 28

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