Money makes the world go 'round!

What an interesting subject: financing public education in canada. I was not surprised that the provincial government supplied 62% of Manitoba Education Revenues (I think I learned that in history once upon a time). But I had no idea that operating grants were dependant on the amount of students registered by September 30th. Definitely interesting food for thought. I enjoyed doing the budget cutting activity, but it makes me realize how glad I am not to have to be in a position to cut funding from programs. How does one decide? Each program should have the right to argue in their favour as to why they deserve  a certain amount of funding. I know growing up in the band program, I would not know what it is like to have any less of a music program. I loved band! I loved the opportunities we had in band (we travelled to California twice, Banff, Minneapolis, Brandon (Jazz fest!), and various places in the north). The feeling of playing that music and  that we sounded so awesome was fantastic!

But that's another story.

We're talking financing here...

I think school's need to have programs that allow all types of students the chance to achieve their best. Our highschool had graphic arts, metals, woods, shop, band, choir, drama, great art classes, cafeteria/cooking classes and an awesome athletic program. There was something for everyone, and I think that makes a great school. Not everyone is going to be a teacher or something with a University degree. We need trades, (mechanics, carpenters, etc...) performers, artists to have a thriving community. And for that we need funding for those programs to create the opportunity for interest.

That's kind of my rant. I do agree that we may not need what the budget sets out, but I don't agree that we should cut out a program because a few people think it's unnecessary. You have to look at the numbers to see if the interest is there.

Governance...

Interesting topic, although I still don't think I grasp the whole subject. I do think it is something I will learn and be more comfortable talking about once I'm a teacher and involved in more conversations on the topic. One thing I don't get - why are teachers the bottom of the chain? Aren't teachers the ones who do the work - educating the children? How much input do teachers have in governmental affairs? I'm sure there are teachers who are on boards or represent the teachers. Maybe I'm biased since I am training to be a teacher.

I don't think there is much more to say on the topic, but I do think that it will be good to know this information and how all the governmental stuff works. Knowing the chain of command will come in handy to see who does what and who we talk to to get things accomplished.
Gotta love government and politics..

Ah, History.

Discussing the history of education has been so refreshing. Much of the content we covered I have heard about or learned but in a different setting, or pertaining to a different topic. It's nice to listen to history and not have to write an uber long essay about it.
I think it's interesting to learn how education began with each tradition and in each province. Back in the history courses I took we learned education as a small piece of the historic puzzle we were learning about at the time.
I think it's interesting how different each tradition treats educating the children. The French concentrate on schooling the boys - they received a better education (how fair is that eh?). The English seperated learning based on class. The wealthier families got a more in depth learning whereas the children of poor families received the basics for living. American tradition was similar to English in that the lower class learned how to read so that they could read the bible. Higher class received college preparation. And finally it was relieving to read that the Scottish educated all their children the same. There was no seperation of class.
After learning (well re-learning) all of this one thing that I have learned is that it would have been enjoyable to grow up in the Scottish tradition because they allowed all children to get the same education.
Ha-ha I'm kidding. I think its important that each tradition helped shape Canada into what we now know have for education. We are able to have the education we have nowadays because of history.
I love history.