Based on the article you were in given in class and/or the 3 questions presented on
webCT for June 28 under the tab "Case Studies for discussion" argue either A or B below:
- A. Ontario should follow France and adopt a formally equal public school system. In this system, there would be no accommodation or recognition of inequities nor differences.
- B. Ontario should build on its tradition of accommodating differences and have a public school system that accepts some public schools based around difference (be it religion, ethnicity, gender, etc.). This would be done to ensure greater fairness in ensuring that all students receive a decent public education.
In your answer, include discussions of issues of
formal and substantive equality, secularism, and democracy.
12 comments:
Topic B
Ontario public schools should have the right to learn about other studies whether it be religion, ethnicity, gender etc. If we do not provide students with a greater knowledge of the world around them, they will start to favour certain beliefs and understandings —forgetting about others. By touching on different teachings, it would avoid substantive eqaulity within the school systems.
Learning about other religions would not interfere with the values of public education because it is the students choice if they want to learn about it. We should not disregard students interests' in learning new beliefs or practices. It will develop their knowledge of the world around them and understand diversity and culture.
Topic B
Ontario should build its own tradition of accommodating differences, because we are so diverse as individuals. In order to grow strong as a multi-cultural country, we must accommodate the needs of everyone. If we as Canadians were able to find a solution to this problem, we could become a very powerful, well-educated multicultural country. The more educated each individual is, the strongest we are as an entire unit. I think that a system like this would show that Canada wants to keep moving forward in the modern world.
I agree with Nik and Danny's model of public school system which could be the ideal solution to Canada's challenge of multiculturism.
But the problem is, one public school system accomodating multiple cultural or religious descipline is still an impractical idea. Every student can't learn all the subjects in detail(An abridged version might work, but it is partial knowledge, after all), again introducing elective subjects won't let all students to learn about all cultures or religions.
Morever, this system is based on our diffrences, not what we have in common already (which 'Formally Equal' system promotes)I think, in this world of cultural and relgious conflict,(The so called 'Clash of civilizations')we better not celebrate our differences which might trigger unhealthy practice of dominance over cultural supremasy; Rather, we should focus on core values based on logical social relationship, equal human rights, scientific knowledge and common mutual interest-The Golden Rule-that form our 'humanity' which is common to all cultures; Not based on thousand year old cultural dogma, corrupt religion and meaningless rituals.
My personal observation is that we all have roughly 75% common! Then why our system should be based on the rest of 25% we don't have? It should either be based on 100% or atleast 75%!
This conclusion would lead me to vote for Formally Equal public school system for the time being until we find a better solution for a unique multicultural learning environment for all of our children.
After reading the comments already posted I would agree with much of what Danny and Nik have said. It's definitely important to accomodate the differences we live with.
I think the option to build on a formally equal education of religion, ethnicity, gender etc., will have faults with the content that is provided. (whats being covered, how much, etc)
It's important that within Ontario and in Canada for that matter, we have the option of learning a variety of religions and ethnicities. Part of the problem we face with racism today as an example, is that we have preconceived notions about one another's religions and ethic traditions. Knowledge is power, and like danny said, 'the more educated each individual is, the strongest we are as an entire unit'.
Topic B
I think Ontario has to have an equal public school system which is obligatory for some years but also give permission and fund the other schools which are related to different religions and etnicity.
After people spent some years in public schools they can hve choice to continue in tother schools to learn better their culture and religion.
I believe education systeme should be secular with the respect to the others religion. That's the way we can teach young generation objective and knowledge of today.
Fusun Uzun
I think B works better.
Canada is well-known as a multi-cultural country. People from all over the world are living here and are continue to move here. Meanwhile, people bring their own cultures here as they move. Culture is something they should keep with them. It starts from schooling. Children learn from school. So if they are exploited the right of knowing the differences in their community, it won't be good for them.
Part A.
The idea that inequities and differences will be eliminated with the introduction of an equal public school system is rediculous. If you were to view the secularism and equality issues within the student body, you will find that despite the elimination of religious influence in the school, certain groups will cluster together to create their own groups and this could potentially make other people feel uncomfortable.
The idea of a formally equal system elimates all rights and freedoms that were fought so long and hard to create. It is a giant leap backwards in the cultural diverse times of today.
Topic A.
I agree with the system that France is aiming towards. Schools and public governmental property should show no differences between ethnicities. This system works much better in public schools, eliminating differences between students. With this doing, social life in the public school is much more friendly and eliminates formation of groups inside and outside of schools.
As rough as it may sound on the freedom part, when you think about it, not much of your freedom is being taken. If immigrants do not like and commodate to these conditions, they have the choice to leave the country and go somwhere where these conditions are met by their standarts.
Ontario should follow France and adopt a formally equal public school system, but not to the same extent. Students should be able to wear their respective religious symbols, but teachers should not enforce their beliefs or a specific religion’s beliefs on the student. The only time religion should be taught is in a world religion class, where many belief systems are taught in a more objective context. A unified school system would force all students of different races, classes and beliefs together. Students would benefit greatly from being exposed to different points of view. It would also create a better understanding between different races and beliefs. It creates an ‘us’ mentality rather than an ‘us vs. them’ one.
Lindsay Hunter
Part A.
Ontario schools should follow France and adopt a formally equal public system, mainly because there would be no differences with each school, in a multicultural country we need to accommodate everyone but not by making certain schools for certain people. As long as the schools accommodate everyone with the programs that suit all people it would be ok, but as long as you make the programs not required but make them accessable. Overall public schools in Canada should follow France in the system they use.
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