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Schools short change history Lougheed says
JAMES BAXTER Legislature Bureau Chief
EDMONTON JOURNAL
Tuesday, 21 Sept 04
Alberta's schools should teach more Canadian history in order to build better, stronger communities, Peter Lougheed says.
Speaking at a Canadian Unity Council luncheon, the former premier said he is increasingly concerned that young Albertans, especially those born in the province, are taking their citizenship for granted. That's at least partly due to an over-emphasis on social studies, which is largely the study of current events and American pop culture, he said. As a result, not enough attention is paid to history, especially Canadian history, by the education system.
â Å“If that's the problem, then let's drop social studies and make it Canadian history,â ? Lougheed said.
He added that he thinks there is sufficient room within the standard curriculum to do a good job of teaching both subjects. â Å“But throw social studies out the window if it is, indeed, the problem.â ?
Lougheed said he doesn't want to comment on the over all performance of Premier Ralph Klein's government, but reiterated his calls for more investment in education to restore the province to top spot in Canada. The former premier noted that Alberta's status has slipped in Canada among provincial education systems. â Å“We should be number one in Canada, for sure,â ? he said. â Å“Other than that, I'll leave it to the (provincial election) campaign, and the various parties, to resolve.â ?
jbaxter@thefournal
JAMES BAXTER Legislature Bureau Chief
EDMONTON JOURNAL
Tuesday, 21 Sept 04
Alberta's schools should teach more Canadian history in order to build better, stronger communities, Peter Lougheed says.
Speaking at a Canadian Unity Council luncheon, the former premier said he is increasingly concerned that young Albertans, especially those born in the province, are taking their citizenship for granted. That's at least partly due to an over-emphasis on social studies, which is largely the study of current events and American pop culture, he said. As a result, not enough attention is paid to history, especially Canadian history, by the education system.
â Å“If that's the problem, then let's drop social studies and make it Canadian history,â ? Lougheed said.
He added that he thinks there is sufficient room within the standard curriculum to do a good job of teaching both subjects. â Å“But throw social studies out the window if it is, indeed, the problem.â ?
Lougheed said he doesn't want to comment on the over all performance of Premier Ralph Klein's government, but reiterated his calls for more investment in education to restore the province to top spot in Canada. The former premier noted that Alberta's status has slipped in Canada among provincial education systems. â Å“We should be number one in Canada, for sure,â ? he said. â Å“Other than that, I'll leave it to the (provincial election) campaign, and the various parties, to resolve.â ?
jbaxter@thefournal