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The Society for the Advancement of Excellence in Education provides non-partisan education research and information to policy-makers, education partners and the public. Our purpose is to encourage higher performance throughout Canada's public education system.
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Alternative Public Schools Study Released
[ November 5, 1999, Kelowna ] A two-year study of alternative public schools in BC has released
its 129-page report titled, "The Impact of Parental Choice on Three Canadian
Public Schools". The research was conducted from 1997-1999 through a grant to the
University of British Columbia. Principal investigator, Daniel J. Brown, is a professor of
Educational Administration and Leadership in the Department of Educational Studies,
Faculty of Education, at UBC.
Over 10,000 BC students are enrolled in alternative programs. Professor Brown observes:
"This is the first study to look inside BC three public schools of choice to find out
how they work and what makes them interesting. Our findings clearly show that parental
choice can make a significant difference to the education of our children."
The researchers explored the learning environments, practices, and performance of these
alternative public schools, gathering data from many sources, to assess the impact of
parental choice on school success.
The schools selected for this in-depth study differ in size, history and circumstances.
Topham Elementary in Langley offers Japanese language and culture augmented by a
technology program. Langley Fundamental has offered direct instruction and high
expectations for student conduct for 25 years and, with a waiting list of 600 names,
speaks to parental involvement in schooling. King Traditional, a newer Abbotsford
school, offers a similar "traditional" learning experience to its students,
emphasizing academic excellence and a disciplined environment. The study probes the
reasons for the deliberate parental choice of these schools and the learning climate and
outcomes which resulted.
Key Findings: All three schools performed above district and provincial norms in
terms of academic achievement. A pronounced emphasis on respect and citizenship qualities
is present in each school. Parents and educators in each school demonstrated a
"remarkable" consensus on their mission as well as high satisfaction ratings.
The school districts appear to have benefited from the retention of parents who
otherwise may have left the public school system. Dr. Brown concludes the availability of
such choice in the context of public education has important benefits that require neither
substantial regulatory changes nor increased fiscal costs to achieve.
This report nudges the public education system by offering a set of recommendations for
government, districts, educators and parents that would increase the learning options
available to families and students. The adoption of these recommendations may ultimately
serve three important needs in public education today: elevating student achievement,
increasing student safety and sense of community, and strengthening public support in an
era when confidence in public education has declined.
The research grant to UBC for the study of The Impact of Parental Choice on Three
Canadian Public Schools was provided by the Society for the Advancement of
Excellence in Education with the assistance of the Donner Canadian Foundation. An
international panel of academic experts reviewed the overall study design. The study was
submitted to and received from UBC administrative and research ethics approval. The
Ministry of Education endorsed the study while the school districts involved granted their
approval.
For further information: Daniel J. Brown, Principal Investigator, University of British Columbia, (604) 822-4588
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