A pan-Canadian research program for more inclusive schools in Canada: The diversity and equity research background

This discussion paper presents four research questions as possible priorities for all partners in Canada. These questions reflect the interests and priorities already identified by respondents from provincial/territorial ministries and departments. The paper reviews the research that has already been done under each of the four theme areas, providing sub-headings that suggest the range of key issues. Discussion highlights omissions, new directions, and strengths and weaknesses in the assembled research in Canada. Question one asks if a pan-Canadian research program could help describe different, effective approaches to Aboriginal-controlled schooling that other Aboriginal communities could learn from. Major sub-headings include: issues of Aboriginal control; policies for language and cultural revival; and Aboriginal teacher education. Further related issues are raised under questions two and three. Question two asks if a pan-Canadian research program could help ministries and departments ease the integration difficulties presently experienced by culturally different children in school systems. Major sub-headings here include: fair assessment of student ability and achievement; English-as-a-second-language/French-as-a-second-language (ESL/FSL) versus bilingual education provisions; problems of bias in textbooks and in classroom discourse; bias against non-standard language varieties; and racial bias. Question three asks if a pan-Canadian research program could help reduce disparities in access to academic literacy among different social, cultural, and regional groups. It reviews the limited survey data available, and the few contextual studies in Canada on literacy and illiteracy