The Future of Public Education in Canada

This paper summarizes a conference of youth in Canada that took place early in 2020 to outline their vision for the future of education in Canada. The youth participants identified the following recommendations for their 10-year vision for the future of public education, in which their right to a quality education is respected:

1. Create national curriculum standards

2. Create national standards for teacher-training

3. Make key curriculum updates (Arts, Life-skills, Technology, UNCRC, Modern Jobs, Health)

4. Foster cultural respect and address social barriers

5. Provide a wide variety of educational opportunities

6. Offer free access to resources in schools (contraceptives, toiletries, menstrual products)

7. Ensure schools are safe and accessible

8. Enhance opportunities to learn multiple languages

9. Decrease class sizes

10. Enhance community participation within schools

11. Demonstrate respect and support for our educators