Centralized vs. Decentralized

It seems just like Canada to be somewhere in the middle being its own little unique entity in the world that few know about.

Continuing in Chapter one, I read that Canada is decentralized at the national level but centralized at the provincial level. I was aware of this before reading it. It is interesting to compare Canada's system with others around the world. For instance, how France is completely centralized. It has been a long standing tradition and highly supported within their own country. Personally, I support our system because while it makes sense to centralize some aspects, for example overall themes or general outcomes. It makes sense to remain decentralized provincially because it is important to include local texts, history, information, etc. It makes learning relevant to each region. However, when looking internationally it is not quite so simple. Expectations and methodology are not universal.

As stated in the text, success is not necessarily achieved due to the content or how the system is set up, but rather how things are done in each classroom. Teachers are well aware that the methods of instruction they use and the performance tasks that students complete are much more closely tied to achievement. Whether that be strictly rote learning geared towards test results or be it using multiple intelligences strategies for students to complete chosen tasks.

Since reading the expected texts, I am beginning to question more the governance of our education systems. I came across the line that reads "who organizes the system, who controls it, and how is it controlled". I really do not know. It is true that often you just hear "they". Well, who is they? I generally resort to saying the government. But who in the government? And why do those people within the government or other "they's" get to choose? Am I even right in saying the government?

From a few conversations that I have been a part of or over heard in my education career, I often hear that depending on the economy and what jobs are in demand that determines largely which subjects students are pushed towards in high school and into university. The rumours float and that is where the general public heads for job opportunities. But who is it that generates the going word, or why is it exactly that those jobs are so much more important at certain times and others not at all?