BCTF Information Services—Research & Reports

The High Cost of High School Dropouts: What the Nation Pays for Inadequate High Schools
Alliance for Excellent Education, Issue Brief, June 2008; 6 pages

The updated brief argues that high school dropouts drain the U.S. economy by lowering tax revenues and increasing the cost of social programs. High school graduates, on the other hand, make higher wages, are healthier, and live longer. They are less likely to be teen parents, commit crimes, or rely on government assistance.

Access, Adequacy, and Equity in Education Technology: Results of a Survey of America’s Teachers and Support Professionals on Technology in Public Schools and Classrooms
National Education Association, May 2008; 72 pages

After more than decade of investment in school technology, educators say they still don't feel adequately prepared to integrate instructional software into their classrooms and aren't getting the technical support they need to fully impact student achievement, according to a joint study by the two largest teacher unions in the U.S.  The report is based on a survey of nearly 2,000 public school educators.  

Teacher Education in Canada: A Baseline Study - Executive Summary
Society for the Advancement of Excellence in Education, June 2008

This report provides a composite snapshot of initial teacher education programs in Canada which collectively graduate some 18,000 teacher candidates each year.  The research is based on an overview of programs across 56 institutions and data obtained from a national survey of faculties of education, new teachers and their principals.  It examines program structures, content emphasis and usefulness, perceptions of teaching knowledge and skill, the practicum experience, and the transition into the teaching profession.

Testing and Assessment: Third Report of Session 2007/08
House of Commons Children, Schools and Families Committee, May 2008; 109 pages

The inappropriate use of national testing could lead to damaging consequences for England's education system and for children, says a report published by an influential parliamentary committee.  It says the principle of national testing is sound, but expresses serious concerns about its importance and suggests a number of reforms.   

Reading the Future
Canadian Council on Learning, June 2008; 83 pages

This report shows that the number of adults with low literacy skills is growing across the country.  By 2031, the number is forecast to increase by more than three million to 15 million.  The study offers new demographic knowledge, practical data, detailed analysis and key elements of a toolkit (PALMM) to help Canadians improve adult literacy levels (Projections of Adult Literacy - Measuring Movement). 

Summer Learning Loss
Lessons in Learning, June 12, 2008
Canadian Council on Learning

The long summer vacation creates a gap in the learning cycle during which many students forget some of what they learned during the school year. This article looks at a number of summer literacy programs across Canada designed to prevent or alleviate the effects of summer learning loss.

Resource Guide on Child Labour
International Labour Organization, 2008

The ILO Library has updated its resource guide on Child Labour. This Internet guide will help you find key online and print sources of information from around the world and links to the texts of key ILO publications. It also provides links to ILO Conventions and Recommendations relating to child labour, statistics, and to the IPEC website for more in depth information.

A View Inside Primary Schools: A World Education Indicators (WEI) Cross National Study
UNESCO Institute for Statistics, 2008; 294 pages

A new UIS study highlights the strong effect of social inequality on primary education systems in many countries and the challenge to provide all children with equal learning opportunities.  It presents the results of a unique survey undertaken in 11 countries in Latin America, Asia and North Africa and examines the factors shaping the quality and equality of primary education. 

Abraham, Catherine and Joyce Gram
Aboriginal Education: A Discussion Guide
2008; 15 pages

Two directors of the Society for the Advancement of Excellence in Education have provided a discussion guide about successful Aboriginal schools in Canada. The report is based on research the authors conducted through SAEE.

Towards Empowerment, Respect and Accountability: Report and Recommendations on the Impact of the Internet and Related Technologies on English Public Schools in Quebec
Quebec English School Boards Association, June 2008; 28 pages

A major study into the impact and potential of the Internet on English public schools in Quebec has called on educators, government and the media to shift the focus from "threat" to opportunity".  The report includes results from a survey of some 1,000 students, parents and teachers from QESBA's nine member boards as well as a review of pertinent studies and research on attitudes and impact of information technologies on youth and education.

Participation and Activity Limitation Survey: A Profile of Education for Children with Disabilities in Canada
Statistics Canada, May 2008; 25 pages

The report, based on data from the 2006 Participation and Activity Limitation Survey (PALS), assessed the educational experiences of children aged 5 to 14 with activity limitations ranging from learning disabilities to mobility activity limitations.  Almost half of parents reported having experienced difficulty in obtaining special education for their child regardless of the type of disability or level of severity. The activity limitations that posed the greatest challenge for accommodation included emotional, behavioural, and psychological conditions such as autism.

Canada's Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth
Active Healthy Kids Canada, 2008; 76 pages

This is the 4th annual overview of key indicators in relation to the physical activity levels of Canada’s young people. This year the focus is on screen time and physical activity. The overall grade of D on the Report Card has been consistent from 2005-2008. 

A related Statistics Canada study outlines kids' declining participation in sports (Canadian Social Trends, June 3, 2008).