In making citizenship education the theme of its 1997-1998 annual report on the state and needs of education, the Conseil sup rieur de l' ducation's aim was to consider the specific contribution the educational system can make to forming citizens who will one day play an active role in their society. Thus, schools must serve as role models by concretely adopting the values, rights, responsibilities and participation promoted in the course content. The report released in October 1998 proposes various avenues for deliberation and action designed to allow Qu bec's education system, from elementary school to university, to more effectively carry out this responsibility. It will be recalled that the Minister of Education's policy statement Qu bec Schools on Course provides for the upcoming implementation of the citizenship education course at the elementary and secondary levels.
Citizenship education is education in the values of democracy, pluralism and social commitment.
Guidelines and means Only through a combination of careful, consistent planning of relevant subject content, the use of appropriate teaching practices and the establishment of an educational environment that reinforces what is taught in class can citizenship education achieve the desired results. The Conseil also urges the education community to work increasingly with groups offering popular education. Citizenship education also requires certain essential measures, such as the need to prepare school personnel, particularly teaching staff. The Conseil also points out the need for properly evaluating the goals targeted by the citizenship education project. Since the education system is not alone in shouldering the responsibility for training committed, responsible citizens, it is important that citizenship education be integrated into a political culture that goes beyond the classroom.