At the local level there is growing interest in school-based management and parent involvement in school policy. Quality and assessment School systems have been under criticism about issues related to standards and expectations, the performance of Canadian students in international studies of educational attainment, the teaching of basic skills, and the effectiveness of schooling in preparing for a changing world of work. Many school boards have introduced their own system of standards and benchmarks and have been trying new methods of reporting progress to students and parents. Services Schools are being asked to expand the range of services they provide, including extended day and daycare facilities in recognition of the changing patterns of the family, as well as programs in conflict resolution, health, safety and tolerance. Technology School systems are investing significant resources in providing schools and students with computers and links to networks and electronic learning resources.
Many schools have extensive hardware and software resources and are linked to the Internet.
There is a trend to increase the rigour of core subjects, especially languages, mathematics and sciences, and to provide new curriculum areas such as technology and interdisciplinary studies, especially at the elementary and middle school levels. At the post-secondary level, colleges and universities have been moving in the direction of closer links with business and industry and there is a growing emphasis on technical and professional programs. Institutions and programs are becoming more entrepreneurial and competitive in their search for students and funds. Universities in particular are concerned about the level of funding they are receiving, future prospects and trends in funding, and the implications for the quality of teaching and research they will be able to provide. In Conclusion Canadian education is undergoing a period of substantial change, in its structures, finance, and operations, as well as in its goals and assumptions.