Charles Ungerleider, Professor Emeritus, The University of British Columbia
[permission to reproduce granted if authorship is
acknowledged]
The policy order setting out British Columbia’s conception of the educated citizen dates from September 1, 1989 and reflects British Columbia as it was perceived at that time.
A quality education system assists in the development of human potential and improves the well being of each individual person in British Columbia society.
Continued progress toward our social and economic goals as a province depends upon well-educated people who have the ability to think clearly and critically, and to adapt to change.
Progress toward these goals also depends on educated citizens who accept the tolerant and multifaceted nature of Canadian society and who are motivated to participate actively in our democratic institutions.
Government is responsible for ensuring that all of our youth have the opportunity to obtain high quality schooling that will assist in the development of an educated society. To this end, schools in the province assist in the development of citizens who are:
thoughtful, able to learn and to think critically, and who can
communicate information from a broad knowledge base;
creative, flexible, self-motivated and who have a positive self image;
capable of making independent decisions;
skilled and who can contribute to society generally, including the world
of work;
productive, who gain satisfaction through achievement and who strive for
physical well being;
cooperative, principled and respectful of others regardless of
differences;
aware of the rights and prepared to exercise the responsibilities of an individual within the family, the community, Canada, and the world.
Since the late 1980s, society in general and British Columbia (BC) have seen significant changes across multiple areas. The rise of digital technologies is among the most profound changes. The widespread use of the internet, smartphones, and social media has transformed how we communicate, work, learn, and entertain ourselves. This digital revolution has significant implications for education, job markets, privacy, mental health, social dynamics, and politics.
Climate change, deforestation, overfishing, pollution, and species extinction have created greater awareness of environmental issues. With its diverse ecosystems, BC has often been at the forefront of many environmental debates. Its policies and public sentiments towards environmental preservation, renewable energy, and sustainable practices have evolved significantly since 1989.
BC has become more ethnically diverse due to immigration. The multicultural fabric of BC has been enriched, but it has also led to challenges related to integration and social cohesion. Since the late 1980s, there's been a growing recognition of the rights of Indigenous peoples in Canada, including in BC. This includes steps towards reconciliation, land rights issues, and efforts to preserve Indigenous languages and cultures.
BC's economy has shifted over the past few decades. While natural resources like forestry and mining remain important, there's been growth in sectors like technology, real estate, tourism, film, and wine production. Education and lifelong learning are more important than ever. There's been a growing focus on health and wellness, including mental health, since 1989.
BC has seen a trend toward urbanization, with more people living in cities like Vancouver and Victoria. This shift has brought issues like housing affordability, urban planning, and transportation into focus.
Society has seen shifts in social attitudes towards issues like gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and drug use. BC has often been at the forefront of these changes in Canada, with progressive policies in areas like cannabis legalization and LGBTQ+ rights.
BC, like the rest of the world, has become more interconnected and interdependent. This has implications for the economy, culture, and politics, and has brought global issues like climate change, refugee crises, and global health threats closer to home.
These changes have affected all aspects of life in BC, from the economy and the environment to culture and social norms, and have significant implications for education and the concept of an educated citizen. I think it is time to reconceptualize and redefine the educated citizen. Here is my first draft attempt at what such a statement should address to better reflect society today.
The education system in British Columbia seeks to achieve our collective social, economic, and environmental goals by developing well-educated individuals who can think clearly and critically, adapt to change, and understand the complexities of our interconnected world.
British Columbia needs educated citizens who appreciate the rich and diverse nature of Canadian society, understand the global implications of climate change, acknowledge the challenges of mass migration, are dedicated to promoting social cohesion, and are eager and able to actively participate in our democratic institutions.
Government is committed to ensuring that all youth obtain high-quality education that supports the development of a just and sustainable society. To this end, schools in the province are tasked with educating citizens who are:
Thoughtful and analytical, capable of learning from a broad knowledge
base, thinking critically, and communicating effectively on a range of complex
topics including environment, culture, and society;
Creative, innovative, and culturally aware, appreciating the value of
arts and culture in enriching the social fabric;
Capable of making independent decisions, informed by a global
perspective, and responsive to the challenges of mass migration and social
cohesion;
Equipped with knowledge that contributes constructively to society,
including an understanding of environmental sustainability, and the impact of
climate change;
Productive, who gain satisfaction through achievement, strive for
physical well-being, and acknowledge the importance of mental health;
Cooperative, principled, and respectful of differences, promoting social
cohesion and working towards an equitable society;
Fully aware of their democratic rights and prepared to exercise the
responsibilities of an individual within the family, the community, Canada, and
the world.
Aware of the Canada’s colonial past and its legacy and committed to truth
and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
Technologically proficient and media-literate, deriving satisfaction from
effectively utilizing digital tools for personal and societal growth,
recognizing the ethical considerations in a digital landscape, and appreciating
the power and influence of media.
Aware and respectful of the underpinnings of Canadian democracy,
including the Charter of Rights, representative democracy, and the rule of law.
This revised statement with its emphasis on climate change, mass migration, social cohesion, truth and reconciliation, democratic citizenship, and arts and culture better reflects a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges that will be faced by high school graduates. What do you think?