Generally, there is little formal streaming during this phase.37
Alberta
Elementary schools in Alberta usually have an integrated teaching day, with interdisciplinary planning and timetabling, and much emphasis on child-centred learning involving group work by task and/or ability or otherwise.26
British Columbia
While the Ministry of Education determines what students need to learn, districts and schools determine how they learn it. School administrators and teachers are responsible for each school's organisation and approaches to teaching and learning. Principals provide leadership for their schools and ensure that the schools' programmes, organisation (including timetables and staffing) and resources reflect the interests of students, parents and the community. Teachers determine the best teaching methods for students, the best way of grouping students for particular studies and the best way to present material to make it relevant and interesting.69
The primary phase in Canada is generally known as 'elementary education' and is often divided into two separate 'cycles': primary and intermediate, as follows:
Generally, continuous progress is the norm in elementary school.15
British Columbia
As part of a drive to improve standards, the provincial government has introduced an initiative whereby graduation to the next Grade/Year group depends on performance in literacy and numeracy tests.36
Alberta
Detailed information on class size in Alberta can be accessed at http://www.learning.gov.ab.ca/k_12/special/ClassSize.asp
Following a recommendation from the Alberta Commission on Learning that class sizes be reduced, additional provincial funding has been provided to allow schools to employ additional teachers for this purpose. The table below shows the Commission's guideline class sizes. 150
|
Age range |
Commission guidelines - maximum average class size |
| Kindergarten-Grade 3 (ages 5-9 years) |
17 |
| Grades 4-6 (ages 9+-12 years) |
23 |
| Grades 7-9 (ages 12+-15 years) |
25 |
| Grades 10-12 (ages 15+-18 years) |
27 |
The above recommended guidelines compare with provincial average class sizes in September 2003 as follows: 150
| Age range |
Average class size, 2003-04 |
| Kindergarten-Grade 3 (ages 5+-9 years) |
21.7 |
| Grades 4-6 (ages 9+-12 years) |
23.9 |
| Grades 7-9 (ages 12+-15 years) |
24.9 |
| Grades 10-12 (ages 15+-18 years) |
24.9 |
British Columbia
Average elementary school class sizes
| School year | Average class size |
| 1993/94 | 23.4 |
| 1994/95 | 23.1 |
| 1995/96 | 23.5 |
| 1996/97 | 23.4 |
| 1997/98 | 23.4 |
| 1998/99 | 23.1 |
| 1999/2000 | 22.8 |
| 2000/01 | 22.4 |
| 2001/02 | 22.5 |
| 2002/03 | 23.1 |
Source: British Columbia. Ministry of Education. 2002/02 Summary of Key Information: Public Schools Only.
Average student:teacher ratio
| School year | Average ratio |
| 1993/94 | 16.76 |
| 1994/95 | 16.82 |
| 1995/96 | 16.80 |
| 1996/97 | 16.89 |
| 1997/98 | 17.01 |
| 1998/99 | 16.75 |
| 1999/2000 | 16.63 |
| 2000/01 | 16.38 |
| 2001/02 | 16.39 |
| 2002/03 | 17.18 |
Source: British Columbia. Ministry of Education. 2002/02 Summary of Key Information: Public Schools Only.
Ontario
School boards are required to ensure that, on a board-wide basis, average class sizes in elementary schools do not exceed 25 students.52
Canada's elementary school and high school teachers have usually studied for at least four or five years, combining a university degree with at least one year to complete the Bachelor of Education degree. Teachers are licensed by the provincial departments of education.20
Alberta
Teachers in publicly-funded schools (and in accredited private schools) must hold a valid Alberta teaching certificate. Local school boards hire teachers and negotiate their contracts. Elementary school teachers are usually generalists.7
Ontario
Teachers in publicly-funded schools normally require an undergraduate degree, plus one year of teacher training. Elementary school teachers are usually generalists.44
Saskatchewan
Many Saskatchewan teachers teach two or more Grades (Year groups) at the same time in the same classroom.75
See section 7.2 in addition.