Shares the views of five authors about what is being done in the name of whole language in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia. States that these essays represent only temporary perspectives, and that more challenging questions about the theoretical assumptions that underlie whole language will arise. (PA)

Presents reactions of provinces to position paper issued by the Canadian Psychological Association advocating a balanced approach to teaching reading. Reiterates position that whole-language programs be supplemented with phonological awareness exercises beyond those using initial word sounds to recognize words. Describes a booklet produced with…

Many Canadians are concerned about the quality of reading instruction in Canadian schools. Recent newspaper articles, research reviews, and newsletter articles reflect the nature of these concerns. The official instructional policy in a number of provinces as well as in a number of local school districts is based on a whole-language philosophy.…

This paper describes the whole language approach to literacy education in the context of teaching adults. Information is drawn from literature and from interviews with teachers and literacy students. Topics covered include the following: whole language--a framework, learning language, learning through language, learning about language, what people…

In response to a position paper that called upon the ministry of education in each Canadian province to provide a balanced selection to offerings on the province's authorized list of language arts textbooks, several ministries claimed that a balanced approach to teaching reading was being followed. A letter received from Alberta Education even…

Advocates adapting the structural and pedagogical principles of whole language learning to social studies instruction. Specifically recommends focusing on the meaning of citizenship instead of its component parts, allowing students to make choices, and connecting citizenship education to developmental growth. Briefly discusses approaches to avoid.…

Reports on current educational issues in Quebec (Canada). Briefly covers some of the major issues addressed in the Estates General, the commission study on the future of education in Quebec. A Montreal School commissioner challenged the government's numbers concerning dropouts. Decentralization, whole language learning, and school rankings also…

Describes the development and implementation of a whole language program in Quebec (Canada), a unilingual French province. Focuses on the meaning of educational change at various levels of Quebec's educational system. Presents perspectives and competing ideologies on whole language. (Author/BB)