Assessment of Social Economy Content in Prescribed Learning Outcomes of British Columbia Curriculum

A summary of a paper by Sarah Cormode, Annie McKitrick and Janel Smith

Abstract
The purpose of the study is to develop a national research framework from which to gain a better understanding of the extent to which senior secondary students (grades 10-12) across Canada are exposed to aspects of the Social Economy in schools. This paper presents the findings of a pilot study that was conducted in British Columbia, which evaluates Social Economy content in the Prescribed Learning Outcomes (PLOs) that guide curriculum taught in BC secondary school classrooms.

The research team reviewed Social Economy literature, identified emerging themes that are indicative of the Social Economy, and agreed upon keyword indicators. The PLOs were analyzed and coded using the keyword indicators as having direct, indirect or potential links to the Social Economy.

Social Economy content was identified in the areas of Applied Skills, Career and Personal Planning, Social Studies and Technology Education. Although some direct and indirect references to the Social Economy were present in the PLOs, the majority of references identified potential links, and implies that the curriculum should be modified to include more Social Economy content.

Recommendations for the BC Ministry of Education include: identify a list of teaching resources currently available to teach Social Economy values and curricula; create new teaching resources; modify the Prescribed Learning Outcomes for Social Studies 10 to include more Social Economy content; conduct workshops for teachers for professional development; and, provide students with opportunities for service learning.

Sarah Cormode (BSc, BEd, HBOR) is a Masters student in Environmental and First Nations Education, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, University of Victoria. Annie McKitrick (BSc, DPSM, currently student in Masters of Education, Leadership) is the Project Officer at the Canadian Social Economy Hub, University of Victoria. Janel Smith (HBA, MADR) is the Research Coordinator at the Canadian Social Economy Hub and recently completed her Masters in Dispute Resolution.