Developments in education in Nova Scotia, 1945-1959

Abstract

It is claimed that education is everybody’s business. Whether or not this is so is not a question of concern in this thesis. What is of concern is whether or not “statements of fact” and opinions are based on factual evidence. There is much talk and discussion concerning educational questions today in Nova Scotia, which, while reflecting general public interest and concern, could benefit from a ready source of factual information. Everybody talks about education or is implored to be concerned about education, and yet much basic information is not readily available. This thesis does not, however, attempt to outline all the information one should have on educational topics, but is for the purpose of providing factual information on the development of education in Nova Scotia over the post-war period from 1945 to 1959. The information, notations, and conclusions, are ones which the writer believes to be significant but are not necessarily, of course, the only significant ones which may be presented. To collect this information it was necessary to consult many sources such as annual reports of both the Department of Education and the Department of Municipal Affairs, Nova Scotia Teachers Union Annual Council minutes, and publications of the Nova Scotia Teachers Union, Canadian Teacher’s Federation, Canadian Educational Association, and the Dominion Bureau of Statistics. There will be presented first a general introduction in the first chapter. Subsequent chapters will contain brief introductions followed by more factual material and tables. It is necessary to omit or limit tempting observations and developments in many areas for which basic information is given. It is hoped that the material presented will not only be useful as factual information but will provide impetus to interested people to obtain more information, and further develop the material here presented.