Research

Sometimes it supports our own points of view, other times it challenges us to think in new ways.

This page is a place for research relating to the schools Canada needs for the 21st century. You'll find all our other research on our site at http://www.peopleforeducation.com/research-info

Post comments on the wall if you would like us to add new reference pages. Please remember to note the website address or link in your comment.

New Report: Roots of Youth Violence

This amazing work was undertaken to help identify and analyze the underlying causes contributing to youth violence and provide recommendations for Ontario to move forward. Co-chairs Roy McMurtry and Alvin Curling met with social agencies, community members and leaders, youth group, the justice community and more.

They have identified 3 key areas for immediate action, where they believe progress can and should be made independently of the government’s overall planning process.

1. Children’s Mental Health: This issue affects many aspects of the roots: the stability of families and the ability of parents to work and parent, how youth develop with their peers, how they do in school, how they interact with the justice system and their life chances overall.

2. Anti-Racism: It is tragic — not ironic — that 30 years ago this November, Walter Pitman entitled his report on police minority relations: Now Is Not Too Late. For many, now is too late — their lives marred, their futures circumscribed and their faith in this society quite justifiably shaken. To lay the foundation for the extensive action required to address this growing problem, the Province should proceed immediately to develop the methodology for the collection of race-based data in all key domains.

Additionally, the Province should take immediate steps to put in place measures that will ensure that teachers and school administrators better reflect the neighbourhoods they serve.

3. Steps Towards Community Hubs:There is an overwhelming consensus in favour of building community hubs and, accordingly, no reason to delay action on that front.

What a difference housing can make!

Did you know that recent joint research conducted by Canada Mortgage and Housing and Habitat for Humanity found that families who received homes under Habitat for Humanity's program reported an effect on their children's confidence, grades and their own community envolvement.

- 40% of respondents saw improvement in children's grades.

- 60% reported and increase in children's confidence and happiness.

- More than half of the respondents reported participating in community activites.

- And, 24% of the adults were able to return to school and improve their job prospects.