"Examining the Potential of Schools in Serving Young People"

In the heart of Quebec, a new voice is echoing through the halls of CEGEPs - that of Alexandra Côté, a model student beginning her first week as a CEGEP student. Alexandra, like many of her peers, believes that the curriculum needs a review, and she is not alone in her sentiments.

Recent elections saw only 67% of the population casting their votes, suggesting a potential gap in knowledge about the importance of democracy among students if the same proportion is among parents. This observation has led to a call for reform, with a speaker advocating for a partnership with the youth in the reform process.

The speaker, expressing a desire for school to make sense and for nothing to be left to chance in education, believes that a reform conducted in close partnership with the youth, for the youth, will ensure education priorities return to their rightful place. They emphasize the need for understanding artificial intelligence as everything changes rapidly.

Alexandra Côté shares this sentiment, finding the current sex and financial education courses insufficient. She also perceives a lack of economic education and practical, essential aspects of adult life in the curriculum. The perceived lack of sex education is a concern shared by many, with the curriculum being seen as lacking in these important subjects.

Despite her success in primary and secondary school, Alexandra expresses dissatisfaction with her secondary school experience. She is not alone in this, as students understand the importance of subjects like mathematics, French, English, and sciences, but feel that the curriculum is the main issue causing dissatisfaction among students.

The government, however, is leaving many aspects of education to chance, relying on parents to educate students on numerous questions, including democracy. This has led the speaker to call for a reform in education, advocating for a more comprehensive, practical, and student-centred approach to learning.

By listening to the youth and updating programs, the next generation will be better equipped to navigate life upon leaving compulsory schooling. The speaker believes that by doing so, they will ensure that the youth are not only kept away from important decisions, but are also actively involved in shaping their own future.