A historical analysis of the development of the religious education program of the Integrated school system

Organ, Gerry (1989) A historical analysis of the development of the religious education program of the Integrated school system. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

The religious education program of the Integrated school system has experienced unprecedented growth since 1869. The purpose of this historical analysis was to examine the factors, through an examination of primary and secondary sources, that influenced this development. -- Prior to Integration, very little religious education was taught in the Anglican, Salvation Army, and United Church school systems. With Integration came an increased interest in the development of a viable religious education curriculum. The first major challenge faced by the Integrated Education Council centered on approaches to the teaching of religious education. Experiences in the amalgamated schools had indicated that confessional religious education was not practical in a multidenominational setting. In 1969 however, there were few people in Newfoundland who had the expertise in religious education to articulate a suitable approach for Integrated schools. In 1970, the Integrated Educational Council was fortunate in enlisting the support of Edwin Cox and was able to articulate a list of aim based on an emerging idea of the open, child-centered approach to religious education. As the Council became more aware of the direction it wanted to take in its program, it was able to embark on a more meaningful process of curriculum development. This process has resulted in the implementation of an effective program of religious education that is constantly being evaluated and revised. Since 1969, there have been an ongoing discussion between officials at Memorial University and the Denominational Education Councils regarding teacher education in religious education. At the undergraduate level this issue has been complicated, in part, by the different denominational aims and philosophies for religious education and by the fact that different degree programs are needed to prepare secondary school teachers and primary/elementary teachers.

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