A study of certain factors surrounding the origin and implementation of the recommendation of the Royal Commission on Education and Youth that the Newfoundland Faculty of Education be reorganized along functional lines

Anstey, Frank Cyril (1972) A study of certain factors surrounding the origin and implementation of the recommendation of the Royal Commission on Education and Youth that the Newfoundland Faculty of Education be reorganized along functional lines. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

This study is a descriptive analysis of the events surrounding the recommendation of the Newfoundland Royal Commission on Education and Youth to reorganize the Newfoundland Department of Education along functional rather than denominational lines. Data for the study came mainly from personal interviews with relevant actors and an analysis of briefs presented to the Commission. However, information was also gathered from a variety of other sources. -- The study shows that a number of contributing factors created an educational climate which favored the setting up of a Royal Commission in the 1960's. Among these factors were a general feeling of public dissatisfaction with Newfoundland's Denominational System, increasing public interest in quality education, the growth of amalgamated schools, the prospect of the integration of school systems, ecumenism, and politics. -- On the basis of information gathered from its travels, private and public hearings, and from briefs which it received, the majority of the Commission members made a recommendation for a reorganized Department of Education. Of the 147 written briefs received by the Commission, only thirty-eight chose to say anything about the Denominational System. However, all but one of the thirty-eight favored changes of varying degrees in the Department of Education. The organization proposal was made amidst a controversy that any consideration of the Denominational System was not within the Commission's terms of reference. However, three of the five denominations most directly involved in education supported the kind of change which the Commission recommended. -- The research presented evidence which suggested that a change in public opinion had occurred in Newfoundland during !the early 1960's, and changes in the Denominational System were now favored. Not only did the Commission use this perceived change to justify its actions, but it also attempted to draw from the Newfoundland population even greater support for the reorganization recommendation. -- The power held by Premier Smallwood and the great influence which the churches exerted on education in Newfoundland were shown in the implementation of the reorganization proposal. While agreeing with the Commission to implement the reorganization proposal, the Premier also supported the churches' efforts to negotiate themselves into an equally influential position. In this way the Premier stopped what he considered to be an attempt by the Commission to rid Newfoundland education of a great deal of church influence.

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