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2006 SCSI Report Card

Western Washington University's STUDY CANADA Summer Institute for K-12 Educators far exceeded its usual number of participants by offering the program entirely in Canada for the first time this year.

The mean rating given by participants for the program overall was 4.96 out of 5!

Held annually since 1978, STUDY CANADA is unique among summer programs because of its longevity, scope and national appeal. The 2006 STUDY CANADA, which included two nights in Vancouver and three nights in Whistler, had 30 teachers from 10 different states attend the program so that they could return to their classrooms with resources and a strong foundation for teaching about Canada. It was the first visit to Canada for many.

STUDY CANADA's focus in 2006 was to experience British Columbia from the "five themes of geography" to the 2010 Olympics and, during the six-day program, participants experienced a wide range of classroom sessions and cultural activities. Faculty from WWU, UW and Simon Fraser University offered core curriculum sessions while speakers from the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Winter Olympics, the Four Host First Nations, Statistics Canada, the Canadian Consulate General, Seattle, and the U.S. Consulate General, Vancouver, rounded out the agenda. Activities ranged from a walking tour of Vancouver to gliding on ziplines through Whistler's tree canopy.

Danna Brandt, a Missouri teacher, told organizers "STUDY CANADA exceeded my expectations in every area. I can't wait to share all I've learned with my students."

Additional comments made anonymously on the course evaluation include:

"Primary sources were exceptional. Canada was made "real" for me through this experience. There was a balance in the overview of Canada that added to my knowledge of many aspects of the topic. ..This was an incredible experience!

"This was one of the most informative, enjoyable courses I've ever had the pleasure to take. It was a first-class program. The "hands on" approach to learning about Canada made it easy and fund-something difficult to do with teachers used to taking paper and pen courses. The presenters were experts in their fields, the information tied into the general-theme of the course content. The follow-up material and resources will be easy to use and made into lessons. Thank you!"

"The STUDY CANADA course has provided me with valuable information for my personal growth. Because of this, I will be much more effective as a classroom teacher because I will know what I'm teaching from the first-hand experiences I received. The speakers were first-rate and showed the thought that went into making our week an excellent experience. From the registration to the evaluation, the organization and thought to each day's activities was quality."

"I thought the variety of guests/instructors was excellent. Each one was unique and had his/her own perspective or bit of info to share. I understand that this course used to be in the US only but, after this, I can't imagine having it anywhere else but "on location!"

"Broad range of topics covered well by a variety of speakers; going to actual locations; time spent with other educators; high quality of materials given out; excellent organization of time, topics, notebooks and speakers. Outstanding program!"

"I loved being where we could get a hands-on view of what we were studying.. Tons of applicable materials to "any" grade I'll be teaching-licensed 1-12 so this is wonderful.. What a great experience! If this had just been on site in WA, I would not have signed up- that would have been a loss to me.but the truth!"

"Considering my knowledge base coming in was very low, it (all of the sessions) has helped to increase that base a great deal. Being "in-country" was especially helpful to have that full experience-having not been to Canada for many years, it was good to be immersed for the week. It was also helpful to be able to have access to materials that we can then take back for use in our classrooms."

"This was a well-organized week. We had a variety of interesting speakers and activities. I gained lots of ideas and materials that I can incorporate next year into my class. I will definitely encourage others to attend this institute."

"Super! -I wanted it to be twice as long!! SUPER!"

"Great variety of topics. Speakers knowledgeable/interesting/approachable. Information can easily be taken right into classroom instruction! Yahoo! We were kept on time/schedule (rarely happens) but still had time for individual/group needs/wishes. Nice venues. One of the most worthwhile courses I've ever taken!"

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WWU has long been a leader in promoting the importance of the ties between the United States and Canada. The Center for Canadian-American Studies, in partnership with the University of Washington's Canadian Studies Center, receives outreach support from the Embassy of Canada, Washington, D.C., and Title VI funding from the U.S. Department of Education. Its enduring reputation helped pave the way for the establishment of Western's Border Policy Research Institute in 2005.

Inquiries about the STUDY CANADA Summer Institute and other K-12 STUDY CANADA outreach programs can be directed to Tina Storer, Education and Curriculum Specialist at WWU's Center for Canadian-American Studies (tina.storer@wwu.edu or (360) 650-7370).