The events in this history span more than 100 years, a period as expansive as Alberta's geography, which stretches from the eastern prairies to the foothills and from the 49th parallel to the 60th.
To fully grasp a subject as large as the history of public education in Alberta, three guiding principles were established. First, there is a focus on several major events in each decade of the period under discussion. The account of events and people presented here is intended as an overview of times past in Alberta with regard to public education.
Second, the monograph is written primarily for the teachers of Alberta. It may help teachers to obtain a deeper understanding of and appreciation for the unique events that shaped—and, at times, reshaped—public education in the province.
Third, the monograph is constructed to generate further inquiry into the history of public education in Alberta. Therefore, the monograph focuses on presenting the larger contours of the history of public education in the province rather than on giving an exhaustive account of events. Undoubtedly, other occurrences and themes might have been selected to typify the various periods discussed. Although the periods into which history has been divided for the purpose of this monograph are somewhat arbitrary, they provide a practical framework for examining educational events and issues more closely. The expectation is that this monograph will inspire readers to find out more about particular events, issues and people. Readers are also invited to express their own insights into historical events in public education and to tell their own stories. Both the chronology and the bibliography will be of use in this regard, as will the study questions.
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