Both the English Montreal and Lester B. Pearson School Boards have decided to use the province's new and controversial history curriculum next year.
The decision comes despite criticism that the new curriculum doesn't sufficiently represent Anglophones, aboriginals and minority communities.
There is nothing in the course about residential schools or the Oka crisis, and very few details of English speakers, said Robert Green, head of social studies for Westmount High.
“We are kind of uniquely portrayed as the economic elite who dominated and hindered progress in this province,” he explained.
Canada's contributions in wars are also downplayed.
“What Quebec students learn about the world wars is that essentially Francophones didn't want to participate, that's about all,” he said.
“We are seeing a narrative that is essentially focused on the evolution of the Quebec nation of Francophones and which presents minority communities of Quebec as either invisible or in the case of Anglophones, uniquely as barriers to progress with respect that nation,” said Green.
The reforms were introduced by the last PQ government in order to beef up nationalistic content. The current government decided to delay implementing the new curriculum, saying they were looking for ways to be more inclusive.
English school boards have decided to use it anyway.
“The previous course was longer had more content. It was still very exclusive, that content,” said Lester B. Pearson School Board chair Suanne Stein Day. “It did not address all the things that we want the new one to address as well. This course, while still having the same omissions, allow us some flexibilities for the teachers so they can actually make up some of those omissions.”
Many teachers in English schools say they already add extra to the courses, so students can see themselves reflected.
The problem, said Green, is not all do.
“What about the teachers who are not as passionate who are going to teach from the textbook? Those teachers are out there,” he said.
