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The series consists of records of the Program Coordinating Committee of the Universities Council of British Columbia. One of four standing committees, the legislated purpose of the committee was to advise and make recommendations to the Council on all matters pertaining to university programs. The role of the committee was to review and make recommendations on proposals for new programs of study at the public universities; to review existing university programs to identify special areas of interest and expertise at each university and to reduce unnecessary duplication; to identify areas for inter-university cooperation; to assist in the coordination of the delivery of distance education; and, to examine the role of the universities in the development of in-service training and re-training for the professions.

The records document the committee’s function of evaluating proposals for new undergraduate and graduate programs at the University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, the University of Victoria, and the Open Learning Institute. The committee numbered each proposal, and these original codes were maintained by the archivist.

Record types include correspondence, memoranda, press releases and clippings, committee resolutions, course/program descriptions, reports, and discussion papers. The records typically include the wording of motions concerning new programs which the Program Coordinating Committee sent to Council. Correspondence typically is to and from the committee, the council, university presidents and vice presidents, and faculty heads and members.

The subject matter of the records reflects the criteria the committee used in weighing the merits of each specific proposed new program of study. For this reason, the records reflect information on the credentials to be awarded to graduates; a description of each new university program; discussion of the need for and objectives of the proposed program; enrolment projections; institutional resources and need (new faculty or administrative staff required); budget required (indirect and direct costs); employment prospects for graduates of the new program; the relationship with other existing programs at BC universities (including duplication); and the results of consultation with the other BC universities and non-university groups, including letters of support for the new program proposals.

The series consists of photographic negatives produced by PEMC, and predecessor agencies including the Division of School of Radio Broadcasts, Division of Visual Education, Division of Audio-Visual Services and Audio-Visual Services Branch. These agencies were responsible for providing media services to public education institutions. The records document school sites and educational programs for elementary, secondary, college and university students in British Columbia.

Subjects often relate to specific classes and schools, and include: projects and performances; facilities; ceremonies; teachers, staff and government officials; students; and displays and exhibits for promotional purposes. Included are some copy photos depicting schools and classes from the 1880s to 1920s. Records' arrangement based on original PEMC numbers. These numbers appear to reflect a general arrangement by date and subject matter. Records include PEMC numbers: PEMC45001-PEMC52881, PEMC74/1/1-PEMC75/86/4, and PEMC7591-PEMC7780. The series also includes two item lists, arranged by photo number; the first created by the PEMC and the second by either the PEMC or the GIS and amended by the BC Archives. These lists are incomplete and are stored in container 000352-0014.

Includes correspondence from other sections and offices of the Ministry; school districts; colleges; universities; associations and miscellaneous material. This unit may be used in conjunction with GR-1788.

The series consists of selected records from the Director, Correspondence Education Branch, 1919-1973. These records were selected for their historical interest and includes correspondence which led to the establishment of the Elementary Correspondence School, 1919; files of the first three correspondence pupils, 1919; reports re Elementary Correspondence School enrollments and staff, 1919-1938; correspondence between Isabel Bescoby (Director, Elementary Correspondence Branch) and the directors of the Winnetka, Illinois Correspondence School, 1934-1937; newspaper cuttings, notes, transcripts of speeches and radio broadcasts, 1934-1973; and cartoon drawings of the 1967 office Christmas party.

The series also includes photographs including project photos of children with their relief maps of the British Isles, 1948-1966; a photograph album containing snapshots of Grade 6 pupils, ca. 1939-1942 and miscellaneous photographs of pupils, project photos and postcards, 1945-1962.

The series consists of press releases, memos, correspondence, agendas, committee meeting minutes, speeches, cabinet submission records, draft reports, and implementation plans that were created by the Ministry of Education’s Policy and Planning Branch. The records were created during the review and consultation phase that followed the acceptance of the 1988 Royal Commission on Education’s report. The series also consists of the records of the Provincial Education Policy Advisory Committee and the Policy Advisory Council and provides evidence of their role in the acceptance and implementation of Sullivan’s recommendations. The series includes the texts of speeches by Deputy Minister A. L. ‘Sandy’ Peel and Education Minister Anthony Brummet. These speeches present Sullivan’s recommendations to stakeholders across the province.

The series provides evidence of the Ministry of Education’s response to the Sullivan Commission, and shows the consultation process that happened once the Commission had completed its work. The series also includes draft budgets and timetables for the implementation of Sullivan’s recommendations, and documents potential changes to the School Act and the Independent School Act.

The records are loosely arranged by issue or topic. In many cases, related records such as agendas, enclosures, and memos created at the same meeting were filed separately. As these records are arranged chronologically, linkages are readily apparent.

The series is covered by ORCS 12000-20 of schedule 105085 (Education ORCS).

The series consists of records pertaining to teacher training and certification. It includes minute books of the Board of Examiners (1884-1949), teachers certificate registers (1892-1947), student registers at provincial Normal schools (1901-1938), high school examination results (1924-1927), and minutes of the Dept. of Education Appointments Board (1937-1945).

Prior to 1901, teachers in British Columbia were drawn either from outside the province or (after 1876) from graduates of provincial high schools. All teachers required teaching certificates, which were awarded by the Superintendent of Education. Teachers from outside the province were required to sit an examination set by the Provincial Board of Examiners. Candidates were awarded different grades or classes of certificates, depending on the results of their exam. High school graduates qualified for certificates in a similar manner, depending on their scores on terminal examinations. Standards of certification changed frequently over the years, as did the questions which appeared on the "Public School Teachers' Examinations." Basically, though, several classes of certificates were available: Academic and First Class (awarded to university graduates and/or to candidates scoring over 70% on the exam); Second class (awarded to candidates scoring over 50% on examinations); and Third class (awarded to candidates scoring 30% and above on a series of exam questions). First class certificates were permanent, 2nd class were valid for 3 years, while 3rd class certificates were generally good for one year, with the possibility of renewal. "Temporary certificates," valid until the annual examinations were held in July, were also issued under certain circumstances.

In 1901, the province's first Normal School for teacher training was opened in Vancouver. (A second school, in Victoria, was opened in 1915.) Thereafter, graduation from the Normal School replaced the "Public School Teachers' Examinations" for those seeking Academic, First, and Second class certificates. Only Third class certificates valid for a limited period of time were still awarded on the basis of candidates' high school examinations.

Register of Victoria District School, 1861-1865, and school account book, 1862-1864. The Register shows the names and attendance of students at the school. "Accounts" include supply list of food staples, etc., showing prices and customs duties, along with student fee payments. As well, the volume contains addresses and a "Story of Moses" by schoolmaster W. H. Burr. Also included are newspaper cuttings re: the early history of Victoria schools and an annotated list of pupils attending the Victoria District School, ca. 1862. The list was prepared for the Provincial Archivist, John Forsyth, by Edgar Fawcett in April 1922.

Register of Attendance, Nanaimo "Colonial" School, 1862-1866. The Register, showing the names of pupils attending the second public school in British Columbia, was maintained by Cornelius Bryant, schoolmaster from 1856-1870. Also included, on a loose sheet, is a detailed schedule showing time devoted to various subjects on a typical school day.

The series consists of a register of teachers' certificates and examinations from 1880 to 1888. It states the type of certificate granted, course taken and marks obtained. There is an index on the inside front cover.

"The Peace River Educational Administrative Unit" - report prepared by School Inspector J.F.K. English (Pouce Coupe, B.C., February 1942). The Peace River Administrative Unit was first created in 1934, through the consolidation of over sixty separate school districts. Initially known as the Peace River Rural School District, the Peace River Educational Administrative Area was formally established 1937. In 1939, Dr. English succeeded A.S. Towell as Director of Education for the Administrative Unit. This report, which was distributed to school administrators throughout Canada, includes tables, maps, and bibliographic notes.

This series contains reports regarding the B.C. school system, as follows: 1) Survey of the School System, by J.H. Putnam and M. Weir (1925); 2) Report of the Commission of Inquiry into Educational Finance, by Maxwell A. Cameron (1945); 3) "Reorganization of School Districts as proposed in Report of the Commission of Inquiry into Educational Finance", by Maxwell A. Cameron (1945); 4) "Brief presented to the Royal Commission on Education" by the B.C. Teachers' Federation (1959); 5) Report of the Royal Commission on Education (1960); 6) A Precis of the Report of the Royal Commission on Education in British Columbia (1960); 7) "The Coffe Report". The Report of the Commission on the Future of the Faculty of Education, University of British Columbia (1969); 8)An Interim Report to the Honourable The Minister of Education Mrs. Eileen E. Dailly from the Senior Secondary School Study Committee (1974); 9) Cameron report - miscellaneous; 10) 1960 Royal Commission - miscellaneous.

The series consists of reports, statistical analyses and priority lists created by the Ministry of Education, Training and Technology between 1995 and 1999. The reports deal with skills development across British Columbia, as well as Aboriginal education and the so-called ‘brain drain’ of skilled Canadians moving to the USA. The reports include research for a policy addressing post-secondary education and skills training for First Nations citizens. The files include correspondence sent from the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs addressed to the Assistant Deputy Minister of the Policy, Planning and Research branch of the Ministry.

Records in the series are covered by ARCS 440-20 (Reporting and Statistical Analysis).

The Royal Commission on Education was initiated on 14 March 1987 "to inquire into and report on education in the Province from kindergarten through grade 12." Barry M. Sullivan, Q.C. was appointed commissioner. He worked with an administrative staff of 12 and 17 commissioned researchers to gather information, analyze it and produce several published reports. GR-1917 contains written submissions, taped public hearings, student interviews, clipping scrapbooks, research papers and some administrative files. The Royal Commission on Education was initiated on 14 March 1987 "to inquire into and report on education in the Province from kindergarten through grade 12." Barry M. Sullivan, Q.C. was appointed commissioner. He worked with 12 administrative staff and 17 commissioned researchers to gather information, analyze it and produce several published reports. GR-1917 contains written submissions, taped public hearings, student interviews, clipping scrapbooks, research papers and some administrative files. Table of Contents Chronological list of written submissions Summaries From The Briefs Public Hearings These hearings are on audio tapes 4359i:1-116. The Kaiser Substance Abuse Symposium (file 13) has a slide presentation V1988 59/6. File folders contain lists of speakers, typescripts, written briefs, notes and itineraries Summaries From Hearings Student Interviews Student Interviews - Burt Bowes - Fort St. John Student Interviews - Queen Elizabeth - Surrey Student Interviews - Britannia - Vancouver Student Interviews - Forest Grove - Burnaby Student Interviews - Chase Secondary - Chase Student Interviews - T.M. Roberts - Cranbrook Student Interviews - Fraser Academy - Vancouver Student Interviews - Prince George College - Prince George Student Interviews - Fraser Valley Christian High School - Surrey Student Interviews - St. Michael's University School - Victoria Clipping scrapbooks These scrapbooks contain clippings re: children, schools, education, teaching, Department of Education, literacy, teachers, learning, funding for education, teen parenting, school curricula, day care, legislation (Bills 19 & 20), alcohol and drug abuse, home schooling, gangs, adult education, poverty, AIDS and schooling, school lunch program, youth employment, school boards, teen pregnancy, family life, sports and athletics, child abuse, censorship, universities, teen violence and suicide, native education, ethics, childhood disease and injury, Free Trade deal, and any material deemed relevant to the Commission. The clippings are mainly from the: Vancouver Sun, Victoria Times-Colonist, Vancouver Province, and the Globe and Mail. Also there are clippings from the Vancouver Courier, Vancouver Western News, Smithers paper, Three Rivers Report [Hazelton], Burns Lake paper, Trail Daily Times, Nelson Daily News, Kitimat News, Kitimat N. Sentinel, Northern News Advertiser, Lake Windermere Valley Echo, The Pioneer, The B.C. Catholic, Fort Nelson News, The Daily News [Prince Rupert], The Interior News, Provincial Report, The Leader, North Shore News, and a Kamloops paper. The clippings are arranged chronologically in scrapbooks. Additional Briefs and papers Administrative Files Correspondence files Office Files Commission Secretary's Files (John Walsh) Working Groups Files Files relating to teacher surveys Robin Brayne's Files Reports to the Royal Commission on Education Report & Commissioned Papers

Samples of various report cards and instructions on their completion, progress reports, pupil attendance records etc. 1966-1980 (most 1980).

The series consists of records created by Dept. of Education, textbook branch, between 1958 and 1964. It includes schedules and tariffs showing freight rates for distributing textbooks to schools throughout the province.

This series consists of Provincial Normal School sessional registers of students at Victoria 1927-1956 and Vancouver 1938-1956.

Records are arranged by school (i.e., Victoria or Vancouver), then academic year, and then alphabetically by student last name. Registers include only the following fields of data for each student: name; city/town of residence; age on Sept. 1st in years and months; academic standing; intelligence rating; grades for professional and special methods courses, teaching practice, personality, and attitude; standing awarded (yes or no); diploma issued (yes or no); and remarks (e.g., passed or withdrew).

This series contains a typescript of speech given to the British Columbia Library Association convention by Minister of Education, Dr. G.M. Weir on 13 May 1946. Weir's speech, given in Nanaimo, provided a general review of the government's educational policies and priorities.

The series consists of speeches given by S.N.F. Chant (Dean of Arts at the University of British Columbia between 1949 and 1964): On university freedom, 1967, and The future of higher education in British Columbia, 1969.

The series consists of correspondence, minutes of meetings, reports, briefs, memoranda, etc. created by the Superintendent of Education. The records include those relating to the B.C. Teachers' Federation, 1963-1967; the B.C. Education Conferences, 1955-1960; the Provincial Board of Examiners, 1968; and the Langara College Campus, 1967.

GR-0450 consists of letterbook copies of correspondence outward from Superintendents John Jessop (1872-1878), C.C. McKenzie (1878-1884), S.D. Pope (1884-1899), Alexander Robinson (1899-1919) and S.J. Willis (1919-1946). The letterbooks document the multifarious duties of the Superintendents of Education, who were responsible for the administration and overall management of the provincial public school system. The first seven years of correspondence may have been written in the Superintendent's capacity as Chairman of the Board of Education.

Due to its artifactual value, only volume 1 was retained after microfilming.

Indexes to correspondence outward are included in this unit. However, the indexes have certain characteristics and idiosyncracies which researchers should note before consulting the records. No index exists to correspondence outward for 1872 and most of 1873. Correspondence outward for the period December 1873 - March 1881 is indexed in the letterbooks for those years (vols. 2-5). Another overlapping index for the period 1878-1881 will be found in vols. 192 and 193.

A more comprehensive system of indexing commenced in April 1881 and continued on through December 1905. Correspondence outward for this period was indexed in separately bound volumes (vols. 194-207). In 1906 the bound volumes were replaced by boxed index cards. GR-0450 includes index cards up to and including 1915. Regrettably, cards for the years 1916-1919 have not survived and, as a result, vols. 148-191 are not indexed.

Researchers should also be aware of the indexing methods used in the Education Office over time:

1. Correspondence outward, Pre-1901 (Vols. 2-5; 192-205)
   Correspondence outward, 1873-1900, was indexed alphabetically, by name of recipient. For example: correspondence concerning a school would be addressed to the secretary of the local board of school trustees; it was then indexed under the name of the secretary, not under the name of the school or school district. Researchers will need to know the names of school board secretaries in order to search the indexes for documents pertaining to a particular school. The best way of identifying these officials is to consult the Annual Reports of the Public Schools. In the appendices of the Reports researchers will find an alphabetical list of public schools, showing the names of local school trustees and indicating which of the trustees had been designated secretary.

2. Correspondence outward, 1901-1913 (Index vols. 206-207; Index card boxes 208-212)
   Beginning January 1901, correspondence outward was indexed alphabetically, by name of school or school district. Between 1906 and 1913 special index headings were reserved for correspondence with the Department of Public Works (re: the construction and maintenance of school buildings) and with provincial School Inspectors.

3. Correspondence outward, 1914-1915 (Card Index Boxes 213-216)
   Outgoing correspondence was divided into four broad categories: General, Cities, Municipalities, and Rurals. Within each category, correspondence was indexed alphabetically. "General" correspondence includes routing circulars, acknowledgements of petitions for schools, replies to applications for teaching appointments, etc. In the "General" category special index headings were also reserved for correspondence relating to school gardens (Agriculture), school law (Attorney-General), Cadet Corps, Finance, the Free Text-Book Branch, Provincial Normal Schools, Public Works Depts., School Inspectors, Technical Education and U.B.C. Under "Cities" will be found correspondence relating to Graded City Schools; under "Municipalities," correspondence pertaining to Rural Municipality Schools. "Rurals" describes correspondence concerning the small Rural and Assisted Schools in the province.

To determine the status of a particular school i.e. whether it was classified as a graded city school, a municipal school, etc., consult the published Annual Reports of the Public Schools.

Consists of correspondence inward to Superintendents John Jessop (1872-1878), C.C. McKenzie (1878-1884), and S.D. Pope (1884-1899). Types of records include petitions for school buildings, applications for teaching posts, minutes of local school boards, school trustees' reports, etc. This series may be used in conjunction with GR-0449 (Superintendent of Education, Indexes to Correspondence Inward, 1881-1915) and GR-0450 (Superintendent of Education, Correspondence Outward, 1872-1919).

Researchers should also be aware of the Correspondence Inward files of the Provincial Secretary, 1871-1892 (GR-0526). Since the Provincial Secretary was responsible for the Education Department, these files contain many records pertaining to teachers, schools, and education matters in general. Access to documents in GR-0526 is through GR-0524 (Provincial Secretary. Registers and indexes of letters inward, 1872-1924). Documents pertaining to education, etc. are indexed under the headings "SCHOOLS", and "EDUCATION, SUPERINTENDENT".

This series consists of records of the Task Force on the Community College, 1974 under Chairperson, Hazel L'Estrange. Records include reports, memos, agendas, minutes, public submissions, briefs, and hearing records. The series includes submissions from Academic Board of British Columbia, Douglas College, Capliano College, Cariboo College, Okanagan College, Vancouver City College, Camosun College, and others. It also includes a sound recording of a submission from Malaspina College.

This series is comprised of School District Information forms distributed by the Teachers Bureau to rural school teachers in 1923 and 1928 to be filled out and returned to the Bureau. The forms are questionnaires for the purpose of obtaining information about teachers’ living conditions in rural school districts. There is no record of similar forms being sent in other years.

Not every rural and assisted school is represented in this collection. Of the 684 rural and assisted schools in BC for the year ending June 1923, there are forms for 651. For the year ending June 1928, there are forms for 711 of the 728 schools.

A copy of this 47 pp. typescript by Elizabeth Berry Lightfoot and Margaret Maynard will also be found in GR-1030.

"Peace River School Directory, May-June 1934." A bound, typescript volume compiled by School Inspector William Plenderleith. It was compiled to assist J.L. Watson, Department of Education Registrar, in making appointments to schools in the Peace River Educational Administrative Area. The volume includes photographs and descriptions of sixty-four schools, with notes and general comments on settlers and the countryside in the various school districts. Plenderleith also provided information on boarding facilities for teachers and suggestions as to the most suitable type of teachers for individual schools. Several of the photographs feature pupils and interior views of the mainly rural, one-room schools.

The series consists of records documenting the activities of the Universities Council of British Columbia while promoting the systematic development of university education and creating public accountability for university expenditures. Series include council minutes, agenda material, sub-committee minutes, notices of motions, correspondence inward, registers of correspondence inward, correspondence outward, register of correspondence outward, and miscellaneous reports.

This series contains a bound volume of minutes of meetings of the Victoria School Board, along with receipts of payments made by the Board. The series includes minutes of meetings of school board electors (showing votes cast by individual electors for particular candidates) and contains copies of provincial government circulars relating to education and copies of schools-related bills, by-laws, rules and regulations.