Thesis
Origins of Excellence: Historical Influences Contributing to Alberta’s High Standing in PISA’s Science Literacy Assessments
Southern Cross University
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Southern Cross University
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25918/thesis.437
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Abstract
Since its introduction by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in 2000, the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) has become a key global educational benchmark. In the 2006 assessment, Canadian provinces were recognised as independent educational jurisdictions, with Alberta emerging as a world leader in science literacy. This thesis explores the historical developments in Alberta's education system that may have contributed to this high performance.
Employing a historical narrative methodology, the research investigated six thematic areas across several chapters. Two global themes—developments in modern science and the growth of international benchmark assessments—are explored as external influences beyond the control of any single jurisdiction. The four provincial themes—curriculum history in Alberta, preservice teacher education, professional development for science educators, and the allocation of time to science education, including the history of the school calendar—are examined for their potential impact on student performance. Additionally, four key contentions resonating with the investigation’s themes were critically examined: Premier Alexander Rutherford’s exceptional leadership, the integration of history and philosophy into science, educational leaders, and summative and empirical testing.
The investigation revealed major influences contributing to Alberta’s high international standing in science literature. These include: i) a curriculum that emphasises science literacy from elementary levels, focusing on critical thinking and the societal impact of science and technology, and implements standardised assessment; ii) the requirement for Alberta students to complete over 1,200 hours of science instruction by the end of high school; iii) a leading approach to teacher education; iv) professional development exemplified by the Alberta Initiative for School Improvement (2000-2015), which supported teachers in action-research projects then provided the opportunity for them to share through an online government repository and annual conferences, and; v) visionary leaders in Alberta who have driven advancements in education.
This thesis contributes to a deeper understanding of how historical and policy-related decisions within Alberta have influenced its students' science literacy, providing a blueprint for future educational strategies and reforms.
Details
- Title
- Origins of Excellence: Historical Influences Contributing to Alberta’s High Standing in PISA’s Science Literacy Assessments
- Creators
- Nathaniel Siler
- Contributors
- Bill Edgar Boyd (Supervisor) - Southern Cross UniversityMarilyn Chaseling (Supervisor) - Southern Cross UniversityChristos Markopoulos (Supervisor) - Southern Cross University
- Awarding Institution
- Southern Cross University; Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Theses
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Southern Cross University
- Publisher
- Southern Cross University
- Number of pages
- vi, 279
- Identifiers
- 991013247261402368
- Copyright
- © Nathaniel Siler 2025
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Education
- Resource Type
- Thesis