a history of curriculum services canada

First Steps
of the work group acting on secondment. Physically, the organization was to be housed in an
existing facility.
Shortly after this proposal was presented, the Catholic community voiced a concern that the
proposal for the new clearinghouse had not addressed the specific needs of Catholic educators
and indicated a desire for a separate catalogue to address Catholic curriculum issues. A
representative of OCSOA, who had taken part in the work group meetings, was officially
appointed to the Steering Committee for the Proposed Clearinghouse and to the Work Group
that was soon to be established. With that help, the needs of the Catholic system would have
to be addressed if the project were to survive. Over the years, OCC would face many similar
challenges. Only by proceeding carefully and dedicating its efforts to high quality, inclusive
service to teachers and the education community would the OCC prevail.
A second though smaller stumbling block centred on the funding mechanism for the project.
While $.5 million was approved, newly mandated provincial restrictions on transfer payments
for new programs made it necessary to obtain a special exemption to ensure that money would
continue to flow throughout the term of the pilot project. This required that budgets be
immediately developed for the first two years. One of the not-for-profit stakeholders was
required to act as receiver for the funds MET would provide. This group would, ideally,
supply office space and equipment to the project for a fee, as no capital purchases were
permitted in the pilot phase. They would also be accountable to the Ministry for the
administration and supervision of use of the funds, providing appropriate financial statements
as required. Finally, they would be responsible for ensuring that MET was appropriately
recognized for its role.
The precise status and role of the clearinghouse in the curriculum resources development and
delivery process would remain unclear for many years to come. On the one hand, the Ministry
was anxious to support a potentially money-saving co-operative venture that would help meet
the rapidly growing demand for new classroom materials and had potential for long-term
service in the education community. On the other hand, it was the Ministry’s responsibility
alone to mandate curriculum.
Moving Forward
By the late fall of 1993, a formal Clearinghouse Work Group was constituted with two
members from MET, two members from OTF and affiliates, and one member from each of
OPSBA, OSSTA, OCSOA, and OPSOA. With Lyn Sharratt (OPSBA) appointed as chair and
Jim Sebastian (MET) continuing as secretary, 4 things began to move quickly.
Three task forces were created. The first was to advise on the role of the management team,
while the second would consider operational issues, such as staffing, procuring an office and
equipment, finalizing an agreement with MET and overseeing the transfer of funds. The third
group was to report on issues related to information gathering, dissemination, and access. This
©2008 Curriculum Services Canada 6