THE EDUCATIONAL LITERATURE OF THE QUIET REVOLUTION

Abstract

One may question the success of the "Quiet Revolution", but few would venture to suggest that it did not result in a widespread modification of the educational scene. Quebec's prise de conscience in the early 1960's was built upon the premise that, given the tools, a French cultural enclave could assert itself in North America. Educational reform, consequently, came to be perceived as the common denominator for a mini-renaissance. Whereas in the past French Quebec had turned to its traditional value system for survival, it now, with surprising abandon, seized upon improved educational opportunity as the panacea. In examining this period one is immediately struck by the attention given to the matter of education. Books, articles, briefs, reports, letters to the editor, and all manner of public and semi-public gatherings dissect and re-dissect the issues. For an awakening Quebec, the exercise appeared to provide the perfect platform for participation. "L'Education, c'est votre affaire" became more than a catchy slogan; it became a national banner.