ABSTRACT
The educational system of Quebec is in rapid transition at the present time. Acting on the recommendation of a Royal Commission on 365Education appointed in 1961, the government appointed a Minister of Education in May 1964, making him fully responsible for all levels and types of educational services. Under the new legislation all educational institutions are under the general authority of the Minister and the Department of Education, although it is clear from the Commission's recommendations that the system will be decentralized as fully as possible when the regional and local authorities are reorganized. One other significant feature of the new administration is the appointment of a 24-member Superior Council of Education to advise the Minister on all matters of importance and to present an annual report to the legislature. This body is advised and assisted by two confessional committees, Protestant and Roman Catholic, which are responsible for the recognition of confessional institutions and approving the curricula and texts used for religious instruction as well as the content in other subjects from the point of view of religion and morals. The Council is advised also by four commissions—elementary, secondary, preuniversity, and professional and higher education. Since these advisory bodies have been appointed very recently, the system is not yet fully operative.
