Annual Ontario School Survey

Keeping track of essential resources and programs in Ontario’s schools, and how they are affected by changes to provincial policy and funding.

Arts education

Learning about and participating in the arts helps students to develop a range of competencies and skills—not just in creativity, but also in citizenship, social-emotional learning, and health.

Citizenship education

Citizenship education develops students’ capacity to value different perspectives. It builds their sense of agency and supports them to become responsible, active citizens.

Competencies beyond the 3R's

For long term success, today’s students need more than the 3R’s. We’re helping Canadian schools define a set of skills and competencies that students need to succeed in the 21st century. These are the “new basics” in education.

Course choices, careers and guidance

The education system has a significant role to play in ensuring that young people are prepared for futures that may no longer include one clear career or life path.

Creativity

Fostering creativity develops resilience, resourcefulness, and confidence, and is positively linked to engagement, achievement, and innovation.

Education funding

Equity

A broadly based education, with diverse opportunities for learning, provides students with an equitable chance for success, no matter what their background or future goals.

Health

Health education provides students with the self-regulatory skills and competencies they need to make healthy decisions and engage in health promoting behaviours.

Indigenous education

All students should know about the history of the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, and about Indigenous history, culture, perspectives and experiences.

Measurement, testing and assessment

Measurement, testing and assessment provide information about student progress, and the effectiveness of programs, policy and practice.

Parent involvement

Parents’ involvement in their children’s education has a significant impact on students’ academic and developmental outcomes.

Public education

Universal public education is a cornerstone of our democratic society. A strong public education system plays a key role in ensuring that the next generation has the skills and competencies needed to contribute to a fair and prosperous society.

Quality learning environments

The physical and social environment of the school, its connections to the community, and the range of opportunities provided, are key to the development of the skills and competencies students need for long-term success.

School libraries and reading

Information literacy and reading for enjoyment are key elements of lifelong learning. The school library is a central hub for both teachers and students.

Social-emotional learning

Social-emotional learning develops students’ capacity for self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, interpersonal relationships, and decision-making.

Special education

Special education describes accommodations, supports, or programs for students who need different teaching methods or special equipment to allow them to be successful in school.