Research and evidence

We provide research and evidence to support an ongoing dialogue about the value, purpose, and future of public education.

Research by topic Research reports School survey

Research reports

We publish reports based on our primary research, including the Annual Ontario School Survey.

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Articles

In our articles, we synthesize the latest news and research - connecting the dots between public education and public good.

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Conference presentations

We present our research findings at local and international conferences for education practitioners and researchers.

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Policy submissions

We make policy submissions in response to government consultations and provide evidence-based policy analysis.

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Annual Ontario School Survey

We have been tracking the resources and programs in Ontario’s schools for over 20 years. Over 1200 schools participate each year.

Learn about the survey

Competencies beyond the 3Rs

Working with experts, we have developed a set of key competencies in the areas of creativity, citizenship, social-emotional learning, and health.

Learn more

Conference 2018 highlights

Our conference brings together parents, students, educators, researchers, school boards, and ministry staff to connect with and learn from each other. This year, we explored the role of public education in creating a better world.

More about the conference

What do we track?

People for Education conducts a survey of Ontario schools every year:

Principals and vice-principals: The scope of their work in today's schools

Results from People for Education’s 2018 annual school survey show that it is a challenge for today’s principals to find the time to fulfill their role as curriculum leaders, while also managing all of the administrative tasks involving the school building and staff.

Read a summary of the report Read the report Support our research

Our response to Ontario's recent education consultation

In the fall of 2018, Ontario’s Ministry of Education engaged in province-wide consultations on a range of issues. Our response focused on three areas: standardized testing; preparing students for the future; and the health curriculum.

Read our submission More policy submissions

Thank you for this excellent and timely report. The inequities you highlight are an important issue that we're wrestling with and the report helps us to have more informed discussions.

- School board trustee

Research and evidence by topic

Click on the topic for the latest articles, research reports, news, and more.

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.

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.