We provide research and evidence to support an ongoing dialogue about the value, purpose, and future of public education.
Research reports
We publish reports based on our primary research, including the Annual Ontario School Survey.
Articles
In our articles, we synthesize the latest news and research - connecting the dots between public education and public good.
Conference presentations
We present our research findings at local and international conferences for education practitioners and researchers.
Policy submissions
We make policy submissions in response to government consultations and provide evidence-based policy analysis.
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.
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.
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.
What do we track?
People for Education conducts a survey of Ontario schools every year:
Access to special education in Ontario schools
New results from People for Education’s 2023-24 Annual Ontario School Survey show that ongoing staff shortages and increased student needs are having an adverse impact on special education in Ontario schools.
Make a donation to support our researchOur 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.
Latest articles
It’s time to get serious about play
A new report from the American Academy of Pediatrics says that children and young people aren’t getting enough time to develop the vital competencies and skills that are learned through play.
Can schools help alleviate mental health concerns?
A new report raises concerns about how Canada is addressing mental health problems among young people. Schools are the ideal place to promote mental health and provide support for students with mental health issues.
Parents can make a difference in their children’s success
People for Education reviewed over 30 years of research and identified four key things parents can do to help their children succeed, both academically and in the development of health, citizenship, creativity, and social-emotional competencies.
Is teaching the most important job in the world?
Teachers teach the next generation of society. While there are many important professions, none of them affect all of society’s children – and thus all of society – in the way teaching does.
Changes needed to make Ontario schools more inclusive
According to the Ontario Human Rights Commission, many students with disabilities do not have equal access to educational opportunities in Ontario, either at the primary and secondary, or at the post-secondary level.
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.