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
SHAPES – School Health Action Planning and Evaluation System 1
In Nova Scotia, Quebec, PEI and BC, schools are participating in a new way to keep track of students’ physical and mental health.
The Link Between Pupil Health and Well Being and Attainment
This research brief from Public Health England discusses the critical role that students' social emotional health plays in their school success and the role schools in supporting social emotional learning for students.
Physical activity linked to academic performance in boys
A Finnish research study found that young boys who are physically active tend to have better academic achievements. Boys who reported higher levels of physical activity during recess had better reading skills than less active…
Feathers of hope: a First Nations youth action plan
This action plan summarizes the perspectives of over 175 Indigenous youth, brought together by the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth to share their stories, life experiences, and hopes for the future.
Ready, Set, Go! Building Healthy Schools in Ontario
When schools support comprehensive health programs and resources—integrating all aspects of health and well-being, including mental, physical, social, sexual and relational health—the impacts on students are positive and lasting.
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.