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
Broader measures of success: Measuring what matters in education
The launch report for Measuring What Matters, a project proposing five dimensions of learning that, alongside academic achievement, might be part of a more comprehensive set of indicators of success.
First Nations, Métis, and Inuit education: Overcoming gaps in provincially funded schools
This report uses data from our annual Ontario School Survey to identify and address some of the gaps in Indigenous education in provincially funded schools.
Doing what matters most: How parents can help their children succeed at school
We reviewed thirty years of research on parent involvement, and the kind of involvement that makes the biggest difference to students’ chances for success in school isn’t what most parents might expect.
Exemplary school libraries in Ontario
This study was conducted by Queen's University and People for Education for the Ontario Library Association. The purpose of the project was to identify the characteristics of exemplary school libraries and their impact on student…
The Parent Inclusion Manual
What helps parents feel connected to their children’s schools? This manual includes research on parent involvement, and features tips and ideas from parent and community organizations to support parent engagement at school.
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.