Keeping track of the essential resources and programs in Ontario’s schools, and how they are affected by changes to provincial policy and funding.
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84%
of secondary schools have Indigenous education opportunities
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46%
of elementary schools have a specialist music teacher
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21%
of elementary schools have at least one full-time VP
Reports on publicly funded education
Every year, over 1200 Ontario principals respond to the Annual Ontario School Survey.
The information from the surveys provides an evidence-based perspective on the impact of policy and funding changes on vital areas of public education.
Thank you to all of the survey participants for supporting this unique research project.
The story behind the survey
For over 20 years, People for Education has been using our annual school surveys to keep track of the effects of policy and funding changes in Ontario’s publicly funded schools.
In 1997, we asked parents and teachers across the province to send us their stories, because we wanted to know if the funding cuts that were being imposed at the time had an impact on students and schools. We were overwhelmed with the response. Stories came in from across the province, and revealed shared concerns about the impact of funding cuts on things like special education, libraries, music, and physical education programs.
In order to see the impact of policy and funding changes over time, we developed a survey to track the key staff and programs in elementary schools across Ontario. In 1998, the first Tracking Report was published, based on the results of the survey. It formed the baseline to monitor changes to funding and programs across the province.
In 2000, we developed a similar survey for secondary schools.
Our school survey reports have become a trusted source of information about Ontario’s schools, and have had an impact on policy and funding decisions.
Highlights from our 2018 Annual Ontario School Survey
Our Annual Ontario School Survey (AOSS) provides an evidence-based perspective on the impact of policy and funding changes on vital areas of public education.
The 2018 report provides a blueprint for the new government, and calls for a focus on “the new basics for public education”.
Annual Ontario School Survey research
Roadmaps and Roadblocks: Career and life planning, guidance, and streaming in Ontario’s schools
Highlights from "Roadmaps and roadblocks", our report on the policies, programs, and resources available to support students’ career and life planning. The report is based on findings from the Annual Ontario School Survey.
Report finds increased demands on Ontario principals
Results from People for Education's 2018 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.
Fundraising in public education: The power of data collection
Fundraising data collected by PFE has been used to change policy and point to issues of equity in Ontario for over 20 years. This is PFE's presentation at the York University Summer Institute.
2018 Annual report on schools: The new basics
People for Education's Annual report on Ontario’s publicly-funded schools is an audit of the education system – a way of keeping track of the impact of funding and policy choices in schools across the province.…
Does Ontario provide equitable access to arts education?
New data show that students in small/rural schools, schools with higher levels of poverty, or with lower levels of parental education, are less likely to have access to learning opportunities in the arts.
Arts education 2018
New data from People for Education show that, despite the widely recognized importance of arts education, equitable access to arts programs and resources is an ongoing challenge for Ontario’s schools.
Province increases funding for special education
Ontario has added new funding to decrease wait times for special education assessment; increase support for students with very high needs; and improve school board supports for special education services.
Province to fund mental health workers in schools
By 2020, most high schools will have their own mental health worker.
More guidance counsellors for grades 7 and 8
The province has announced increases in per pupil funding for guidance counsellors for grades 7 and 8.
Fundraising and fees in Ontario’s schools
This report, based on the results from our annual survey of schools, identifies equity issues related to fundraising and fees in Ontario’s publicly funded schools. Over 1200 schools across Ontario participated in the survey, and…
Annual Ontario School Survey in the news
New report reveals gaps in support for course choices, career and life planning, and guidance
A new report from People for Education warns that Ontario may be falling behind at a time when there is growing pressure to prepare students for a rapidly changing, increasingly complex future.
The Globe and Mail: Alberta urged to ban or regulate restraining special-needs children at school
Disability advocates are calling on the Alberta government to regulate the use of restraints and seclusion rooms for students with special education needs.
CBC Metro Morning: New study says school principals spend too much time on administration
People for Education's Executive Director talks to Metro Morning about our report on principals and vice-principals.