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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95%
of secondary schools have Indigenous education opportunities
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46%
of elementary schools have a vice-principal
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26%
of elementary schools report fundraising $20,000 or more
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 the 2019 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 2019 report on Ontario schools points to evidence that the school environment—and all of the adults in it—are key drivers for students’ overall success.
Read the 2019 report Read the quick factsAnnual Ontario School Survey research
Funding education in Ontario – Time for a review
People for Education is recommending a comprehensive review of education funding in Ontario so that it meets the needs of students in 2020.
What makes a school?
The 2019 report on Ontario schools, based on survey responses from 1254 principals across Ontario, points to evidence that the school environment—and all of the adults in it—are key drivers for students’ overall success.
Connecting to success: Technology in Ontario’s schools
Highlights from "Connecting to technology", our report on the use of technology in today's schools, including BYOD policies, e-learning, access to technology, and the role of school libraries. The report is based on findings from…
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.
Annual Ontario School Survey in the news
CP24: Ontario schools relying on fundraising creates inequities for students: report
People for Education's report finds that schools in richer areas fundraise twice as much as schools in poorer areas, reproducing patterns of advantage and disadvantage.
CBC News: Ford government shouldn’t try to modernize education while cutting funding, new report warns
People for Education supports push to 'modernize' school system, if resources are in place.
The Toronto Star: Cutting teachers no way to modernize education system, says People for Education
Cutting teachers and other resources is no way to improve student learning or update the public school system, says a new report from advocacy and research group People for Education.