Keeping track of the essential resources and programs in Ontario’s schools, and how they are affected by changes to provincial policy and funding.
Annual Ontario School Survey
Are you a school principal?
On October 1, you should have received an email invitation with a link to this year's survey. Please contact us if you did not get the email.
The information from the surveys provides an evidence-based perspective on the impact of policy and funding changes on vital areas of public education, such as teacher-librarians, special education support services, and educational assistants.
Thank you to all of the survey participants for supporting this unique research project.
Highlights from PFE's 2017/18 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, including special education, guidance counsellors, Indigenous education, childcare, fundraising, health, and the arts.
The 2018 report provides a blueprint for the new government, and calls for a focus on “the new basics for public education”.
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.
Annual Ontario School Survey research
Report finds increased demands on Ontario principals
Results from People for Education's 2017/18 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…
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 from People for Education 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…
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…
The fundraising advantage
A new report from People for Education reveals that Ontario elementary schools with low poverty rates raise twice the amount raised by schools with higher poverty rates.
Guidance 2018: Expanding roles limited access
This report shows a disconnect between the roles that guidance counsellors are expected to fill and the amount of time they are available to fill those roles.
Annual Ontario School Survey in the news
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.
Toronto Star: Education takes back seat for principals overwhelmed by managing schools, report says
According to a new report from People for Education, it is a challenge for today’s principals to find the time to fulfill their role as curriculum leaders, while also managing administrative tasks.
Report finds increased demands on Ontario principals
It is a challenge for Ontario's principals to find the time to fulfill their role as curriculum leaders, while also managing all of the administrative tasks involving the school building and staff.