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
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
Keeping track of the essential resources and programs in Ontario’s schools, and how they are affected by changes to provincial policy and funding.
Health and physical education 2017
This is an excerpt from our annual report on Ontario's publicly funded schools, based on surveys from over 1000 school principals across Ontario.
Language support 2017
This is an excerpt from our annual report on Ontario's publicly funded schools. It looks at the state of language support in Ontario's English and French public schools.
The Learning Opportunities Grant 2017
This report looks at changes to the province's Learning Opportunities Grant, and whether it is meeting its original purpose of supporting students deemed 'at-risk' of academic failure or disengagement.
Fundraising and fees 2017
This report is an excerpt from our annual report on Ontario's publicly funded schools. It examines school-based fundraising and fees, and the growing gap between schools in terms of the amount of money raised.
School libraries 2017
This report is an excerpt from our 2017 annual report on Ontario's publicly funded schools. The report is based on survey responses from over 1100 principals in English, Catholic and French schools across the province.
Indigenous education 2017
This is an excerpt from our annual report on Ontario's publicly funded schools. It looks at access to Indigenous educational opportunities, teacher professional development, and supporting achievement for Indigenous students.
Annual Ontario School Survey in the news
Report identifies challenges for implementation of new provincial policy on technology in schools
A new report from People for Education identifies potential implementation challenges for the new provincial policy on technology in schools, including mandatory e-learning credits and cellphone bans.
Ottawa Citizen: Few students currently enrolled in e-learning courses
"Just five per cent of students on average per high school in Ontario are currently enrolled in online courses, and some have trouble learning so independently, says a report released Monday."
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.