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
Competing Priorities: People for Education annual report on Ontario’s publicly funded schools 2017
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.
Special education report 2017
This report is an excerpt from our 2017 annual report on Ontario's publicly funded schools. It looks at the staff and resources available to support students with special education needs.
Arts report 2017
This report is an excerpt from People for Education’s annual report on Ontario’s publicly funded schools 2017. It looks at the importance of arts education, and the availability of specialist arts teachers in Ontario.
Career and life planning in schools
While Ontario has aspirations for a comprehensive careers strategy in education, data from our 2016/17 survey show challenges, particularly in the implementation of the career/life planning policy.
Health education and supports in Ontario’s schools
Ontario’s revised health and physical education curriculum focuses on the idea that health and physical education programs are most successful when delivered in healthy schools.
School libraries 2016
School libraries play an essential role in ensuring that Ontario’s students are prepared for today’s information- and knowledge-based society.
Arts education in Ontario’s schools 2016
Arts education plays a vital role in student engagement, achievement, and well-being. It also helps students develop a range of skills and competencies – not just in creativity, but also in citizenship, social-emotional learning, and…
The geography of opportunity: What’s needed for broader student success
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.
School libraries 2016
This report is an excerpt from our 2016 annual report on Ontario's publicly funded schools, and examines the staffing and resources in school libraries.
Special education report 2016
This report is an excerpt from our 2016 annual report on Ontario's publicly funded schools.
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.