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
Principal-powered reports
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, 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.
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 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”.
Annual Ontario School Survey research
Arts report 2016
This report is an excerpt from People for Education’s 2016 annual report on Ontario’s publicly funded schools.
Northern, rural schools at a disadvantage
Results from People for Education’s 19th Annual School Survey raise significant questions about the impact of geography on students’ equitable access to education.
Ready, Set, Go! Building Healthy Schools in Ontario
When schools support comprehensive health programs and resources—integrating all aspects of health and well-being, including mental, physical, social, sexual and relational health—the impacts on students are positive and lasting.
First Nations, Métis, and Inuit education: Overcoming gaps in provincially funded schools
This report uses data from our annual Ontario School Survey to identify and address some of the gaps in Indigenous education in provincially 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.