Universal public education is a cornerstone of our democratic society. A strong public education system plays a key role in ensuring that the next generation has the skills and competencies needed to contribute to a fair and prosperous society.
Public education
Research on publicly funded education
Changes to Ontario education funding and policy will have a long-term impact
Changes announced to Ontario education policy will result in substantial funding cuts for school boards
Results from Ontario’s education consultation released
The Ministry of Education has released the results from the education consultation that took place in the fall of 2018.
Reducing deficits may mean reducing education funding
Ontario’s government has pledged to reduce provincial spending by as much as $6 billion. Changes to education funding may result in larger class sizes when the 2019/20 funding is announced.
Public education – it’s the best investment we can make
If education were the stock market, everyone would want to invest. Investors are happy these days if their stocks give them a return of 5% a year. In public education, the return is double that!
What role does education research play in this “post-truth” era?
Annie Kidder shares some of the highlights from the ICSEI conference, and talks about the need to close the gaps between evidence, policy, and practice in education.
Celebrate International Day of Education
The United Nations General Assembly has proclaimed January 24th as International Day of Education.
Defining success: Views from the next generation
Vincent Atallah, PFE board member and chair of the NextGen Committee, talks about what he learned at our annual conference from a panel of young people discussing what “success” means to them.
What is “non-core” funding?
The Ministry recently asked whether there are“parts of the funding formula that are not core to the delivery of education in Ontario.” Annie Kidder asks what should the core business of education be?
Provincial funding announcements may affect programs for students at risk
On December 14th, the Ministry of Education sent memos to school boards across the province outlining a number of areas where funding is going to be reduced or discontinued. Find out which programs are affected.
People for Education’s response to the provincial consultation on education funding
In November 2018, the Ministry of Education asked for input on education funding for the 2019/20 school year, to help the province "find efficiencies and improve accountability". This is People for Education's response.
How publicly funded education works in Ontario
Learn more about the structure of Ontario's education system, how education funding works, and the roles and responsibilities of the people within the system.
Public education in the news
The Agenda: Education Reform in Ontario
Annie Kidder, our Executive Director, is one of the panelists on TVO's The Agenda, talking about the impact of recently announced changes to education.
Ottawa Citizen: Ontario is poised to require every high school student take four online courses. What does it mean?
The provincial government has announced that secondary school students will be required to take four out of 30 high school credits as online courses.
The Toronto Sun: Ontario to ban cellphones in classrooms
"Christine Schandl, of People for Education, said if cellphone use is left to the discretion of principals and teachers, then the policy will be similar to what currently exists."