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
B.C. curriculum re-design supports students in learning vital competencies
Desert Sands Community School in Ashcroft, BC is supporting the new basics and developing competencies in their students through student-driven interdisciplinary learning.
National report finds teachers increasingly experience violence in schools
A recent study by the Canadian Teachers’ Federation suggests an increasing amount of teachers across Canada are seeing a rise in both the rate and severity of violence in schools.
OISE survey reveals public opinion on education in Ontario
Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE)’s 20th Survey of Educational Issues reveals public opinions regarding satisfaction with Ontario schools, opinions on government spending on education, equity, economic relevance, and more.
Annie Kidder’s convocation address
On June 23, People for Education's Executive Director, Annie Kidder, received an honorary degree from York University at the spring convocation ceremony for the Faculty of Education. In a moving commencement address, she spoke of the…
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.…
Education questions for Ontario’s new government
Ontario has a new provincial government, and education is one of its key areas of responsibility. We are looking forward to hearing how the new government will address the issues raised in these questions.
Vast majority of Canadian students are meeting the national standard in reading
Results from the 2016 Pan-Canadian Assessment Program (PCAP) show that Canada’s public school students continue to demonstrate high levels of proficiency in reading, mathematics, and science.
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…
School-closing process to change
All of Ontario's school boards will be affected by changes to the province's guidelines for Pupil Accommodation Reviews. Many aspects of the process for closing schools are being revised.
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
CBC News: Principals spending too much time as managers, new report on Ontario education finds
From this CBC report on our 2018 annual report on schools: "Principals are spending too much time doing menial managerial tasks and school boards are struggling to adequately support students' mental health."
TVO: The good, the bad, and the ugly: A look back at 15 years of Liberal government
In this article, Annie Kidder talks about education changes, both positive and negative, that the Ontario government implemented over the past 15 years.
Globe and Mail: What a Ford government means for Ontario’s classrooms
In this article, Annie Kidder talks about the importance of developing students' problem-solving, critical-thinking and creativity skills needed in a changing economy. “We can’t go back to a narrow definition of the basics,”