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
Annie Kidder’s convocation address
In a moving convocation address for York University's Faculty of Education, Annie Kidder spoke of the important role teachers play in "educating the new generations that this country, and our world needs."
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.
Does Ontario need an independent agency to assess education?
Ontario is reviewing assessment and reporting in education. Do we need the EQAO for this work?
Ontario’s Auditor calls for review of funding formula
In December, Ontario's Auditor General reported that the funding formula for education is out-of-date and in need of a full, independent review.
Province considers changing school closing process – again
The process for closing schools involves many difficult decisions, and can pit groups against each other. There is a provincially mandated process, which has been revised a number of times. The government is now consulting…
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."