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
Standardized testing
When test scores are used as a proxy for overall system success, it can lead governments to target funding and policy in ways that may ignore competencies that are vital for students’ long-term success.
Is teaching the most important job in the world?
Teachers teach the next generation of society. While there are many important professions, none of them affect all of society’s children – and thus all of society – in the way teaching does.
Province to conduct broad consultation on education
The province of Ontario will be engaging in consultations about a range of educational issues – from math and science curriculum to cell phone use in schools.
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
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.
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
London Free Press: Student well-being, rural schools to be hammered by funding cuts: Officials
According to the Thames Valley District School Board, rural schools will be most affected by the proposed cuts to education funding. These cuts may affect both classroom learning and student mental health.
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.