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
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.
The future of public education is the future of Canada
It’s in the public education system itself where hope lies. It is only through systemic change that we can ensure that young people are gaining the skills they will need for the future.
Public education: the future starts here
An article by Andreas Schleicher, Director for Education and Skills at the OECD, about educating students for their future, is a good starting point for our ongoing dialogue about the future of public 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.
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 Globe and Mail: Home learning game plan: Insights on distance education for parents
People for Education's Executive Director, Annie Kidder, joined Ontario teacher Jamie Mitchell and Anne-Marie Scott, Deputy Provost of Athabasca University in a webinar with the Globe and Mail's Caroline Alphonso to discuss distance education in…
CBC News: Students lacking Wi-Fi access told to head to school parking lots as ‘last resort’
School boards scrambling to equip students with laptops, hotspots as online learning begins.
CBC News: Coursework could continue even if Ontario schools don’t reopen: minister
No student's graduation will be affected by COVID-19 pandemic, Stephen Lecce says.