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
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.
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.
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
Why Don’t We Care More About the Humans Who Work in Schools?
More than a quarter of Ontario’s schools experience teacher shortages every day, and nearly half experience daily shortages for educational assistants.
How to Drive Change in Canadian Public Education
What is a long-term, sustainable solution to the many crises facing Canada and the world today? In a new op-ed, Annie Kidder, says the answer lies in a rejuvenation of our public education system.
BC is moving to a system without letter or number grades
BC is moving to a new reporting system for kindergarten to grade 9 students which will focus on core competencies instead of letter or number grades.