Articles on Ontario education

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While government policy and media critique has focussed on higher education and international students in Canada, secondary schools have attracted far less attention. (Getty Images/Unsplash+)

The private school market serving international secondary students in Ontario has grown

A lack of regulation raises concern about educational quality as well as children’s safety.
Many achievement gaps begin long before children write their first standardized math test. (Piqsels/Id Frela)

Math gaps between Ontario kids start in kindergarten — and often persist through Grade 9

Math achievement gaps begin in kindergarten and persist through Grade 9, highlighting the importance of investing in children’s early development.
Ontario has cycled through many market solutions designed to solve a perceived reading crisis. (Michal Parzuchowski/Unsplash)

To improve literacy, Ontario should invest in students and educators

Strengthening reading instruction is essential, but that doesn’t mean buying commercial programs is the answer — especially when deteriorating classroom conditions drive qualified teachers away.
Effective teaching and learning depend on having timely data, but Ontario plans to scrap the requirement for boards to administer surveys that gauge students’ sense of belonging. Students participates in a math class in Ottawa, in December 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

School boards and universities will both be affected by Ontario’s Bill 101 sweeping changes

The bill is likely to create new challenges for public schools serving children and youth, as well as for university Faculties of Education aiming to prepare the next generations of teachers.
Chronic absenteeism refers to 10 per cent of missed instructional days in the year. A classroom in Ottawa, in December 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

Will attendance‑based grading improve school absenteeism?

Systemic barriers, mental-health issues and insufficient school supports for students with disabilities are among the factors that affect absenteeism rates.
Real per-student provincial operating funding to boards last year was at the lowest level seen over the last 10 years, according to The Financial Accountability office of Ontario. A school hallway in Ottawa, in December 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

What Ontarians need to know about ‘student achievement’ reforms that will run school boards like businesses

All students and families will be impacted by cuts and provincial reforms being imposed on Ontario schools, and those who are already disadvantaged will bear the brunt.
Early universal numeracy screening is one step towards ensuring Ontario students reach their full potential in math. (Curated Lifestyle/Unsplash)

Increasing math scores: Why Ontario needs early numeracy screening

Educators in a research partnership have found that early math screening is a helpful teaching tool that helps educators target instruction to support children’s math learning.
Students protest outside court before a hearing in Toronto in October 2019, challenging the Ontario government’s push to make certain supplementary fees optional through the Student Choice Initiative. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Colin Perkel

Ontario’s Bill 33 raises serious concern about campus equity and student rights

Possible changes around university admissions and student fees catalyzed by Ontario’s Bill 33 will depend on how universities interpret the rules and whether they make equity a clear policy priority.
Elected school boards have been eliminated by some provinces, and Ontario’s Minister of Education recently said he is open to this. A municipal election sign in Toronto in 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young

Attacks on school boards threaten local democracy

A brief look at the history of elected school boards in Canada shows how the powers and responsibilities of elected school board trustees have been eroded considerably.

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