Getting the best education for your child
The public education system remains very good in Ontario and across Canada
All parents want to secure the best education for their child. What are the choices in Ontario?
For some parents, private schools may be a consideration. Excellent private schools exist, but without the regulation of the public system. Teachers do not need to have a teaching certificate, or be subject to criminal justice checks. Schools do not have to follow the Ontario curriculum, take EQAO tests, or accept all those who apply. Only those schools offering the Ontario Secondary School diploma are inspected. Statistics Canada in 2015 looked at the academic outcomes of students in both public and private schools, and concluded that the high achievement in private schools was because of the socio-economic characteristics of the f amilies and the high-achieving peer groups, not because of the schools per se. Those same groups of students do well in the publicly funded system. Private does not mean “the best” as Finland demonstrates. Considered a country with excellent educational outcomes, it has no private schools at all.
How good is public education? Very good: In 2012 Canada ranked 13 out of all OECD countries for math, 10 for science and 7 for reading, in international tests (PISA), and has outperformed the United States and the United Kingdom since 2000. In 2012, the Canadian Education Ministers Council (CEMC) reported Ontario ranked fourth of all provinces in math, third in Science, and second in reading in the PISA tests.
Publicly funded education of English public, English Catholic, French public and French Catholic boards is heavily regulated. The Ontario College of Teachers accredits all teachers, and posts all disciplinary actions on line. Class sizes are much the same across the province. The Education Quality Assessment Organization (EQAO) tests students’ performance in Grade 3, 6, 9 and 10 with regard to the Ontario Curriculum in reading, math and writing. The results and the reports issued for each school and board are public. The test results reflect a provincial standard but they provide only a partial picture of what is going on in schools.
Parents have rights under the Education Act, including the right to be informed about their child’s progress, the right to appeal in certain instances, and rights if their children are identified with special needs. The latter are explained in a Guide to Parents about Special Education which every Board must provide and post.
There are choices within the publicly funded system. French immersion is available in some schools. It is now recognized that learning a second language stimulates cognitive development in other areas and ability in French opens the door to more employment opportunities. But learning a second language with this intensity is not for everyone and where the English program in the school may be very small it may create equity problems.
There are increasing choices within secondary schools. The new expectations that all students are capable are laid out in the Ministry of Education document “Learning for All.” Each High school has a Student Success Team to support at-risk students with a variety of tools including programs tailored to their interests and co-operative learning courses. Dual credit courses are offered with community colleges and apprenticeships. E-learning is a possibility. Secondary High School Majors offer bundles of eight to 12 courses in Grade 11 and 12 for students heading for apprenticeships, college, university or workplace, in a variety of areas including construction and manufacturing.
Not all schools are the same, even within the same board. Exceptional teachers may provide special programs in the arts, or in athletics. School boards also provide vari- ous offerings, such as the self-paced high school at Westmount, International Baccalaureate, and Advanced Placement. The latter offer enhanced preparation recognized by universities. Some boards offer a range of programs for students with different needs. Parents need to inform themselves about what is available locally using school and board websites.
There are processes available to resolve difficulties, particularly with regard to expulsions, and special education. The locally elected trustee can also help navigate the system. Parents may also apply to the Ontario Ombudsman, the College of Teachers, and the Ministry of Education regional office; parent-driven groups, such as Home and school associations, school councils, and parent support groups such as Learning Disabilities Ontario can provide useful information. People for Education has parent tip sheets in several languages available on their website.
Publicly funded education in Ontario remains a good choice for parents. It is worldclass, and underpins the values of equity and tolerance promoted in our society. Parents who are informed about what their child is learning, know the choices available to them, understand their rights and where to get information, will get the best education for their child.