Results-Based Plan 2009/10Previous Results-Based Plans: Table of ContentsPart l: Published Results-Based Plan 2009/10
Ministry Financial InformationAppendix: This document is available in PDF format (354 KB)
ISSN # 1718-6463 Part l: Published Results-Based Plan 2009/10Ministry OverviewThe Ministry of Education strives to promote a strong, vibrant, publicly funded education system that is focused on three goals: high levels of student achievement, reduced gaps in student achievement and high levels of public confidence. VisionOntario students will receive the best publicly funded education in the world, measured by high levels of achievement and engagement for all students. Successful learning outcomes will give all students the skills, knowledge and opportunities to attain their potential, to pursue lifelong learning, and to contribute to a prosperous, cohesive society. MissionThe ministry seeks to energize Ontario's publicly funded education system through stronger partnerships. The wisdom of educators and all those working in the education sector will continue to be sought and valued. Parents will be engaged more in the education of their children. Students will be given a stronger voice in the education they are receiving. More relationships with employers and local leaders will be strengthened to improve linkages between schools and communities. These partnerships will create a publicly funded education system that can reach every student. Key Priorities And ResultsThe ministry's work supports four government priorities:
Ministry Contribution to Key Priorities & Results Success for Students Student achievement from kindergarten to Grade 12 is the top priority in education. The overall skill and knowledge level of Ontario's students must continue to rise to remain competitive in a global economy. At the same time, the achievement gap must continue to be closed between students who excel and students who struggle because of personal, cultural or academic barriers. The government has implemented a number of initiatives to ensure more students succeed. These include the Primary Class Size Reduction Strategy and the Literacy/Numeracy Strategy. The government's Student Success Strategy is included in the Strong People, Strong Economy priority section; however this strategy is also vital to support the Success for Students priority. The Primary Class Size Reduction Strategy has successfully lowered class sizes for students in junior kindergarten to Grade 3 classrooms. This is providing students with more individual attention so they have a better chance to succeed throughout school and beyond. In 2003-04, twenty-five per cent of classes had 25 or more primary students, while only 32 per cent of primary students were learning in classes of 20 of fewer. The government committed to having 90 per cent of classes with 20 students or fewer and no classes with more than 23 students. Through the strategy, an additional 5,100 primary teachers were funded in Ontario schools in 2008-09 compared to 2003-04. Performance Measure The government's target was achieved in 2008-09 with more than 90 per cent of kindergarten to Grade 3 classrooms at 20 or fewer students and no classes with more than 23 students. That means more than 540,000 primary students are in classes of 20 or fewer, compared to only 166,000 students five years before. Class sizes for the past five years at each school are recorded in the government's Class Size Tracker.  The Literacy/Numeracy Strategy is focused on helping students establish a solid foundation in reading, writing and math by age 12. In 2002-03, only 54 per cent of Grade 3 and 6 students were achieving the provincial standard (equivalent to a B grade) in reading, writing and math assessments. Students who struggle with these skills often become discouraged and later drop out of school. The government set a target to have 75 per cent of students meet the provincial standard. The government has implemented a number of initiatives to help more young students excel in reading, writing and math. These include:
Performance Measure In 2007-08, 65 per cent of Grade 3 and Grade 6 students met the provincial standard in reading, writing and math. This represents an 11 percentage point increase since 2002-03. The results for each school are available on the EQAO website. Ontario has also demonstrated strong results compared to other jurisdictions. The province's nine-and ten-year-old students rank among the top in the world in reading according to the 2006 Progress in International Reading Literacy Study. In addition, the 2007 Pan-Canadian Assessment Program report showed that Ontario's 13-year-old English-language students scored significantly higher in reading than their peers in other provinces and territories. Strong People, Strong EconomyA strong publicly funded education will help ensure the long-term success of the province's economy. Ontario remains focused on helping more students achieve success in high school and graduate with high quality skills and knowledge. This will provide Ontario with the innovators and leaders it needs to keep the economy strong in the future. The Student Success Strategy helps students in Grade 7 to 12 tailor their education to their individual strengths, goals and interests, and brings back students who have left school without finishing their diploma. In 2003-04, only 68 per cent of students were completing their high school diploma. Studies show that those students who do not graduate face a future with an increased risk of unemployment, financial difficulties and social issues. In response, the government set a graduation target of 85 per cent. To help more students graduate, several programs were launched or expanded. These include:
Performance Measure In 2007-08, Ontario's graduation rate increased to 77 per cent. This represents an increase of nine percentage points – or 13,500 more students – compared to 2003-04.  The Student Success Strategy also received a positive evaluation from the Canadian Council on Learning in 2008. Its report concluded that over the past four years, more students are getting the attention and learning options they need to be successful in school. The report suggests that other jurisdictions could benefit from reviewing Ontario's high school strategy. Better HealthHealth is a priority in Ontario's education system. Healthy students have demonstrated higher levels of learning and skill development and are more likely to be healthy adults. They also have a higher quality of life and lower impact on the health care system. Ontario's Healthy Schools Strategy is focused on supporting learning and growing through good food, daily physical activity and health promotion. With childhood obesity rates on the rise, the government has taken action to create a healthier environment for students. Initiatives include:
Performance Measure Nearly one thousand schools registered for the Healthy Schools Recognition Program in 2007-08. Teachers, students and parents from each school identified at least one activity they would undertake to make their school a healthier place to learn. The participating schools and their activities are listed on the Healthy Schools website. Safer Communities Every Ontario student has the right to feel safe and be safe when they go to school. Safe schools are also a prerequisite for student success and academic achievement.Ontario's Safe Schools Strategy allows children to learn, grow and achieve in a safe and secure environment. The strategy includes:
Reach Every Student There are a number of other new or ongoing ministry initiatives that support success for students; strong people, strong economy; better health; and safer communities. They are also helping to increase student achievement, close the achievement gap and raise public confidence. These initiatives include:
Poverty ReductionThe Ministry of Education is also supporting Ontario's Poverty Reduction Strategy. It is a long-term strategy focused on improving opportunities for Ontario's kids. The strategy includes indicators to measure our progress and sets a target of reducing the number of children living in poverty by 25 per cent over the next 5 years. The strategy is focused on children and youth, with the goal of breaking the cycle of poverty by improving their success in school, supporting families, and empowering communities. It's also about smarter government so that programs are achieving their intended goals. Ministry of Education Organization Chart (PDF, 63 KB) LegislationEducation Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.E.2 as amended by S.O. 1991, c.10; S.O. 1991, c.15; S.O. 1992, c.15; S.O. 1992, c.16; S.O. 1992, c.17; S.O. 1992, c.27; S.O. 1992, c.32; S.O. 1993, c.11; S.O. 1993, c.23; S.O. 1993, c.26; S.O. 1993, c.27, Sched.; S.O. 1993, c.41; S.O. 1994, c.1; S.O. 1994, c.17; S.O. 1994, c.23; S.O. 1994, c.27; S.O. 1995, c.4; S.O. 1996, c.2; S.O. 1996, c.11; S.O. 1996, c.12; S.O. 1996, c.13; S.O. 1996, c.32; S.O. 1997, c.3; S.O. 1997, c.16; S.O. 1997, c.19; S.O. 1997, c.22; S.O. 1997, c.27; S.O. 1997, c.31; S.O. 1997, c.32; S.O. 1997, c.43, Sched.; S.O. 1998, c.3; S.O. 1998, c.14; S.O. 1998, c.33; S.O. 1999, c.6; S.O. 1999, c.9; S.O. 2000, c.5; S.O. 2000, c.11; S.O. 2000, c.12; S.O. 2000, c.25; S.O. 2000, c.26, Sched; S.O. 2001, c. 8; S.O. 2001, c. 13; S.O. 2001, c. 14, Sched.; S.O. 2001, c.17; S.O. 2001, c.23; S.O. 2001, c.24; 2002, c. 7; 2002, c. 8, Sched. A; 2002, c. 8, Sched. I; 2002, c. 17, Sched. C,; 2002, c. 17, Sched. D; 2002, c. 17, Sched. F, Table; 2002, c. 18, Sched. G; 2002, c.22; 2003, c.2; 2004, c.8; 2004, c.31; 2005, c.4; 2005, c.5; 2006, c. 2; 2006, c. 5; 2006, c. 9, Sched. H; 2006, c. 10; 2006, c. 17; 2006, c. 21, Sched. F; 2006, c. 28; 2006, c. 32, Sched. C; 2006, c. 33, Sched. Z.3; 2006, c. 34; 2006, c. 35, Sched. C; 2007, c.7, Sched. 9; 2007, c. 14; 2008, c. 2; 2008, c.7, Sch. F; 2008, c. 14; 2008, c. 19, Sch. D. EXCEPT: ss. 257.2.1; 257.5; 257.6(3) to (7); 257.7(3); 257.10(4),(5); 257.12; 257.12.1; 257.12.2; 257.12.3; 257.13 and 257.19(4), [see O.C. 1690/2003] Governs elementary and secondary education in Ontario. Education Amendment Act, (No. 1) 1986, S.O. 1986, . 21. Only s. 4 remains in force and unconsolidated. It provides that the school referred to in the Essex County French-language Secondary School Act, 1977, may be transferred to a Roman Catholic school board, notwithstanding s. 5 of that Act. Education Quality and Accountability Office Act, 1996, S.O. 1996, c.11; S.O. 1997, c.31; 2004, c.8; 2004, c.17; 2006, c. 21, Sched. F; 2006, c. 35, Sched. C. Establishes the Education Quality and Accountability Office, which evaluates the effectiveness of elementary and secondary education and assesses pupils' academic achievement. Essex County French-language Secondary School Act, 1977, S.O. 1977, c. 5; 1986, c.21. Required the former Essex County Board of Education to build a French-language secondary school. Fairness for Parents and Employees Act (Teachers' Withdrawal of Services) 1997, c. 32; 2006, c. 21, Sched. F Provided for payments to parents in circumstances where teachers withdrew services. Lake Superior Board of Education Act, 1976, S.O. 1976, c. 59. Allowed the former Lake Superior Board of Education to sell a teacher's or caretaker's residence to an employee of the Board. Ontario College of Teachers Act, 1996, S.O. 1996, c.12, as amended by S.O. 1997, c.31; 2001, c.9; 2001, c.14; 2001, c.24; 2002, c.7; 2004, c.26; 2006, c. 10; 2006, c. 19, Sched. C; 2006, c. 21, Sched. F.Establishes an independent professional regulatory body for Ontario teachers with Council comprised of elected teacher representatives and LGIC appointees. College sets standards of the profession, qualifications for registration by College and is responsible for discipline matters. All teachers in the public system must be members of the College. Ontario Educational Communications Authority Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.O.12; 1997, c. 26, Sched.; 1999, c. 12, Sched. Q; 2002, c. 8, Sched. G; 2002, c. 8, Sched. I; 2002, c. 18, Sched. G; 2004, c. 17; 2006, c. 35, Sched. C.; 2007, Sched. 7; 2008, c. 10. Establishes broadcasting entity – TVO - with mandate to provide English-language educational broadcasting and delivery of distance education to students. Licensed by the CRTC, the federal broadcasting regulatory body. Ontario French-language Educational Communications Authority Act, 2008, S.O. 2008, c.10. Establishes broadcasting entity - TFO - with mandate to provide French-language educational broadcasting and delivery of distance education to students. Licensed by the CRTC, the federal broadcasting regulatory body. Ontario Institute for Studies in Education Repeal Act, 1996, S.O. 1996, c.16 Repealed the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education Act. Ontario School Trustees' Council Act, R.S.O. 1980, c.355 Establishes the Ontario School Trustees' Council Ottawa-Carleton French-Language School Board Transferred Employees Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.O.44 as amended by 1992, c. 17; 1993, c. 11; 1993, c. 23; 1993, c. 27, Sched.; 1994, c. 1; S.O. 1997, c.31; 2002, c.17, Sched. F, Table. Governs the transfer of employees from the former Ottawa and Carleton school boards to either of the former French-language school boards in Ottawa. Provincial Schools Negotiations Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.P.35 as amended by S.O. 1996, c.12; S.O. 1997, c.31; 2003, c.2; 2006, c. 10; 2006, c. 19, Sched. L; 2006, c. 35, Sched. C. Governs collective bargaining regime for teachers in provincial schools for blind and deaf through the Provincial Schools Authority, consisting of members appointed by the Government Sabrina's Law, 2005, c.7. Requires school boards to have an anaphylactic policy. School Trust Conveyances Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.S.3; 2002, c.17, Sched. F, Table. Empowers interested persons to act as trustees for accepting conveyances of land for the purposes of establishing a school Teachers' Pension Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.T.1 as amended by S.O. 1991, vol.2, c.52; S.O. 1993, c.39; S.O. 1998, c.34; 2005, c. 31, Sched. 21; 2006, c. 33, Sched. Z.8. Continues the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan Board and provides for the governance and management of the pension plan for elementary and secondary school teachers and teachers in other designated institutions Teachers' Pension Act, 1989, S.O. 1989, c.92; S.O. 1993, c.39; S.O. 1998, c.34 Schedule containing teachers' pension plan retained in force, but may be amended by partners. Teaching Profession Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.T.2, amended 1991, vol.2, c.52; S.O. 1996, c.12; S.O. 1997, c.31; S.O. 2000, c.12; 2002, c.7; 2006, c. 21, Sched. F. Establishes the Ontario Teachers' Federation to promote interests of teachers and profession. Every teacher is a member. Board made up of teacher unions. Upper Canada College Act, R.S.O. 1937, c.373; 1958, c.120; 2006, c. 10. Governs Upper Canada College Notes:
Minister's Advisory Council on Special EducationThe Minister's Advisory Council on Special Education advises the Minister of Education on any matter related to the establishment and provision of special education programs and services for exceptional students, including the identification and provision of early intervention programs for students with special education needs. Ontario Educational Communications Authority (TVO)TVO is governed by the Ontario Educational Communications Authority Act. TVO, as Ontario's publicly funded, educational media organization, provides high quality English-language educational programming and services through broadcast, distance education, and interactive web access. Distance education for elementary and secondary school credit is provided through the Independent Learning Centre. TVO's broadcast licence is governed by the federal Broadcasting Act and CRTC licensing. The government is supporting TVO as it proceeds with conversion to digital broadcast as mandated by the CRTC. With TVO's renewed focus on its educational mandate, it continues to add new educational content to its programming to support Ontario's learners from pre-schoolers to adults through lifelong learning opportunities. L'Office des télécommunications éducatives de langue française de l'Ontario (TFO)On July 25, 2008, French language programming was enhanced through the establishment of a new autonomous agency, “L'Office des télécommunications éducatives de langue française de l'Ontario” (TFO). This new Franco-Ontarian institution brings together education, culture and multimedia and provides a new public awareness of the Franco-Ontarian community and its many accomplishments. TFO supports the implementation of the government's Aménagement linguistique policy to counter assimilation while strengthening public sector institutions and their capacity to serve Ontario's Francophone community. Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO)EQAO is an independent agency responsible for ensuring greater accountability and enhancing of the quality of education in Ontario. This is achieved through the development and administration of large-scale student assessments and the public release of assessment findings together with recommendations for system improvement. Languages of Instruction Commission of OntarioThe Languages of Instruction Commission of Ontario was established to help resolve disputes over the provision of education programs in the language of a French or English minority group. The commission intercedes in conflicts between school authorities and French-language rights holders groups. Ontario Special Education Tribunals (English / French)The Special Education Tribunals (English and French) are the final avenue of appeal for parents who disagree with an Identification, Placement and Review Committee (IPRC) identification or placement decisions. Provincial Schools AuthorityThe Provincial Schools Authority (PSA) was established in 1975 under the Provincial Schools Negotiations Act. The Act created a bargaining unit of all teachers employed in provincially operated schools. The PSA negotiates a collective agreement with the Provincial Schools Authority Teachers (PSAT) on behalf of the ministries of Education, and Community Safety and Correctional Services. The PSA is the employer of record for teachers, principals and vice-principals. It handles grievances, leaves and other administrative functions. Ontario Parent CouncilInactive. Financial InformationThe following chart depicts the ministry's investment in 2009/10 in activities that provide Ontario students with an excellent and accountable elementary/secondary education, so their futures and that of the Province will be characterized by continued prosperity, stability and growth. The ministry's budget supports the key government priority “Student Success”.  Click here to view larger image  Click here to view larger image
* Note: Includes Statutory Appropriations but does not include consolidation adjustments. After consolidation adjustments (for agency and school board expenses), the total 2009/10 planned expenditure
 Click here to view larger image Appendix: Ministry of Education2008/09 Annual ReportThe Ministry of Education seeks to establish and maintain a high quality and sustainable publicly funded education system focused on the goals of high levels of student achievement, reduced gaps in student achievement and high levels of public confidence. Initiatives undertaken in 2008-09 to help the ministry achieve these goals include: Secondary SchoolsExpanding Specialist High Skills Major program from 153 to 484 schools and adding two new majors in Community Safety and Emergency Services, and Information and Communications Technology. Getting more students involved in their schools by funding hundreds of student and student council-led projects. Creating a Minister's Student Advisory Council to gain student feedback on education issues. Holding regional students forums to hear from students on how to improve the education system. Providing adult role models through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada to 3,000 more students who are struggling or at risk of dropping out.
Elementary Schools
Reducing primary class sizes so more than 90 per cent of the classes have 20 students or fewer and no class has more than 23 students. Funding about 750,000 more books and resources for elementary school libraries.
Safe / Healthy SchoolsPassing legislation that requires schools to drop trans fat from school cafeterias, vending machines and tuck shops.
Launching the Eating Well Looks Good on You school project that provides students with healthy recipes that use fresh, locally grown food.
Helping to save lives by investing in defibrillators, training materials and specialized training for high school teachers. Challenging students and staff to do one more thing to make their school healthier as part of the Healthy Schools Recognition Program. Supporting the Swim to SurviveTM program to teach students how to survive a fall into deep water. Introducing legislation that would require school staff to report serious student incidents, such as bullying, to the principal. It would also require that principals contact the parents of the victims.
Supporting Educators
Achieving peace and stability with four-year provincial framework agreements signed between all teacher and support staff unions and the four trustee associations. Launching the Ontario Leadership Strategy that is designed to attract and develop skilled and passionate school and system leaders.
Key InvestmentsInvesting $19.2 billion in education, an increase of $865 million over the previous year. This represents an increase of $4.5 billion or 30 per cent since 2002-03.
Other Education InitiativesRepairing, rebuilding and expanding hundreds of schools through the Good Places to Learn initiative. Creating 266 new good quality and affordable child care spaces for francophone families. Opening 34 additional Parenting and Family Literacy Centres in schools in high-needs communities.
Taking steps to address the impact of declining student enrolment in Ontario schools.
Ministry Expenditures
*Note: : *Includes Statutory Appropriations, Bad Debt expense, and reconciliation adjustments but does not include consolidation adjustments. This number is based on Interim Actuals, and final actual expenditures will be stated in the 2008-09 Public Accounts. |
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