Commission on the Reform of Ontario's Public Services

Chapter 6: Elementary and Secondary Education
The <strong>Commission</strong> is fully mindful of this progress. An agenda focused on student achievement
has brought notable results:
� 69 per cent of Ontario Grade 3 and Grade 6 students met or exceeded the provincial
standard (level 3 or “B” Grade) in reading, writing and math in 2010–11, up from 54 per
cent in 2002–03; and
� The high school graduation rate in 2009–10 was 81 per cent, up from 68 per cent in
2003–04.
There has been improved co-operation among government, school boards and school staff in
recent years.
Recommendation 6-2: The budget constraint must be applied strategically so as not to
jeopardize the improvements in results achieved, such as on provincial assessments and with
graduation rates.
However, since compensation costs make up over three-quarters of the education sector
budget, the recommended one per cent growth rate target would be difficult to achieve without
restraint in this area.
<strong>Commission</strong>’s Principles and Goals
The government’s approach to the education sector should continue to focus on capacitybuilding,
strong classroom instruction and the promotion of sound pedagogy rather than
structural reform. Steps should be taken to ensure fiscal sustainability in the education sector
while staying the course with its agenda of improving student achievement, closing student
achievement gaps and increasing confidence in the publicly funded education system.
Progress towards the achievement of these goals has been driven by efforts at the local and
provincial levels. Schools, school boards and the province have worked together to develop
tools and best practices to promote student achievement and take action when goals are not
being met. This “pressure and support” approach to accountability has been the basis for
consistent performance improvement, and should be sustained as reforms are enacted.
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