Ontario’s Education Crisis: Calls for Reform and Parental Action

Ontario’s education system is facing significant challenges, with many parents and educators expressing concerns about declining learning outcomes and safety in schools. A recent critique highlights a shift in educational philosophy over the past two decades, arguing that it has led to detrimental effects on both teaching practices and student well-being.

The province, which is home to over two million school-aged children—representing 40 percent of Canada’s school-age population—has seen disheartening trends in academic performance. Since 2018, standardized test scores in subjects such as math, science, and reading have dropped markedly. Critics attribute this decline to a pedagogical approach influenced by postmodern theories, specifically a concept known as “epistemic injustice,” which advocates for a “decolonization” of knowledge.

Educational reforms emphasizing social justice have shifted priorities within classrooms. For instance, a method termed “Discovery Math” encourages students to develop their own mathematical solutions rather than following traditional instructional models. Unfortunately, this approach has resulted in only 50 percent of sixth-grade students meeting provincial math standards, raising alarms about its effectiveness.

The Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario (ETFO) has also come under scrutiny for its focus on social-justice advocacy over academic achievement. Recent awards distributed by the organization largely recognized contributions to social advocacy, with approximately two-thirds celebrating efforts in this area, while none acknowledged improvements in learning outcomes.

Alongside academic concerns, there are significant issues regarding safety within Ontario schools. A report by investigative journalist Ari Blaff published in March 2023 detailed growing violence against teachers and students. The introduction of the Progressive Discipline and School Safety Bill in 2008 altered disciplinary measures, reducing the authority of school administrators to expel violent students and instead promoting concepts such as “restorative justice.” As a result, reports indicate that the percentage of teachers experiencing physical abuse surged from 7 percent in 2005 to 54 percent by 2017. A 2021 study described school violence as an “epidemic,” with nearly 90 percent of educators reporting some form of violent incident during the 2018-19 academic year.

The dismantling of the School Resource Officer program by the Toronto District School Board in 2017 has further exacerbated these issues. While many parents and students appreciated the presence of law enforcement in schools, the program was eliminated due to concerns regarding its impact on specific student groups. Since then, the number of school shootings in Toronto has increased, prompting fears for student safety.

As parents and educators grapple with these challenges, calls for reform are intensifying. Advocates suggest breaking the current monopoly on public education and offering parents greater school choice. A shift towards funding students rather than bureaucracies could open avenues for diverse educational options.

Addressing these issues requires political will and public engagement. Advocates argue that a “Parent Revolution” is necessary, urging parents to demand accountability and reform from educational leaders. The path forward may be complex, but the need for effective solutions in Ontario’s education system is urgent.