1. One bright spot in Ontario Education is that the ministry is proceeding to introduce phonics instruction with its Right to Read program. (https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ont-right-to-read-1.6368071. ) I was unable to relocate the ministry's announcement. While very hopeful, it mentions that other methods will still be permitted and there is a danger that phonics will be an add-on rather than the core of reading instruction. The feature that students be examined twice a year and action being taken in the first 2 years is excellent but it needs to be properly resourced.
2. The bad news is that the teaching of arithmetic in Ontario elementary schools is a failure. I recently became acquainted with a former Peel secondary school math department head who retired last year. She reported that only 30% of elementary students entering grade 9 could do even basic arithmetic. This was confirmed by the manager of my local Mathanasium.
Thank you for championing the children of Ontario. They and their parents need to know what's happening. Watch the government carefully. Here in the USA, we've seen them change the standards to fit the poorer outcomes. Somehow, I don't think that's going to help.
I was protesting the closure of schools at Queens Park in June 2020 despite orders to not assemble.
Did you support the closing of schools for COVID?
The Ontario school system is an utter disaster because 3 of 4 critical stakeholders of the system: The boards, the teachers and the government all took the worst actions possible to harm students.
They all operated in their own interests which contravened the interests of students and parents.
This culmination was years in the making, but it's here and it will take a decade to repair. It's not going to be fixed by a bit of money.
The Board’s new Strategic Plan-apparently being developed as an accountability measure- is a good idea. But I would like to see the measurable outcomes when the Plan is finalized. That will be an accurate reflection of where the focus of their efforts lie. Hopefully Jamil will be watching and reporting back to us about this.
You are an inspiration! From a student who struggled to a beautiful writer and intelligent podcaster who is extremely articulate! Wow! You are right to advocate for a better education for Canadian children. Same things are happening in the US and it’s disastrous!
AMEN!
1. One bright spot in Ontario Education is that the ministry is proceeding to introduce phonics instruction with its Right to Read program. (https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ont-right-to-read-1.6368071. ) I was unable to relocate the ministry's announcement. While very hopeful, it mentions that other methods will still be permitted and there is a danger that phonics will be an add-on rather than the core of reading instruction. The feature that students be examined twice a year and action being taken in the first 2 years is excellent but it needs to be properly resourced.
2. The bad news is that the teaching of arithmetic in Ontario elementary schools is a failure. I recently became acquainted with a former Peel secondary school math department head who retired last year. She reported that only 30% of elementary students entering grade 9 could do even basic arithmetic. This was confirmed by the manager of my local Mathanasium.
3. Overall, however, I feel our elementary schools in particular are not up to the task of educating the average student. Our system requires a rethink. Jamil's idea of more emphasis on vocational education is a good idea. I suspect we need to start experimenting with pilot project schools along the lines of Katharine Birbalsingh's Michaela school in London, England. (https://duckduckgo.com/?t=ffab&q=Katharine+Birbalsingh&atb=v224-1&iax=videos&ia=videos&iai=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Dp9KGzj4zSjs)
Thank you for championing the children of Ontario. They and their parents need to know what's happening. Watch the government carefully. Here in the USA, we've seen them change the standards to fit the poorer outcomes. Somehow, I don't think that's going to help.
Jamil, you are doing really important work. I support you 100%. Please keep going.
I was protesting the closure of schools at Queens Park in June 2020 despite orders to not assemble.
Did you support the closing of schools for COVID?
The Ontario school system is an utter disaster because 3 of 4 critical stakeholders of the system: The boards, the teachers and the government all took the worst actions possible to harm students.
They all operated in their own interests which contravened the interests of students and parents.
This culmination was years in the making, but it's here and it will take a decade to repair. It's not going to be fixed by a bit of money.
The Board’s new Strategic Plan-apparently being developed as an accountability measure- is a good idea. But I would like to see the measurable outcomes when the Plan is finalized. That will be an accurate reflection of where the focus of their efforts lie. Hopefully Jamil will be watching and reporting back to us about this.
That was a great conversation.
You are an inspiration! From a student who struggled to a beautiful writer and intelligent podcaster who is extremely articulate! Wow! You are right to advocate for a better education for Canadian children. Same things are happening in the US and it’s disastrous!
Thank you.