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Ontario has once again been recognized as a worldwide leader in education excellence. The latest report released by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) says that Ontario has improved student achievement and increased its graduation rate by 13 percentage points. The report explains that the McGuinty government's emphasis on education has achieved real, positive results in increasing literacy and numeracy comprehension, improving graduation rates, and reducing the number of low-performing schools. This builds on previous OECD Reports that have ranked Ontario students among the best in the world. The report says that some of the factors that are helping Ontario students succeed include: ?Student Success Strategy -- helping students graduate and reach their full potential ?Full-day kindergarten -- giving our children the best start possible ?Literacy and Numeracy Secretariat -- working with teachers and staff in schools and school boards across the province to improve reading, writing and math ?Curriculum documents to help develop critical-thinking skills -- helping frame the goals of education in the province and the diversity of learning opportunities for students ?Ontario's Equity and Inclusive Education Strategy -- helping schools reduce discrimination and embrace diversity ?Ontario Leadership Strategy -- attracting and developing skilled and passionate leaders in our school ?Premier's Awards for Teaching Excellence -- recognizing educators and staff who are helping Ontario students and young children realize their full potential. Each of these initiatives is part of the McGuinty government's plan to help students succeed and secure a brighter future for all Ontarians. QUICK FACTS Ontario's graduation rate is now 81 per cent, up from 68 per cent in 2003-04. About 72,000 more students have graduated than would have if the rate remained at 68 per cent. Sixty-nine per cent of Grade 3 and 6 students are mastering reading, writing and math skills. This represents a 15 percentage point increase since 2003. The OECD's Programme for International Student Assessment in 2009 ranked Ontario students among the top 10 readers in the world. In another international study by McKinsey & Co., "How the world's most improved school systems keep getting better," Ontario's education system was ranked as one of the best.

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Posted at 2019-02-20