The “Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act”, 2023 (Bill 98) was designed to enhance student achievement and make improvements in Ontario’s education system. Below is a short partial Summary, and some Highlights.
For the province’s summary see: https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1002939/province-improving-accountability-and-transparency-in-ontario-schools
The full text of the “Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act”, 2023, S.O. 2023, c. 11 – Bill 98 is at https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/s23011
SUMMARY:
The Ontario government stated that they introduced the “Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act” to “ensure the province’s public education system focuses on what matters most: important life-long skills, like reading, writing and math. The Act was designed to also improve accountability and transparency for parents and families.”
“We are taking action to refocus Ontario’s education system on what really matters: strengthening reading, writing and math skills,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education. “Our proposed legislation would centre the education system on preparing students to succeed in life and work, putting more highly qualified educators in the classroom while ensuring parents have the information they need at their fingertips to support their kids. These reforms would ensure students graduate with a competitive advantage while learning modern lessons in modern schools, preparing them for the jobs of the future.”
SOME HIGHLIGHTS:
Overview:
The Act is designed to refocus Ontario’s education system on student achievement, particularly in core academic areas such as reading, writing, and mathematics. It aims to better prepare students for future success by modernizing curricula, incorporating more hands-on learning, and ensuring that students gain skills relevant to the workforce.
Key Provisions for Student Achievement and Academic Improvements:
Provincial Priorities in Education:
The Act mandates the establishment of provincial priorities focused on student achievement. School boards are required to align their educational strategies and multi-year plans with these priorities, ensuring a consistent focus on improving student outcomes across the province.
Curriculum Review and Revision:
The Act introduces guidelines for the regular review and revision of school curricula. These revisions are to be informed by experts in pedagogy and labour market needs, ensuring that students are learning relevant and up-to-date material that will help them succeed academically and professionally.
Equivalent Apprenticeship Learning:
A new concept introduced by the Act is “equivalent apprenticeship learning,” which integrates apprenticeship programs into the school curriculum. This initiative aims to provide students with practical, hands-on learning experiences that complement their academic education, preparing them for a variety of career paths.
Training for Educators:
The Act emphasizes the importance of highly qualified educators in improving student achievement. It establishes mandatory training for school board members, directors of education, and other educational leaders. This training is focused on improving their ability to support academic success and student well-being.
Multi-Year Plans Focused on Student Achievement:
School boards are required to develop and implement multi-year plans that align with the provincial priorities for student achievement. These plans must include clear goals for improving academic outcomes and must be communicated transparently to parents and the community.
Enhanced Communication with Parents:
The Act mandates that school boards improve communication with parents, ensuring they are well-informed about their children’s academic progress and the resources available to support student achievement. This includes providing clear information about students’ rights and available educational services.
Focus on Mental Health and Well-being:
Recognizing the link between mental health and academic performance, the Act requires school boards to implement policies that support student mental health. This includes the use of learning materials that address mental health, aiming to create a supportive environment that enables all students to thrive academically.
Conclusion:
The Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act, 2023 is a multi-faceted legislative effort to boost student achievement in Ontario by modernizing the education system. Through regular curriculum updates, hands-on learning opportunities, enhanced educator training, and improved communication with parents, the Act seeks to ensure that all students are better prepared for academic success and future careers. The stated goal is to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in an increasingly competitive and complex world.
