Province overhauling high school graduation requirements for first time in 25 years
The Ontario government is modernizing the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) requirements for the first time in 25 years.
As part of the initiative, the government is launching consultations with employers, parents, job creators, educators and other stakeholders on what skills students need to be better prepared for life beyond the classroom through the reintroduction of modernized home economics education.
The reforms include:
- A new financial literacy graduation requirement to ensure students exit Ontario’s school system with both literacy and practical financial literacy skills.
- Consulting on important life skills and the return of home economics education.
- For the first time in 13 years, a wholesale revitalization of guidance and career education to support students’ understanding of local labour market needs and pathways to good careers.
- Up to $14 million in 2024-25 to launch career coaching for Grade 9 and 10 students and to explore new opportunities into STEM and skilled trades.
- Return of the student exit survey to benchmark success and garner feedback on the impact of reforms with an emphasis on guidance.
- Ensuring new teachers hold basic competency in math. Teacher applicants to the Ontario College of Teachers must pass the Math Proficiency Test beginning in February 2025.
The financial literacy assessment is meant to ensure that students have the skills and knowledge to “create and manage a household budget, save for a home, learn to invest wisely, and protect themselves from financial fraud,” according to the provincial government.
“Too many parents, employers and students themselves tell me that students are graduating without sufficient financial literacy and basic life skills,” said Stephen Lecce, minister of education.
“As we go back-to-basics in the classroom, we will introduce Ontario’s first financial literacy graduation requirement, along with the return of modernized home economics education. By elevating life skills in the classroom, along with better career education and higher math standards on educators, we are setting up every student for life-long success. Our bottom line: ensuring students graduate with practical learning that leads them to better jobs and bigger paycheques.”
Six in 10 (60%) Canadians say people living paycheque to paycheque is today’s norm, according to a previous report.
What is Ont., Canada's focus of reform in education?
Students will be required to score 70% or higher to meet the financial literacy graduation requirement in their Grade 10 math course.
The province will also standardize making Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) Grade 9 Math scores 10% or more of a student’s final mark.
Ontario is also investing $14 million in 2024-25 for career coaching for Grade 9 and 10 students in the publicly funded education system.
In partnership with the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, the funding will also provide resources and tools to help at-risk youth, individuals in youth justice facilities, and students in other publicly funded educational settings outside of regular classrooms.
In early 2023, Ontario announced that starting with students entering Grade 9 in September 2024, all students will be required to earn a Grade 9 or 10 Technological Education credit as part of their Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
Recently, building on the successful Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP), Ontario announced it is creating the Focused Apprenticeship Skills Training (FAST). Under the new apprenticeship stream, students in Grades 11 and 12 will be able to participate in more apprenticeship learning through additional cooperative education credits while completing high school.
Positive reactions to Ontario’s education reform
Several unions welcomed the changes being introduced to Ontario’s high schools.
"By introducing a financial literacy graduation requirement, the Ontario government is taking a bold step to equip students with an essential life skill. It will ensure high school students have the knowledge they need to successfully manage their finances, from budgeting to investing. We will need a future workforce that is financially savvy and resilient, capable of making informed decisions and contributing to a stronger economy,” said Giles Gherson, president and CEO, Toronto Region Board of Trade.
The OSSD changes to requirements in financial literacy, the consultation on a new life skills course and a refreshed approach to career exploration and work readiness “support youth to gain the skill set and mindset they need to realize their boundless potential,” said Jennifer Holmes Weier, president & CEO, JA Central Ontario. “We look forward to collaborating with the ministry and our educator partners to fuel student success in these subjects.”
“Integrating financial literacy, life skills and enhanced STEM education will equip students with essential tools for success in a rapidly evolving technological landscape,” added Arti Javeri, vice president for partnerships, First Robotics Canada.
“These reforms will not only foster critical thinking and innovation but also prepare students for meaningful careers, driving economic growth and prosperity. They also align well with the goals we have at FIRST Robotics Canada with respect to STEM skills and the Skilled Trades, effectively preparing our students for the future."
Three in four employers are worried they can’t train employees fast enough to keep up with new technology, according to a previous report.
