Schools not ready for declining enrolment: Report
May 22, 2008
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THE CANADIAN PRESS
A new report says Ontario's school system isn't prepared to handle declining enrolment and "lacks a forward-thinking vision" for education.
Still, the annual report by People for Education suggests Ontario schools have shown a marked improvement when it comes to programs and resources in a variety of areas.
According to the report, Ontario ranks first in Canada in terms of percentage of university graduates and 90 per cent of Grade 3 and 6 students are passing their standardized tests.
However, school enrolment since 2002 has declined by 90,000 and some 50 schools are currently on the chopping block.
The report from the parent-led public education lobby group says Ontario schools are also no closer to integrating services for children, youth and families despite years of discussion and research into the idea.
The report suggests Ontario look to Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Quebec, which have successfully integrated things like dentistry clinics and community computer labs into schools.
thestar.com