Ontario To Link Attendance With High School Grades

The government of Ontario is planning a major change in the education system by making student attendance a part of high school final grades. The announcement was made by Education Minister Paul Calandra as part of a broader plan to reform school policies.

Under the proposed changes, attendance and classroom participation will contribute up to 15 per cent of final grades for students in Grades 9 and 10, and 10 per cent for students in Grades 11 and 12. In addition, students will be required to take written exams on official exam days, making exams a mandatory part of assessment again in many schools.

The minister said that declining attendance has become a serious issue in schools, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. According to him, many teachers have reported that low attendance is affecting classroom discipline and overall learning.

However, the move has received mixed reactions from educators. Martha Hradowy, president of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation, agreed that absenteeism is a growing concern but said the solution should focus on improving support systems rather than changing grading rules.

She highlighted that schools are currently facing challenges such as larger class sizes and limited mental health resources. According to her, students are more likely to attend regularly if they feel supported and engaged in school, rather than being pressured through marks.

Meanwhile, political leaders have also raised concerns. John Fraser, interim leader of the Liberal Party in Ontario, said the government is not addressing key issues like special education needs and overcrowded classrooms, which directly impact student attendance.

Apart from grading changes, the government is also planning to introduce standardized learning resources across schools. Teachers will be required to use approved materials such as lesson plans and teaching content provided by the province. While the government says this will ensure consistency in education, teacher organizations fear it may reduce flexibility and limit educators’ ability to adapt lessons based on student needs.

Education groups, including the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario and the Ontario Principals’ Council, have expressed concern that these changes could reduce professional judgment and affect classroom quality.

Another proposed change is making school climate surveys optional instead of mandatory. These surveys have been used to gather feedback on student well-being and school environment. Critics argue that removing this requirement may reduce valuable insights into student needs.

The Ontario government, however, believes these reforms will improve accountability and create a more structured education system. The proposal is part of a larger effort to bring consistency, improve attendance, and strengthen student performance across the province.

As the legislation moves forward, discussions between the government, educators, and stakeholders are expected to continue, with a focus on balancing discipline, support, and quality education.