Ontario requires students to pass financial literacy test in an update on graduation requirement

BY PAUL JUNOR

Ontario has changed graduation requirements for students with an emphasis on a back-to-basics agenda since it was elected in 2019. The government has revamped the elementary Math curriculum as well as introduced a de-streamed Grade nine math curriculum with an emphasis on coding and financial literacy. In addition, it is mandated that students obtain one technological credit commencing fall of 2024. This, the province believes, will open doors for Ontario students to pursue careers in the skilled trades as they work towards their diploma.

Details about the new graduation requirements were described in a press release issued on May 30^th, 2024. It lists some of changes as:

• A new financial literacy graduation requirement to ensure students exit Ontario school system with both literacy and practical financial skills
• Consulting on important life skills and the return of home economics education
• 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
• 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 2024-2025 to launch career coaching in 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

Stephen Lecce, Ontario’s former Education Minister made the announcement Thursday morning at the Toronto Stock Exchange. He states, “It’s critical that students know how to create and manage a budget to save for: a home, for their retirement, and how to protect themselves from financial fraud. Too many parents and employers and students themselves tell me that young people are graduating without sufficient financial literacy, or those basic life skills.”

Minister Lecce elaborates in the press release issued on May 29^th, 2024. “As we go back-to-basics in the classroom, we will introduce Ontario’s first 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 education, we are setting up every student for life-long success. Our bottom line: ensuring students graduate with practical learning that leads to better jobs and bigger paychecks.”

MPP Chandra Pasma of Ottawa West-Nepean, who is the NDP Education critic, mentioned that there were other things that the government should be focused on such as the chronic teacher shortage. She states, “I’m not sure I would have started with a test for financial literacy.”

Karen Littlewood, President of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation, responded that there have been many changes that the government has introduced, “But do you have the bodies to deliver the course.” She notes, “We have fewer and fewer specialized teachers in the system; I don’t know that they are going to be able to live up to the promises that they’re making.” She elaborates that there was no consultation between OSSTF and the government before the announcement.

Cathy Abraham, President of the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association is concerned about the pace of the changes. She states, “There have been a lot of changes to the curriculum, but when you start changing curriculum quickly and often, all we ask is that there’s time to ensure that the changes that this government wants are done well, because it doesn’t serve anybody if they’re not.”