Ontario revamps kindergarten program with a back-to-basics approach in math and literacy

BY PAUL JUNOR

The announcement of changes to the full-day kindergarten curriculum on Tuesday, January 22^nd, 2024, by the Minister of Education, Stephen Lecce at Toronto’s Glen Park Public School was a surprise to: teachers, administrators and parents.

The changes that the Ontario Ministry of Education plans to implement starting in 2025 will involve a “back-to-basics” approach that involves compulsory direct instruction in: reading, writing and math in combination with play-based learning.  Students will be required to know fractions and pre-coding skills as part of the update to the kindergarten curriculum. Details of the changes were released in a press release by the government of Ontario which can be seen on the website: https:news.ontario.ca.

Minister Leece mentioned that the changes will include additional expectations, with specific knowledge and explicit instruction. “That’s something that has been recommended by a variety of educators.” He recalled the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s Right to Read Inquiry Report, which highlighted the importance of ensuring that instruction in reading is grounded in sound: pedagogy, equity and inclusiveness.

He notes, “The objective here is to strengthen one component while maintaining the other that has worked very well. The problem we are trying to solve here is how do we create more consistency and daily application of those skills and knowledge in the classroom. This overhaul will help to create more systemic approaches to reading instruction, in a very basic way, to mathematical skills and numeracy skills.”

It was reported that the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario (ETFO) mentioned that they had no prior knowledge of the announcement and wanted to ensure that its members received adequate: training, support and staff development before its introduction. Chandra Pasma, Education Critic for the NDP states that the news from Minister Lecce is a “Piecemeal solution with no engagement with the: teachers, educators and curriculum experts who are crucial to the plan’s success.”

The Ontario government announced that it is encouraged by improving EQAO’s results from September 2023, and that it invested $180 million in April 2023 to improve students’: math, writing and reading skills. The government has hired close to 700 teachers to offer targeted support to students to improve their reading. Furthermore, there will be an investment of $65 million in the future towards this goal.

Patricia DeGuire, Chief Commissioner of the OHRC, is supportive of the updated curriculum. She states, “This government’s Back-to-Basics approach is evidence-based and aligns with the OHRC’s recommendations. It commits to ensuring that every child is equipped for their educational journey and to reach their full potential.”

Andrew Reddim, CEO of the Child Development Institute states, “At CDI, our evidence-based mental health services for children and youth have proven to build healthier families and safer communities. We are delighted to see our partners in the education sector adopt evidence-based approaches to supporting children’s learning and development.”

Ariel Siller, CEO of the Children’s Literacy Foundation states, “At the Canadian Children’s Literacy Foundation, we work collaboratively to drive systemic changes that address Canada’s literacy crisis. The Ontario government’s announcement that the kindergarten curriculum will be revised based on science-based reading instruction practices recommended by the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s Right to Read Report, is an important step forward.

A strong foundation in language and literacy skills, starting in early childhood, is critical to ensuring children thrive educationally, socially, and emotionally in school and beyond.”

Kerry McGuaig, of Atkinson Centre at OISE told the Toronto Star, “Want to suck the joy out of a curious mind? Introduce the drill and kill of ‘back to basics.”

Details of  the changes to the full-day kindergarten curriculum can be seen at the website:https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1004097/ontario-unveils-a-back-to-basics-kindergarten-curriculum