Since the early start of the pandemic, COVID-19 has significantly affected education and progress in Ontarian students. Collectively, we have overcome the challenges of online learning and have learned to adapt to this new environment. Achieving success hasn’t remained stagnant, but this journey now brings a flooding amount of obstacles.
The Ministry of Education along with The Ontario Government will set new graduation requirements in place for the 2021-2022 school year. These changing requirements exist in hopes to help students tackle potential obstacles in the post-pandemic era. The Ministry of Health continues to work closely with both the government and education department. Funding allocations of 1.6 billion in resources are available to support the safe reopening of schools across Ontario.
Ontario students, in Canada and around the world, have experienced hardships in learning. Some students may have gaps in learning, with some being disengaged. Learning disruption is not easy to measure and impacts students differently. Ontario’s learning recovery and renewal approach will include a focus on student mental health and well-being, early reading and math, re-engaging students, special education, targeted French language supports, and educator readiness.
What do these changes entail?
1. 20 Community Involvement Hours. Previously, students were required to complete 40 hours of community service whilst becoming involved in local activities. The community involvement graduation requirement of 40 hours will be restored in 2022-23. Students working towards their OSSD should make sure they meet these graduation requirements in time for their graduating year. In addition, the ministry has provided flexibility in how secondary student can earn their hours.
Additional Details: Students can now earn hours for helping out during the school day (but not missing school) and for duties normally performed in the home (e.g., walking a younger child to and from school, helping younger siblings with school work). Students aged 14 years and older can count up to a maximum of 10 hours from paid employment towards their earned hours.
2. Exemption from The Literary Graduation Requirement. Ontarian students were once required to pass the Ontario Secondary School Literary Test (OSSLT). This requirement is waived for students graduating in the 2021-2022 school year. Please keep in mind ONLY students graduating in 2021 or 2022 are exempt from this. Students graduating in 2022-2023 and into the future, will be required to pass this test.
In addition to curriculum and education changes, Ontario has promised to focus and support learning recovery and renewal in all students. Physical safety has been a top priority of the government and that is now slowly shifting into a engaged mental safety sphere.
Students must earn the following compulsory credits to obtain the Ontario Secondary School Diploma: 4 credits in English (1 credit per grade) 3 credits in mathematics (1 credit in Grade 11 or 12) 2 credits in science 1 credit in Canadian history 1 credit in Canadian geography 1 credit in the arts 1 credit in health and physical education 1 credit in French as a second language 0.5 credit in career studies 0.5 credit in civics.
“We recognize that the past two school years have been challenging and we are grateful for the continued hard work of our partners to ensure a high-quality education for all students across the province. We look forward to sharing more details on health and safety requirements for 2021-22 later in the Summer.” - Steven Lecce, Minister
