OSSTF OPPOSES MINISTRY OF EDUCATION'S 'SCHOOL INFORMATION FINDER' WEBSITE

Members may have heard media reports regarding the Ministry of Education's 'School Information Finder' Website that went live last week. It allows the public and parents to 'shop' for schools using demographic information on each school. This information includes percentages of students from low-income families, new Canadians, non-English speaking families, and students who use special education services. Additionally, the site gives the school average of standardized test scores and compares them to the rest of the Province as a measure of 'student achievement'.

The website originally included a 'School Bag' function by which parents could place their chosen schools in a 'shopping bag' and compare them. Outcry from educational groups, including OSSTF, has resulted in this function being removed. It should be noted that all education unions, many parent organizations including the Ontario Federation of Home and Schools, the Ontario Principals' Council, and the Ontario Public School Boards Association have all spoken in opposition to this site.

We believe that this website must be fully taken down. That the government has painted standardized test scores as the sole measure of student achievement and school effectiveness is deplorable. That the government assumes that things such as immigration information and socioeconomic status are valid ways for parents to 'shop' for schools is unacceptable.

People for Education is credited with bringing this website to public attention. OSSTF encourages our members to sign their open letter to the Premier and Minister of Education.
It can be found here http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=2gDbDb40viR8TodiNiXXFg_3d_3d

OSSTF District 21 will be lobbying MPPs on the issue next week. Please support our efforts by signing the letter.

In Federation
Chantal Mancini