Attendance rates for both high school and elementary students in Ontario have experienced a significant decline, as revealed by recent data from the province’s Ministry of Education. This drop occurs alongside new measures announced by Education Minister Paul Calandra aimed at addressing the issue of absenteeism.
Declining Attendance Rates in Ontario
In the 2024-25 school year, only 40 percent of high school students in Ontario attended school regularly. This marks a steep decline from nearly 60 percent in the 2018-19 school year, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the elementary level, attendance for grades 1-8 has also fallen significantly, with just 55.5 percent meeting the attendance standard, compared to approximately 70 percent before the pandemic.
Attendance Standards Defined
- The regular attendance standard is set at 90 percent.
- Students must attend at least 90 percent of total school days each year to meet this standard.
- This data encompasses both public and Catholic schools across Ontario.
Educational Changes and Initiatives
To combat rising absenteeism, Education Minister Calandra has announced that attendance will now contribute to final marks for high school students. For students in Grades 9 and 10, attendance will account for 15 percent of their final grades, while those in Grades 11 and 12 will see this amount drop to 10 percent. Additional changes include a requirement for participation and written exams as part of the final assessment.
Feedback from the Student Body
Students have mixed feelings about the new mandates. Berk Yaveuz, a student at Jarvis Collegiate, believes this change will motivate him to attend classes regularly. Conversely, Persia Boothe expressed skepticism, suggesting that the new measures may not be enough to engage students who already find school uninteresting.
The Seriousness of Absenteeism
Experts have highlighted the severe implications of absenteeism, particularly since the pandemic. Kelly Gallagher-Mackay, an associate professor at Wilfrid Laurier University, emphasized that absenteeism is linked to various health challenges and can lead to long-term negative consequences for students. She noted a cultural shift during the pandemic that may have made absenteeism more acceptable, questioning whether current strategies effectively address the issue.
Ontario’s education policy leaders are now faced with the critical task of promoting consistent school attendance. The ongoing dialogue around these changes will shape the educational landscape for years to come.
