The Ontario government is modernizing the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) requirements for the first time in 25 years. This initiative includes consultations with parents, job creators, educators, and stakeholders to determine the necessary skills for students to succeed beyond the classroom.
Key reforms include:
- A new financial literacy graduation requirement to ensure students graduate with practical financial skills.
- Reintroduction of modernized home economics education.
- Ensuring new teachers pass a Math Proficiency Test starting February 2025.
- Revitalized guidance and career education focusing on local labor market needs.
- Up to $14 million for career coaching for Grade 9 and 10 students.
- Reintroduction of the student exit survey to gauge the success of reforms.
“Too many parents, employers, and students themselves tell me that students are graduating without sufficient financial literacy and basic life skills,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education. “We are introducing Ontario’s first financial literacy graduation requirement and modernizing home economics education. Our goal is to ensure students graduate with practical learning that leads to better jobs and bigger paycheques.”
“Our government recognizes the need to prepare the next generations of Ontarians with the right tools necessary to help build the best possible financial future for themselves and our whole province,” said Amarjot Sandhu, MPP. “This step ensures our children learn the basics of financial literacy and responsibility.”
Starting in 2025, students must score 70% or higher on a financial literacy assessment as part of their Grade 10 math course. EQAO Grade 9 Math scores will also account for at least 10% of a student’s final mark.
The province is also investing in modernized career education, providing more exposure to skilled trades and priority economic sectors, and offering $14 million for career coaching.