This case study explores Ontario, Canada’s turnaround programs for low-performing schools and offers recommendations for other countries.

In Canada, provincial governments are responsible for public education, having jurisdiction over education policy, curriculum development, and system monitoring. This case study provides an overview of Canada’s education system. In addition, the case study:

  • Reviews Canada’s school turnaround programs for low-performing schools
  • Highlights the priorities that have guided the policy and direction of school improvement efforts
  • Explores the work of the provincial government organization charged with improving student literacy and math achievement
  • Presents recommendations for other countries based on lessons learned

This is one of four case studies developed in mid-2009 for the U.S. Department of Education that focus on how countries other than the United States have been addressing the challenge of turning around their low-performing schools. The other three case studies focus on Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.