Ontario Considers Tying High School Grades to Class Attendance
The Ontario government is proposing a significant shift in how high school students are graded to combat a sharp decline in classroom attendance. Under a new legislative proposal, students in grades 9 through 12 could spot a portion of their final marks tied directly to their attendance and class participation.
Plummeting Attendance Rates
Recent data released by the government reveals a troubling trend in Ontario high schools. Students are missing class at rates far exceeding pre-pandemic levels. According to Global News, the percentage of students meeting the provincial attendance target—defined as missing less than 10 per cent of their classes—has dropped significantly:
- 2017-18: Roughly 60 per cent of students met the target.
- 2021-22: 53 per cent met the target.
- 2022-23: 36 per cent met the target.
- 2024-25: Approximately 40 per cent met the target.
The Proposed Legislative Changes
Education Minister Paul Calandra stated that the idea to reward attendance with marks came directly from teachers struggling with truancy and classroom control. The government’s plan includes several key measures to incentivize students to return to the classroom:
- Attendance-Based Grading: A proposal to create attendance and class participation worth between 10 to 15 per cent of a student’s final grade, as reported by CBC News.
- Mandatory Final Exams: The new legislation would also mandate final exams for students.
- Governance Overhaul: These changes are part of a broader bill that includes an overhaul of school board governance.
Mixed Reactions from the Community
The proposal has sparked a debate among students, parents, and education experts. While some agree that attending school is essential for mastering material and passing tests, others argue that the proposed percentage for attendance is too high. Critics suggest these measures may be symbolic and fail to address the root causes of why students are absent.
- Only about 4 out of 10 Ontario high school students met attendance targets in the 2024/2025 academic year.
- The Ford government plans to award a portion of final marks for attending class.
- New legislation would also mandate final exams to ensure academic accountability.
- The move is a response to a decade-long decline in attendance that worsened after the pandemic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the attendance threshold in Ontario?
Ontario school boards consider a student absent in some form if they miss 10 per cent or more of their classes. Crossing this threshold typically triggers additional disciplinary action.
Why is the government changing the grading system?
Minister Paul Calandra noted that for many years, attendance had been removed from the marking process. The government aims to apply grades as an incentive to reduce truancy and improve classroom control.
Which grades are affected by these changes?
The proposed changes specifically target high school students in grades 9, 10, 11, and 12.
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