Our kids are world-class readers!

NEWS RELEASE

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

************************* Ontario students in the Top 10 in the world for reading

McGuinty government's focus on putting students first pays off

Ontario's 15-year-old students are among the best readers in the world

That's the finding of the international education study by the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA).

The study lists Ontario's students in the top 10 in the world for reading.

The study measured reading and comprehension levels among 15-year-olds in 65 countries.

Ontario also outperformed other Canadian provinces in reading.

The results of the PISA study were released today by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

While the report's focus was on reading, it also found Ontario students did well in math and science.

Giving students the best start possible and providing them with the tools they need to succeed is part of the Open Ontario Plan.

This study demonstrates that the investments the McGuinty government has made in education are working; Ontario's students are being recognized on the world stage.

Ontario has invested nearly $6 billion in education since 2003 and now 79 per cent of students graduate.

"This is great news for Ontario families and it proves that our students are benefiting from our investments in education. I would like to congratulate our students, parents, educators and staff for their hard work in reaching this impressive achievement. Together, we'll continue to work to ensure even more students have the opportunity to succeed in the global, knowledge-based economy," said, Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of Education.

Quick facts

Ninety-two per cent of Ontario students met or exceeded PISA's achievement benchmark in reading.

Ontario is one of the top jurisdictions where students from all socioeconomic backgrounds meet the PISA benchmark - meaning all our students are finding success.

In a new study by McKinsey & Co., How the world's most improved school system keeps getting stronger, Ontario's education system was ranked as one of the best.

Ontario's elementary test scores are up 14 percentage points since 2002-03.

Learn more

See the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) document highlighting Ontario student results in PISA 2009.

Read the complete report on Canadian and provincial results posted on the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada site.

See what Ontario is doing to help high school students.

Need help with basic literacy skills? Ontario offers free services.

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