Critical Issues Series

The OSSTF/FEESO Critical Issues Series is a publication of the Educational Services Committee. Each monograph in the series deals with a specific topic which is of current interest and often concern in the publicly funded education systems. The topic is first researched by the Educational Services Committee and then a monograph is developed to address it. Each monograph explains what the issue or topic is, and then outlines OSSTF/FEESO's position or policies related to it. If appropriate to the topic, the monograph may also provide advice to members regarding the issue.

#42 The Implementation of Bill 212 | 140.2 KB

The Education Amendment Act (Progressive Discipline and School Safety), 2007 came into force on February 1, 2008.  This legislation is intended to support a progressive discipline approach to choose an appropriate course of action to address inappropriate behaviour and to more effectively combine discipline with opportunities for students to continue their education. This monograph explains what Bill 212 does, and it outlines OSSTF/FEESO's policies and advice concerning school safety.

#41 Differentiated Instruction  | 131.9 KB

In the last few years, Differentiated Instruction (DI) has become a much promoted educational initiative in the U.S. and Canada. OSSTF/FEESO members, particularly those working in the classroom, need to be familiar with DI. This monograph explains what DI is, and outlines OSSTF/FEESO's policies and advice concerning this instructional practice.

#40 Performance Appraisal of Experienced Teachers | 135.9 KB

Of the promises made by the McGuinty Liberal government to Ontario teachers and enacted during their first term of office, one of the last was the review of Teacher Performance Appraisal (TPA). This monograph outlines the major changes to the process, and provides advice to teachers.

#39 Expanded Co-operative Education | 133.5 KB

In recent years, co-operative education has experienced considerable expansion in Ontario. While the OSSTF certainly supports new and innovative strategies to keep students in school and enhance their chances at achieving real success the federation does have some reservations about some of the methods used to implement this government initiative.

#38 Universally Designed Assessments  | 130 KB

"Universally Designed Assessments" are essentially "one size fits all" standardized tests which test developers are trying to create in order to counter opposition to high-stakes testing. Ultimately, however, this is an impossible and ill-conceived notion, and one which will not stem the negative effects of standardized testing to which OSSTF/FEESO is opposed.

#37 Graduates Versus Dropouts: A Statistical Nightmare

This monograph examines the difficulties in determining the true graduation rate and dropout rate in Ontario schools, and questions the use that provincial governments make of these statistics.

#36 Student Success/Learning to 18 Initiatives - Phases 1 and 2

#35 Special Education and Individual Education Plans (IEPs) | 137.9 KB

This monograph describes current Ministry of Education documents which apply to Individual Education Plans (IEPs), the process which should be used to develop them, and key issues related to IEPs of which OSSTF/FEESO members should be aware.

#34 Let's Talk About Apprenticeship

#33 Bullying  | 142.2 KB

This monograph provides an overview of bullying among students, including a brief look at the reasons why bullying occurs, the types of behaviour that characterise bullying and ways in which bullying can be reduced.

#32 Update on Testing: Current Results

This monograph examines the most recent results of national, international and EQAO testing, and makes observations about the use and misuse of such tests.

#17 Putting Students First? | 29.5 KB

#10 Academic Freedom