Regulation - LGIC
The Education Act as amended by The Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act, 2023 - Supporting Regulations: Professional Activity Day Transparency
Regulation Number(s):
304
Instrument Type:
Regulation - LGIC
Bill or Act:
Education Act
Summary of Decision:
This regulation was filed on July 27, 2023 and came into force on July 28, 2023.
Analysis of Regulatory Impact:
The proposed regulatory amendments are not expected to create significant, additional administrative requirements for school boards. Regulations already require school boards to post information on their PA Days. While adjustments will be required to enhance transparency, the Ministry of Education will work with school boards to support implementation. The proposed regulatory amendment will not create any fiscal impacts for the provincial government.
Further Information:
Proposal Number:
23-EDU006
Posting Date:
June 13, 2023
Summary of Proposal:
On June 8, 2023, The Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act, 2023 received Royal Assent. A key element of the Act is increasing transparency for families.
To support this intent, amendments are proposed to the Revised Regulations of Ontario, 1990, Regulation 304 to require school boards to post a clear outline of Professional Activity (PA) Day topics, content, presenters, sponsoring organizations and activities on a public-facing school board website at least 10 school days in advance of the PA Day and provide the same information to the ministry as part of the existing Ontario School Year Calendar (OSYC) submission process. School boards would be required to share a detailed description of the topic/focus, content (including guest speakers/organizations and/or published resources when applicable), activities, and format (including organizer and/or facilitator) for the professional learning that occurs on each PA Day. Additionally, the ministry would update the applicable Policy and Program Memorandum (PPM 151) to align with this direction and support school boards with implementation.
As part of these regulatory amendments, the ministry also intends to codify the current requirement for school boards to provide supporting documentation with all OSYC submissions, as part of the annual OSYC process.
All requirements contained in the proposed amendments would be effective for the 2023-24 school year.
To support this intent, amendments are proposed to the Revised Regulations of Ontario, 1990, Regulation 304 to require school boards to post a clear outline of Professional Activity (PA) Day topics, content, presenters, sponsoring organizations and activities on a public-facing school board website at least 10 school days in advance of the PA Day and provide the same information to the ministry as part of the existing Ontario School Year Calendar (OSYC) submission process. School boards would be required to share a detailed description of the topic/focus, content (including guest speakers/organizations and/or published resources when applicable), activities, and format (including organizer and/or facilitator) for the professional learning that occurs on each PA Day. Additionally, the ministry would update the applicable Policy and Program Memorandum (PPM 151) to align with this direction and support school boards with implementation.
As part of these regulatory amendments, the ministry also intends to codify the current requirement for school boards to provide supporting documentation with all OSYC submissions, as part of the annual OSYC process.
All requirements contained in the proposed amendments would be effective for the 2023-24 school year.
Contact Address:
315 Front St. W. 9th Floor
Toronto, ON M5V 2A4
Toronto, ON M5V 2A4
Effective Date:
July 28, 2023
Decision:
Approved