The requirements to graduate from high school in Ontario will be changing as of the 2024-2025 school year. The provincial government is instituting some modifications meant to “modernize” both students’ educational experience and graduation requirements.
In order to earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), students will still need to earn 30 credits, pass the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test and complete forty hours of volunteer service. Instead of earning 18 compulsory credits, however, students will now only need to earn 17 compulsory credits (as well as 13 elective credits). The compulsory credits will now include a Technological Education credit earned through completing a grade 9 or 10 STEM-related course.
Students’ math requirement will change slightly, as their grade 10 math course will include a new financial literacy component that students must pass with at least a 70% grade. In addition, students’ scores from the grade 9 EQAO math test will now count for 10% or more of their final grade 9 math mark in all schools across the province.
New funding will be provided for career coaching for Grade 9 and 10 students in publicly funded schools and other facilities. This, along with updates to guidance counsellors’ training, is meant to offer greater support for students in exploring career options and also in finding skilled careers within their own communities.
The government is planning for future high school course updates that include the return of a “home ec” program that will teach practical skills such as cooking, first aid, auto care and basic economics. Consultations with both parents and education professionals are expected to begin this year, with the goal of determining what practical life skills should be included in future course requirements.
Finally, the government has announced the implementation of a student exit survey intended to assess graduating students’ achievements related to these educational reforms. As with all changes, the effectiveness of these reforms may take some time to evaluate.
Earning an OSSD is a great achievement on a student’s journey through high school and toward a career. To learn more and be better prepared for that journey, read Ready to Launch: Navigating the Transition from High School to Post-Secondary Life – A Guide for Ontario Students and Parents.