Human Resources Legislative Update
Proposed Regulatory Amendments to Teacher Assignment and Proficiency in Mathematics
Date: February 26, 2024
The Ontario government recently posted two regulatory amendments related to teacher assignments and proficiency in mathematics for comment.
The first is the Proposed Regulatory Amendments to Teacher Assignments.
Regulation 298 made under the Education Act mandates that principals must assign their teachers to the best possible program, in accordance with the teacher’s qualifications or as provided for under that regulation, and in regard to the safety and well-being of the pupils.
Currently, in certain circumstances teachers who do not hold the required qualifications may be assigned to teach through agreements between the teacher and the principal, with approval of the supervisory officer, or through processes approved by the Minister.
The Ministry of Education is exploring options to provide authority for principals to assign teachers with technological education and general education qualifications to teach outside their required qualifications for one year with an option to renew.
The second is the Proposed Regulatory Amendments related to Proficiency in Mathematics (made under the Ontario College of Teachers Act, 1996). This proposal is made in light of the recent decision of the Ontario Court of Appeal finding that the Mathematics Proficiency Test (MPT) is constitutional. The Ministry is seeking feedback on new requirements and timelines for the MPT. The Ministry is also seeking feedback on regulatory amendments to add the administration of the MPT to the responsibilities of the Education Quality and Accountability Office (regulation made under the Education Quality and Accountability Office Act, 1996). That Office is currently responsible for developing and marketing the MPT.
Comments on both proposed regulatory amendments are due on March 19, 2024.
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