Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
05TORONTO2770
2005-10-20 12:01:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Consulate Toronto
Cable title:  

Ontario's Minister of Colleges and

Tags:  SCUL PGOV KPAO PHUM SOCI CA 
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UNCLAS TORONTO 002770 

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: SCUL PGOV KPAO PHUM SOCI CA
SUBJECT: Ontario's Minister of Colleges and
Universities Describes Education Priorities to CG

REF: Toronto 2680

UNCLAS TORONTO 002770

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: SCUL PGOV KPAO PHUM SOCI CA
SUBJECT: Ontario's Minister of Colleges and
Universities Describes Education Priorities to CG

REF: Toronto 2680


1. Summary: Ontario Minister of Training, Colleges, and
Universities, Christopher Bentley, discussed the province's
headline- grabbing high school drop out rate following
recent curriculum reform, education funding, and tighter
regulations for private colleges during a meeting October 17
with ConGen Toronto CG. The CG thanked Minister Bentley for
helping U.S. students displaced by Hurricane Katrina and
gave an overview of ConGen Toronto's student intern program.
End Summary.

One Third of Ontario's Students Drop Out of High School
-------------- --------------


2. Minister Bentley reiterated government of Ontario
statements that one-third of students leave high school
early. Curriculum changes in 1999 which eliminated "grade
13" have augmented the drop out rate. He commented on plans
to create an alternative, trades-focused high school diploma
to reduce the drop out rate. The alternative diploma will
be introduced with legislation requiring students to stay in
school until age 18, rather than the current age of 16.
Minister Bentley said that the alternative high school
diploma, along with expanded cooperative learning and
apprenticeship programs, will give students better
opportunities for achievement.

Ontario Invests in Education
--------------


3. Minister Bentley explained that the government is
investing heavily in all levels of education. He referred
to the October 12 Throne Speech (reftel) in which the
government outlined its commitment to invest C$6.2 billion
more in universities, colleges, apprenticeships, and skills
programs. Minister Bentley stated that his government
considers investments in education essential to give
Ontario's workforce the skills it needs in the rapidly
changing global competition for investment and jobs.

Tighter Regulations for Private Career Colleges in Ontario
-------------- --------------


4. Minister Bentley said that private career colleges
operate under weak guidelines. Investigations of financial
scandal involving a private career college in Toronto have
recently gained media attention. He anticipates changes to
the Private Career Colleges Act will tighten requirements
for operation and give students financial insurance. He
does not support Charter schools or high schools. Charter
High Schools, which are both privately and publicly funded,
do not operate in the province. However, he commented that
single-race high schools might exist due to demographics.

Bilateral Academic Exchanges Get an `A'
--------------


5. Both the CG and Minister Bentley expressed their support
for bilateral academic exchange programs. Minister Bentley
commented that the government is eager to help American
institutions build relationships with colleges and
universities in Ontario. The CG gave the Minister a brief
overview of ConGen Toronto's foreign national student
internship program.

SCHIMMEL