Blog

The world today can be a tumultuous place for the younger generation, who are often bombarded with daunting visuals and discussions of global conflicts, the implications of climate change, and political division in their own community. A recent survey of over 10,000 Ontario students in grades 7 to 12 found that more than half are experiencing significant psychological distress—a figure that has doubled over the past decade.

Literacy is the cornerstone of academic achievement, career success and lifelong learning. Yet, despite its undeniable importance, access to quality reading education remains inequitable, plagued by systemic issues and barriers that can hinder educational opportunities. In many cases, a student’s success is determined by the school they attend or who governs their school board.

The last few weeks of the calendar year are the home stretch for many educators to a much-deserved break and time with friends and family. But there’s no denying the winter holidays can also be challenging for many reasons — not the least of which is how easy it is to become overwhelmed with the extra seasonal activities and responsibilities crowding educators’ plates.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders diagnosed in Canada, affecting approximately 5% to 7% of children, according to the Centre for ADHD Awareness, Canada (CADDAC). While it frequently manifests itself through challenges in maintaining concentration and managing impulses, ADHD can also impact the mental and emotional health of students; it can be associated with higher risks of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and other disorders and behaviours that can profoundly affect social relationships, behaviour and academic performance.

You don’t have to look far to find an article detailing the state of student achievement these days. Math and reading scores are down from where they were pre-pandemic and educators and parents alike are scrambling to find ways to close the gap. Unfortunately, academic scores aren’t the only concern in need of attention; an extraordinary percentage of our students are facing mental health challenges — many of them dire.

Strong reading comprehension is fundamental to success in today’s information age. From academics to professional pursuits to personal growth, the ability to understand, analyze, and interpret written material at a high level plays a pivotal role in achievement.