Ontario Liberals will offer voluntary summer learning programs across the province to help struggling elementary students succeed. 

“Voluntary summer learning programs will help struggling students stay engaged in learning so they come back in September ready to go,” said Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of Education in the Ontario Liberal Government. 

The summer learning programs will give students in Grades 1-3 the chance to improve their reading, writing and math skills so they’re ready to take on the next grade. 

Typically students’ skills decline in the summer months when they are out of the classroom — having them engaged in learning during the summer will keep their knowledge sharp. 

About 7,500 students will be able to take advantage of the new learning programs which are planned for schools across the province. The intention of the Ontario Liberal plan is to build a strong workforce by helping the youngest students get the possible start. 

Under the plan, it is expected that at least 75% of students will achieve and/or exceed provincial testing standards.

Under the former Conservative government, Ontario experienced eight years of education cuts that appeared to createchaos and conflict.

According to Liberal candidates, the Conservatives now have a $14 billion hole in their platform and, with the threat of unspecified cuts to programs like full-day kindergarten to come, " ... the Hudak PCs are at it again — putting education and students at risk while the NDP platform does not specify education."

“Today, our students have higher test score and more students are graduating than ever before. We’ve achieved these results by working together,” said Dombrowsky, “we know there’s more to do, so we’ll continue to support kids who need help the most.”