Canada’s Education Systems in Excellent Health: CMEC Releases Education Indicators in Canada, An International Perspective 2010

The Council of Ministers of Education and Statistics Canada released a new report September 7th, as part of the Pan-Canadian Education Indicators Program (PCEIP). The report describes a set of 10 international indicators that were used to assess progress and performance in a variety of areas.

Indicators in this report brought together data in specific areas for the purpose of international comparison between member countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). These areas included educational attainment, graduation rates (upper and post-secondary levels), labour market outcomes, the economic benefits of education, expenditures on education, international students, transitions to the labour market and participation in adult learning.

Highlights of the report:

• One in two Canadians have completed post-secondary education, compared to one in three of the OECD countries;
• Across Canada, females students are more likely to graduate from secondary school and continue on to post-secondary studies;
• Canadians with post-secondary education have higher employment rates and higher earnings. University graduates in Canada earned 75% more than individuals with only a high-school diploma.
• The number of adults in ongoing education and training in Canada (42%) is similar to other OECD countries.

The full report includes highlights for all 10 indicators, as well as complete indicator texts and tables.

See a related article published September 8th in the National Post.