It is back to the basics when students return to the classroom for a new school year.

The provincial government is providing new student supports and an updated curriculum that focuses on the development of foundational skills in reading, writing and math.

It comes with almost $700 million extra to boards’ base funding and $109 million for a new strategy to boost literacy rates.

Another $71 million is being spent on a plan to improve math learning.

Education Minister Stephen Lecce says the goal is to improve student performance and create more accountability within the school system.

“It’s why we’re requiring every board for the first time, starting this year to measure progress, publicly report on outcomes in key areas, and that includes the achievement of learning outcomes in core academic skills. Essentially a strategy to lift EQAO results on reading, writing, and math,” says Lecce.

The education minister adds the strategy aims to prepare students for future success and improve school attendance.

Lecce also gains additional powers through legislation to bind school boards to academic achievement.

He insists it adds accountability.

“We now have a role as minister in providing input on that to make sure that those directors are adhering to those provincial expectations on academic achievement. So this is the first time we actually have a wholesale reform to accountability. We’re putting new resources in place, and we’re sending a clear, unambiguous signal to the education system that we need to get back to basics.”