Stop the Experiment on Our Children: Bring Back Textbooks to Our Classrooms

Parents have had enough!!!

Our children are being asked to learn without one of the most proven tools in education. It’s time to bring textbooks back to our classrooms. Every child deserves the chance to succeed. 

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A Parent’s Story

I am the parent of two neurodivergent children who live with ADHD, Dyslexia, and Dyscalculia.

Every day I watch them struggle in an education system that has removed one of the most essential learning tools children have ever had: textbooks.

But this issue does not only affect children with learning differences—it affects all children, regardless of their abilities. Without structured learning materials, lessons are scattered across worksheets, digital platforms, slides, and photocopies. There is no clear roadmap of learning. No consistent resource children can return to when they are confused.

Instead of building confidence, the system leaves millions of students feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, and often behind their peers.

Because of the way classrooms are structured today, my children have experienced:

• ongoing struggles with reading and math

• confusion when lessons appear fragmented across multiple materials

• feelings of inadequacy when they cannot follow the pace of digital instruction

• social isolation when peers or teachers fail to notice their needs

For all students, especially those who benefit from structured and sequential learning, textbooks provide the foundation needed to succeed.

Our children—every single one of them—deserve better.

- Jennifer Di Francesco

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The Research Is Clear: Students Learn Better From Books

Research across cognitive science and education shows that students of all abilities often comprehend and retain information better when reading from paper instead of screens.

Studies have shown:

• Reading from printed materials improves deep comprehension and retention of complex information.

• Screen reading often leads to skimming rather than deep understanding.

• Physical books help students build mental maps of information, which strengthens memory and recall.

• Many students demonstrate higher comprehension when reading printed text compared to digital formats.

Reducing digital distractions and providing structured materials benefits all learners—not just those with ADHD, dyslexia, or other learning differences.

Textbooks provide the structure and consistency every student needs to succeed.

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Teachers Are Struggling Too

The removal of textbooks has not simplified teaching.

Instead, many teachers are forced to rebuild curriculum from scratch using:

• photocopied worksheets

• slide presentations

• digital resources

• fragmented lesson materials

Schools are now spending thousands of dollars on photocopying just to recreate the structure textbooks already provide.

This system wastes:

• teacher time

• school resources

• and most importantly, student learning opportunities—for all students.

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Other Countries Are Re-Evaluating Digital-Only Learning

Countries around the world are beginning to recognize the limitations of heavy screen-based education.

Nations such as Sweden Denmark and Norway have begun shifting back toward printed learning materials after concerns about declining reading comprehension and excessive screen use in classrooms.

Technology has its place—but books and technology must complement each other, not compete.

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What We Are Asking For

We are calling on education leaders to restore balance in classrooms by:

1. Reintroducing textbooks as core learning resources for all students.

2. Ensuring every student has access to structured, sequential learning materials.

3. Reducing reliance on fragmented worksheets and excessive photocopying.

4. Creating classrooms where books and technology complement each other.

5. Designing learning environments that support all children, including those who benefit from structured learning.

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Why Parents Must Speak Up

Education policy should be guided by evidence and student needs—not trends.

Right now, too many children are struggling in classrooms without the tools they need to succeed.

If parents remain silent, this system will continue—and every child suffers.

If parents unite, we can restore evidence-based learning tools that benefit all students.

This is not just about textbooks. This is about giving every child the opportunity to succeed.

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Join the Movement

Parents for Real Education

A growing parent movement advocating for:

• evidence-based learning

• structured classroom resources

• support for all learners

• transparency in education decisions

Our message is simple:

Bring Back Textbooks. Support Every Child.

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Sign the Petition

Join parents, educators, and community members calling for the return of textbooks to classrooms.

Because all children deserve real learning tools — not educational experiments.

Sign today and share this petition with other parents.

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Simple Email Parents Can Send

Subject: Bring Back Textbooks to Ontario Classrooms

Dear Education Leaders,

As a parent, I am concerned about the disappearance of textbooks in classrooms. Research shows that students often retain information better when learning from printed materials, and teachers are increasingly forced to rely on fragmented worksheets and digital resources.

This approach is particularly difficult for students with learning differences such as ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia.

I urge the Ministry of Education and school boards to restore textbooks as core learning resources in classrooms so that all students have access to structured and effective learning tools.

Sincerely,

[Parent Name]

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Contact Education Leaders

Parents can also contact decision-makers directly. Call or email to increase pressure.

Provincial Government – Ministry of Education

Paul Calandra – Minister of Education

Email: minister.edu@ontario.ca

Phone: 416-325-2929

 

Doug Ford – Premier of Ontario

Email: premier@ontario.ca

Phone: 416-325-1941

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Major School Boards

Toronto District School Board (TDSB)

Director of Education: Donna Quan – director@tdsb.on.ca – 416-397-3180

Board Supervisor: supervisor@tdsb.on.ca – 416-397-3180

General Inquiries: GeneralInquiries@tdsb.on.ca – 416-397-3000

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Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB)

Director of Education: Frank D’Amico – director@tcdsb.org – 416-222-8282

Communications Office: communications@tcdsb.org – 416-222-8282

General Inquiries: info@tcdsb.org – 416-222-8282

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Peel District School Board

Director of Education: Jason Bartlett – director@peelsb.com – 905-890-1010

General Inquiries: info@peelsb.com – 905-890-1010

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York Region District School Board

Director of Education: John Steer – director@yrdsb.ca – 905-727-0022

General Inquiries: info@yrdsb.ca – 905-727-0022

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York Catholic District School Board

Director of Education: Louise Johnston – director@ycdsb.ca – 905-713-1211

Communications: communications@ycdsb.ca – 905-713-1211

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Halton District School Board

Director of Education: Jen Wilson – director@hdsb.ca – 905-335-3663

General Inquiries: info@hdsb.ca – 905-335-3663

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Halton Catholic District School Board

Director of Education: David Boag – director@hcdsb.org – 905-632-6300

General Inquiries: info@hcdsb.org – 905-632-6300

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Take Action

1. Sign this petition

2. Share it with other parents

3. Contact your school board and elected officials directly by phone and email

Real change happens when parents stand together.

Let’s bring back textbooks and restore real learning for all children.