tests

Results from provincewide testing of students last spring have been released.

The Education Quality and Accountability Office reports slight increases in the number of grade 3 students who met provincial standards in reading, writing and math over the year before.

Grade 6 students meeting the standards also increased, with higher percentage increases seen in reading and writing.

The Grade 9 level saw a 4% increase in the number meeting math standards, with the number meeting the literacy test standard remaining stable at 85%.

The EQAO also released data that tracked students through the grade 3 and 6 testing.

In reading and writing, increases were seen in the number of students who performed better in grade 6.

In math, just 45% maintained the level they were at in the previous grade, while 33% failed to meet the provincial standard in either test and 15% met the standard in grade 3 but not in grade 6.

There were similar findings when comparing the math tests of grade 9 students with their grade 6 results.

Education Minister Paul Calandra expressed disappointment with the numbers, saying student achievement is not improving fast enough.

He has decided to initiate a review to ensure the assessments are fair and align with what students are learning in the classroom.

“The review will look at whether our curriculum and learning resources are clear and easy to use,” says Calandra.

“It will consider how well teachers are being prepared and supported. It will examine whether students have the tools they need to succeed in the classroom.”

Calandra also wants the advisory body to look at how to better prepare students for the tests.

He stops short of the move leading to the tests being cancelled.

“I don’t think scrapping it is the route I want to go, frankly, but I think there is room for improvement.”

The province introduced the EQAO tests in 1996.