KAWARTHA LAKES-The Ministry of Education says Ontario students are making progress in math and maintaining gains in Literacy.
“Today’s EQAO results show that Ontario students are making progress in math, with improvements in Grades 3, 6 and 9. Literacy results also remain strong, with nearly nine in 10 students meeting the provincial standard in reading and writing by Grade 6.” says Paul Calandra, Minister of Education.
Calandra says although these results are encouraging there’s more work to do.
“The results give us valuable information about where progress is being made and where added action is needed. Our responsibility is to use that information to make sure students get the support they need to succeed. That responsibility is shared across our education system. The Ministry of Education and school boards must work together to identify what is working, address areas where students are falling behind and ensure that resources and supports are reaching the students who need them most.”
Earlier this year Calandra appointed an independent advisory body on student achievement and assessment. He says its work will help identify successful approaches and provide recommendations on what more we can do to improve student achievement across every school board in Ontario.
The Ministry of Education will work directly with every school board to review its Student Achievement Plan, monitor progress and report back to the Ministry regularly.
“These plans are an important tool for boards to use local assessment results to identify where students are falling behind and set out concrete actions to improve student outcomes. We know that strong foundational skills in reading, writing and math are essential to a student’s success throughout their education. The earlier we identify a student who needs additional support, the sooner we can take action.”
Calandra say the EQAO results have also raised concerns about the significant increase in the number of students exempted from assessments in some school boards. Exemptions are intended for students who are unable to complete an assessment, even with permitted accommodations and this increase requires a closer look.
