Key Takeaways:
- Ontario Education Minister Paul Calandra has announced that math scores among the province’s Grade 3, 6, and 9 students are showing inadequate signs of improvement.
- In Ottawa, the latest test results show that students in the city’s four school boards are performing above the provincial averages in math.
- The Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est (CECCE) saw more than two-thirds of its Grade 6 students meeting the math target, outperforming the provincial standard.
- Local French boards performed better than their English counterparts, and Catholic boards scored better than public ones.
- The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, Ottawa Catholic School Board, Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario, and CECCE all reported improvements in their math scores.
Introduction to the Issue
The latest test results for Ontario’s Grade 3, 6, and 9 students have shown inadequate signs of improvement in math scores, according to Education Minister Paul Calandra. However, in Ottawa, the city’s four school boards have reported better results, with students performing above the provincial averages. This disparity has led Calandra to announce a review of the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) standardized testing approach, which measures math, reading, and writing skills. The review will be conducted by a two-person advisory body, which will examine the current testing approach and provide recommendations for improvement.
Ottawa School Boards’ Performance
The four school boards in Ottawa – the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB), Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB), Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario (CEPEO), and Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est (CECCE) – have all reported improvements in their math scores. The OCDSB saw an increase in the percentage of students meeting the provincial standard, with 63% of Grade 3 students, 53% of Grade 6 students, and 61% of Grade 9 students meeting the standard. The OCSB also reported improvements, with 70% of Grade 3 students, 58% of Grade 6 students, and 58% of Grade 9 students meeting the standard. The CEPEO and CECCE also performed well, with the CECCE seeing more than two-thirds of its Grade 6 students meeting the math target.
Comparison to Provincial Averages
The Ottawa school boards’ results are notable when compared to the provincial averages. The provincial average for Grade 3 students meeting the math standard is 64%, while the OCDSB reported 63%, the OCSB reported 70%, the CEPEO reported 76%, and the CECCE reported 78%. For Grade 6 students, the provincial average is 51%, while the OCDSB reported 53%, the OCSB reported 58%, the CEPEO reported 66%, and the CECCE reported 68%. The Grade 9 students’ provincial average is 58%, while the OCDSB reported 61%, the OCSB reported 58%, the CEPEO reported 68%, and the CECCE reported 72%. These results suggest that the Ottawa school boards are performing above the provincial averages in math.
Reaction from School Boards
The school boards in Ottawa have reacted positively to the results, with many expressing pride and satisfaction with the improvements. Mary Donaghy, the director of education for the OCSB, stated that the results were "great" and that the board was "above the provincial average and improved from last year." The OCDSB also expressed pleasure with the results, noting the "considerable year-over-year increase" in Grade 9 students meeting the provincial standard. The CEPEO and CECCE also reported that they were committed to continuing their work to create learning environments conducive to the success and well-being of all their students.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The latest test results for Ontario’s Grade 3, 6, and 9 students have shown inadequate signs of improvement in math scores, but the Ottawa school boards have reported better results. The review of the EQAO standardized testing approach announced by Education Minister Paul Calandra will examine the current testing approach and provide recommendations for improvement. The Ottawa school boards’ results suggest that they are performing above the provincial averages in math, and their reactions to the results have been positive. As the review of the EQAO testing approach moves forward, it will be important to consider the factors that have contributed to the Ottawa school boards’ success and how these can be applied more broadly across the province.
