EQAO test results show achievement has plateaued

The Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) released the highlights for the Grade 9 Assessment of Mathematics. This year's results show that achievement has reached a plateau, with virtually all categories of grade 9 students achieving at the same level as last year's students.

Academic students achieving at or above the Provincial Standard remains consistent at 71%, while Applied Students achieving at or above the Provincial Standard also remained consistent with last year's results at 35%. The marked improvement in achievement in 2005 and 2006 was the result of the introduction of a much needed revised Mathematics curriculum.

"The Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation (OSSTF) is concerned that without a more timely review of the funding formula, the achievement of our students will remain stalled as the necessary supports for students to move forward and continue to succeed will not be in place," said Ken Coran, OSSTF president.

"All students, in all parts of the province, need smaller classes and more support from adults in the school to be successful. Further improvements in the funding formula are necessary to provide those crucial resources and supports, both within and outside the classroom, to facilitate improvements in student success," emphasized Coran.

"OSSTF believes that all students deserve the opportunity to succeed and some students may require more help and intervention. In order for students to continue to improve and reach the government's goal of 75% of students achieving at or above the Provincial Standard in Literacy and Mathematics, the Liberal government needs to provide adequate funding so boards can provide the services to students who need them most. Student success is about support and action," concluded Coran.