Standardized test finds small improvement in Ontario’s students

TORONTO – Young students in Ontario have made small improvements in standardized test scores released Monday.

The test scores – which measure proficiency in reading, writing and math in grades 3 and 6 – only declined in one area in 2009-10. Grade 6 math scores inched two points downward, with only 59 per cent of students achieving the provincial standard.

"There are certainly areas of progress worth celebrating," said Brian Desbiens, chairman of the Education Quality and Accountability Office board of directors. "But there also remain areas that will require further attention and system-wide interventions if we are to see continued progress."

The McGuinty Liberal government has not yet succeeded in living up to a 2003 campaign promise to have 75 per cent of all students meet the standard.

Still, the average overall test scores have improved significantly since that year. In 2002-03, only 54 per cent of students in grades 3 and 6 met the provincial standard in all three areas combined. In 2009-10, that number reached 68 per cent.

While the Education Quality and Accountability Office claims that is a solid accomplishment, critics are doubtful.

The Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario (ETFO) says the tests are resulting in a narrow focus among students on math and literacy while other subjects such as science, history, social studies and the arts have become less important.

ETFO president Sam Hammond also expressed concerns that the test results are being used to rank schools, which in turn drives real estate values in certain neighbourhoods.

"Our teachers find it incredible that one-time tests on math and literacy are being used to assess a school," Hammond said in a news release.

The union is calling for a two-year moratorium on EQAO tests while the issue is studied in depth.