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EQAO Testing

Standardized testing can provide valuable tracking data, providing a snap-shot of how well Ontario’s students are learning the curriculum. Over time, trends and patterns emerge which can be compared to various indicators, which makes this information very useful when making policy or discussing changes.

However, the Elementary Teacher’s Federation (ETFO) recently called for a moratorium on the tests, citing concerns regarding disparities in upper- and lower-income areas.  A video from ETFO is available here.

In addition, the inflated importance placed upon the test by the provincial government – which has committed to improving scores each year – has resulted in teachers devoting 2 weeks to preparing students for the questions and process of the test, distracting from their regular curriculum instruction.

Testing to determine trends in learning patterns among students is important, but this is not the right way to do it. Changes must be made to the EQAO process – examples here – but a moratorium for two years is not necessary.