EQAO WOES

Last weekend’s article by Moira MacDonald in the Toronto Sun confirms what so many people have been suspecting for a long time. We have a math problem in Ontario schools.

Here is an excerpt from her editorial.

“This year’s recently-released round of provincial test scores shows kids are regressing in their math skills, and hating math more.

Brian Desbiens, chair of EQAO, Ontario’s testing agency, calls the results “concerning.” And it’s not a one-off.

Grade 3 students have stagnated, with 68% reaching the provincial standard (about a B grade) this year, the same as in 2008.

Grade 6 student scores dropped.

While 61% met the standard in 2008, only 58% have done so in the last two years.

Worse, 18% of those kids who hit the standard in Grade 3 — more than 20,000 — slipped below it by Grade 6.

No wonder kids are liking math less. An annual EQAO questionnaire of students’ attitudes shows a 5% drop in girls who like math, to 50%, in 2012. Boys showed a more drastic drop, from 61% liking math in 2008 to 52% in 2012.

Desbiens calls Ontario’s provincial and even international math test results “average” and says Ontario risks “falling behind” internationally if does not deal with the problem “with a focused sense of urgency.” I blame the education ministry and those in charge of curriculum and telling teachers how to teach. I also blame those educational researchers who continue to insist this kind of teaching is the way to go.”


For what it’s worth, here a few of my suggestions for Dalton and company.

1) Revise the elementary school math curriculum. Reduce time spent on estimation, number patterns, data management and probability while putting more emphasis on basic numeracy skills.

2) Don’t introduce calculators until Grade 8.

3) Discontinue the use of the Nelson series of math textbooks in favour of one that is less dependent on open ended problem solving. Revised texts should also include language that parents can understand and relate to.

4) Use math specialists in elementary schools for Grades 4 to 6. If schools can have special language and arts teachers, why not master teachers in math as well?

5) Introduce remedial programs such as Kumon to improve numeracy skills for at risk students.

6) Repetition, repetition, repetition!

The Jesuits are recognized by all as master educators. Certainly I can attest to their expertise in the classroom. One tool used effectively in all Jesuit schools is repetition and practice. The expression ‘drill and kill’ describes the current antipathy to repetition by most educators. However, when drill is used creatively and consistently, I am convinced it can instill confidence in students and lead them to a better understanding of new topics.

7) Try to make math fun again for kids. I still remember the excitement my summer school students used to have playing math jeopardy. Any game or activity that can generate real interest and enthusiasm is a boon to learning and a welcome change of pace for students and their teachers.


Call me cynical but I think it’s no coincidence that these poor EQAO scores come in a year following a provincial election. EQAO results will undoubtedly rebound to more respectable levels when Ontario voters get set to return to the ballot box in 2015.