EQAO has been a waste of resources
Re Ontario to launch review of student testing, Sept. 6 Education expert Charles Pascal is quoted as saying that to achieve success we must “start with clarity about what learning objectives are key for our future.”
That search for clarity has been in progress for decades, led by designers of curriculum at the local and provincial level, and including the research and developments of devoted advocacy groups such as People for Education.
In this rapidly changing world, that search for clarity requires a constant focus and continuous renewal.
At the same time, measuring the success of the school system will require us to clearly define what success looks like for our students.
For years, we have squandered resources on EQAO testing, presumably based on the assumption that the ability to produce a standardized response on a standardized math or literacy test is our definition of success.
This “accountability” report has told us little about the success of our system in supporting the growth of students to achieve all the skills and attributes they need to thrive in our society.
When the province can give us a report that shows us that our students are feeling safe and supported in school, that they are continuously growing in the skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing society and that they are prepared to engage as thinking, respectful and caring Canadians, I will support the accountability measures that form the basis of the report. Sharon Craigen, Toronto