Ontario Launches Review After Low Math Scores for Students

Newly released data reveals that nearly half of Ontario’s Grade 6 students are failing to meet provincial standards in mathematics. This alarming statistic has prompted a comprehensive review of the province’s school curriculum and educational resources, as announced by Education Minister Paul Calandra.

The Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) testing data, disclosed by Calandra, indicates that only 51 percent of Grade 6 students achieved the provincial standard in math during the 2024-25 school year. The results for Grade 9 students were slightly better, with 58 percent meeting the same benchmarks. While these figures show a marginal improvement from the previous year, Calandra emphasized that they reflect insufficient progress.

Government Accountability and Future Actions

During a press conference at Queen’s Park, Calandra expressed his frustration with the scores, stating, “If we were doing it right, then we wouldn’t have 50 percent of our students not meeting provincial benchmarks.” He acknowledged that the government led by Doug Ford has been in power for seven years and accepts part of the responsibility for the results.

In response to the disappointing performance, the Ford government has established a two-member advisory panel tasked with investigating the reasons behind the province’s low standardized math scores. “I want them to look at every part of it, a deep dive on the curriculum. I want them to look at the test, speak to teachers, speak to our partners… is what we’re doing working?” Calandra remarked.

Details about the panel’s membership remain sparse, but Calandra confirmed that members will be compensated $1,500 per day, with further announcements expected in 2026. The panel’s broad mandate aims to ensure that all students can perform better in future assessments, with Calandra stating, “My goal is 100 percent of the kids who are taking these tests are able to meet provincial standards.”

Comprehensive Curriculum Review

The review will consider several factors, including the alignment of EQAO tests with the current curriculum, the potential for using data to inform policy and funding decisions, and the types of support available to students in preparation for provincial testing. Calandra has made it clear that he anticipates being held accountable by parents for any changes in the system’s performance. “I fully expect that parents will hold me accountable for a system if it gets better or worse,” he stated.

As the education system in Ontario faces scrutiny, the outcomes of this review will be pivotal in determining the future direction of mathematics education in the province. The government’s commitment to addressing these challenges will likely shape educational policy and resource allocation in the coming years.