ETFO Urges Ontario to End EQAO Testing Amid Declining Scores

The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) is calling for the termination of the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) testing program. The federation argues that the funds allocated for these tests should be redirected to enhance classroom resources. This push follows the release of disappointing results by Ontario’s Education Minister, Paul Calandra, which revealed a lack of significant improvement in student performance, particularly in mathematics.

The EQAO results, published on Wednesday, indicated that only approximately 64 percent of Grade 3 students, 51 percent of Grade 6 students, and 58 percent of Grade 9 students met the provincial math standards. In the Greater Essex County District School Board, math scores across all grades were either at or slightly below the provincial average. Conversely, the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board outperformed the provincial average in most categories, except for Grade 9 math.

Mario Spagnuolo, local ETFO President, emphasized the need for a shift in funding priorities. “We need to lower class sizes, address workload, tackle violence in the classroom, and provide more special education supports. If we implement these changes, we will likely see a positive trend in student achievement,” he stated. Spagnuolo highlighted the impact of socio-economic factors on educational outcomes, stating that poverty presents significant barriers to student success.

“It’s not solely an educational issue,” he noted. “Community groups are actively working to reduce poverty rates, which we know affect student performance. The challenges extend beyond school walls.”

Spagnuolo expressed concern about the province’s plans moving forward, suggesting that Calandra might use the recent test scores to justify more control over school boards and push for reforms not aligned with educators’ insights. “Classroom teachers understand our children best. Other than parents, teachers spend the most time with students, and their perspectives should be central to any discussions about educational reforms,” he asserted.

Although the provincewide results showed a slight improvement compared to two years ago, Calandra remarked that they remain insufficient. He announced plans to appoint two advisers in early 2026 to conduct a comprehensive review of the testing approach. The EQAO testing program has been in place in Ontario since 1996.

As the debate continues, the ETFO’s call to reallocate resources could reshape the landscape of education in Ontario, focusing attention on the fundamental needs of students and teachers alike.