Cancellation of EQAO testing; fallout from teachers’ unions and government impasse

BY PAUL JUNOR

As the labour disruption in the publicly funded education system continues the annual testing of grade 3 and 6 students in reading and mathematics, as well as the grade 9 math tests are now in jeopardy. EQAO (which is the pseudonym for the Education Quality and Assurance Office) was started under the leadership of Dalton McGuinty in 2004. It was part of a new Literacy and Numeracy Secretariat that was intended to increase support for teachers and students.

Avis Glaze, became the CEO and the first Chief Student Achievement Officer with a mandate to “Improve reading, writing, math and comprehension skills, and to create a foundation for future student learning and success.”  With declining results in the EQAO math scores, there have been voices, which have been calling for the elimination of the EQAO testing altogether.

A Facebook page titled, “Boycott EQAO,” was been created by Kathy Rogers-Harley to encourage parents and guardians to boycott EQAO. As a public page, anyone can see what is posted, but only members can post or make a comment. It has been estimated that it costs the Ontario taxpayers approximately $50 million each year to administer the grade 3, 6, 9 tests as well as the grade 10 reading and writing test. In an article titled, “EQAO Testing in Jeopardy,” by Isabel Teotonio (Tuesday, January 7^th edition of the Toronto Star), the Ontario Secondary Teachers Federation (OSSTF) President Harvey Bischof mentioned, “We won’t participate in EQAO testing.” OSSTF has over 60,000 members including: high school teachers in public schools, as well as support staff and French language elementary and secondary schools.

The Grade 9 math tests for first-semester students were scheduled for January 13^th  to January 24^th, while for second semester, it is originally scheduled for June. The Grade 10 literacy testing is scheduled for March. The ongoing teachers’ unions and government dispute has made it difficult for teachers to adequately prepare, plant and organize the annual EQAO testing.

The Minister of Education, Stephen Leece is aware of the disruptions and doubts about the administration of the province wide EQAO grade 9 math assessments. In a statement on January 8^th, 2020, he noted, “The EQAO Grade 9 math test provides valuable information to students, families, and the province about how students are performing in critical math skills and concepts. It also supports improved teaching and learning. It should not be in jeopardy for our students. Regrettably, due to escalation by union teachers, and the withdrawal of services by OSSTF some secondary students will not be prepared for assessment this Monday.” This corresponds to January 13^th, 2020, when the test was supposed to start. The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) has already indicated that it will have to cancel the upcoming EQAO test as a result.

Many parents and guardians have breathed a sigh of relief. The Boycott EQAO campaign is in full steam. Minister Leece is not very happy with the potential cancellations of EQAO testing. In his statement he noted, “It is unfair that union actions are undermining student success. They are jeopardizing the learning experiences of Ontario’s future leaders. The government believes in setting students up for success and providing students, parents and the province with data and insights needed to make critical policy decisions.”