Getting Back to Basics Leading to Better Student Outcomes

September 28, 2023

EQAO results show modest improvement in reading, writing and math scores across the province

September 28, 2023

The Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) released its annual student assessment results that demonstrate encouraging progress in student outcomes. These results demonstrate that Ontario’s plan to provide a stable school year without interruption with a renewed emphasis on getting back to basics and improving foundational skills is working. However, there is more work ahead to ensure continued positive outcomes for students.

Overall, the EQAO results are showing gains in reading, writing and math scores. Math achievement is trending upward across all grade levels in both English and French, including between 2 to 5 percentage point increases in Grade 6 and Grade 9 math. At the same time, literacy achievement is stable or increased across grade levels, including improved literacy success rates on the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) among first-time eligible Grade 10 students. Similar to testing in other Canadian jurisdictions, Ontario EQAO results show stability and moderate gains, which stem directly from kids being back in the classroom without disruption and targeted supports focused on lifting literacy and math competencies.