Standardized Tests Get A Failing Grade

Classroom assessments the best judge of student performance say teachers

Parents should not judge the quality of their child’s school based on EQAO test results, says the president of the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO).

ETFO President David Clegg was commenting on the test scores released today by the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO).

“A standardized test given once a year, even a very long one like the EQAO, cannot possibly assess the full range of student learning, critical thinking, or many of the skills and knowledge outlined in the provincial curriculum,” explained Clegg.

“Teachers know that classroom assessment is one of the most valuable tools for improving student learning.  It is at the heart of good teaching and student learning,” Clegg said.

“Every day, in every classroom, teachers assess how students are doing, tailor their teaching to student needs, report back to parents, and provide children with the skills they need to succeed.”

Clegg stressed that students need more time learning and less time on standardized tests.

“EQAO expenses are currently more than $30 million a year.  Resources used to create, administer and mark the tests would be better spent supporting students and teachers in the classroom. 

“We want parents to understand that schools teach a great deal more than what any single standardized test can measure.  Schools not only teach children to read, write and do mathematics, but also how to appreciate the arts, live in a multicultural community, and protect the environment, none of which can be measured by an EQAO test.” 

The Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario represents 73,000 elementary public school teachers and education workers across the province and is the largest teacher federation in Canada.