Waterloo Region District School Board EQAO results below provincial average, vows to do better
Waterloo Catholic District School Board on par or, in some areas, above provincial average
The Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) says that it needs to do better when it comes to EQAO test results.
Today the Education, Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) released local results, showing grade three and grade six assessments in reading, writing and math fell below the provincial average as did grade nine math results. Only the grade 10 literacy test scores were above the provincial average.
"We do acknowledge that the results tell us that we need to do better," said John Bryant, director of education for WRDSB. "Our community is asking us some tough questions and we are asking ourselves those very same questions."
In comparison, the Waterloo Catholic District School Board reported being on par with, and in some areas above, the provincial average.
"This year's EQAO results tell us our foundation is strong and we are on the right track as we strive for nothing short of excellence for all students in all schools," said Loretta Notten, director of education for the Catholic school board.
- Waterloo Region Grade 9 math results drop in EQAO testing
- Ontario secondary school students 82% successful in 2015 literacy test
- Only 50% of Grade 6 students met the province's math standard
Room for improvement
EQAO testing provides school boards with insight about student behaviour and success while shedding light on areas that need improvement.
As a result, Bryant said his board is looking for ways to improve EQAO test results, and has developed a strategic plan that will focus on math, graduation rates and the well-being of staff and students.
The board spent last year developing the plan and worked with staff to come up with evidence-informed strategies and recommendations which will be presented to trustees on October 17.
"We really need to study and look at the data and really understand it, that will be our next step," said Bryant. "We have some really effective strategies that we are looking at and we are really trying to focus on implementation of those strategies."