The latest results from the standardized provincial assessments show that students at all grade levels continue to struggle in math.
The primary and junior assessments are given to Gr. 3 and Gr. 6 students and assess reading, writing, and math.
Grade 9 students take a math assessment and Grade 10 students take the literacy test necessary to graduate high school.
The EQAO results for the 2022-2023 school year released today show that students in Windsor Essex Catholic School Board (WECDSB) exceeded the provincial achievement levels in all 8 categories.
While they exceed provincial results, only 68 per cent of Gr. 3 students with the board are at or above provincial standards in math.
That number is even lower for Grade 6 students where only 56 per cent of students are at or above the provincial standard in math.
"We will continue to keep a close eye on the achievement in the mathematical areas and really work on solidifying those foundational concepts, the fact fluency as well as the understanding of number of concepts. We believe coupling that with a focus on critical thinking and problem-solving, we are sure to gain students' confidence and love for math," said Melissa Farrand, executive superintendent of education with the Windsor Essex Catholic District School Board.
Results within the Greater Essex County District School Board show that 60.3 per cent of Grade 3 students and 49 per cent of Grade 6 students are at or above the provincial standard in math.
Across the province, 60 per cent of Grade 3 students and 50 per cent of Grade 6 students are at or above provincial standards.
By Grade 9, 57 per cent of students at the WECDSB and 53.2 per cent at the GECDSB are reaching provincial standards.
Students at the primary and junior levels at both boards exceeded provincial achievement levels in reading and writing.
"Although we are surpassing the provincial average in all eight areas we know that there is still work to be done and we are up to the challenge. We are already creating some detailed plans in which to do so," said Farrand.
At the English Catholic board, 91 per cent of students passed the Grade 10 literacy test on their first attempt. At the public board, 79.3 per cent passed the test on the first try.
This is the second year the tests were given in a digital format.
"We welcome the changes that EQAO has developed with the assessments. They really made them more adaptive and flexible to really mirror what's happening in our classrooms day to day," said Farrand.