TORONTO - Education Minister Stephen Lecce says school boards will have to make individual decisions on whether to proceed with next week's Grade 9 standardized test in math.
Amid a contentious round of contract negotiations, public high school teachers in Ontario have been on a work-to-rule campaign since November that includes not preparing students for that test.
Boards were set to start administering the test on Monday, but given the job action, Lecce says boards will have to decide whether to proceed or delay the test to June.
He says the test provides valuable information to students, families, and the province about how students are performing in math.
The announcement comes the same day as high school teachers stage a one-day strike in select boards across the province, the latest in a series of rotating strikes.
The Ontario English Catholic Teachers' Association also announced today that they will be starting an administrative work-to-rule campaign on Monday, including not participating in standardized testing, preparing report cards or participating in Ministry of Education initiatives.
UPDATE: Ontario Public School Boards Association statement on EQAO tests:
"Today, the government announced that school boards will make local decisions about whether the province-wide EQAO Grade 9 math assessment, originally scheduled to start next week, should proceed. School boards are well-positioned to make decisions affecting students, their families and staff, taking into account local circumstances and expertise. That said, it would be very difficult, if not nearly unworkable, for most school boards to administer the EQAO test without the involvement of teachers. Our member boards are making decisions with the best interests of students in mind, and promptly communicating those decisions to students and parents.
We are looking forward to getting back to the table with OSSTF to continue the bargaining process as we work towards a deal that is fair, equitable and responsible for all parties, most importantly students."
- Cathy Abraham, President