TDSB students still struggling in math, test results show

Test results released today by the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) show that Toronto District School Board (TDSB)students are strugglingto meet provincial standards, particularly in mathematics.

For example, the percentage of Grade 6 students who meet or exceedthe provincial standards in math fell seven percentage points, from 62percent in 2011-2012to 55 per cent in 2015-2016.

The numbers also show an increasing number of Grade 3 students failing to meet or exceed provincial standards in math,slipping to 67 per cent, down from 70 per cent over the same time frame.

Among Grade 9 students, applied math proficiency scores that were already low slipped further, falling to 32 per cent from 34 per cent.

The poor math results are offset by gains in someother areas, particularly reading and writing. For example, among Grade 6 students, the number of students who performed at or above the provincial standard in reading increased sharply (from 74per cent to 80per cent) and writing (75 per cent to 81 per cent).

TDSB director John Malloy said the board is aware thatthe low proficiency in math needs to be addressed.

"We must focus on improving mathematics results," he said in a TDSB release responding to the EQAO numbers.

"With a dedicated team of educators and renewed math strategy, I am confidentthat students will continue to receive the support they need to be successful."

Earlier this month, the provincial government announced $60 million in new money toward a"renewed math strategy" in elementary schools. The province wants up to three lead math teachers in all elementary schools, and teachers for Grades 1 to 8 to spend up to an hour a day on math instruction.