An update on Grade 9 EQAO assessment

OECTA has confirmed that its members will engage in administrative job action on Monday, January 13, 2020. This means the withdrawal of some administrative duties performed by teachers, including Grade 9 EQAO Math testing. Students at the Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) will not be participating in the EQAO Grade 9 Math Assessment scheduled for the week of January 13. All secondary students should come to school and attend their regularly scheduled classes. Below is some background information on this decision.

What is EQAO?

The Education Quality Accountability Office (EQAO) is an independent provincial agency funded by the Government of Ontario. All Ontario students enrolled in a Grade 9 Applied or Grade 9 Academic Mathematics course are normally required to take the EQAO Grade 9 Math Assessment. Teachers have been teaching the Math curriculum throughout semester 1 in alignment with and preparation for this assessment.

How does the administrative job action impact the Grade 9 EQAO Math assessment?

During administrative job action, teachers will not participate in EQAO preparation or testing. This includes the administration and subsequent marking of the test. In addition, these labour sanctions would make it difficult to implement the accommodations and supports that many students rely on from their teachers in order to be successful on the test, such as scribing, reading of questions, and access to specialized versions of test material.

How will student achievement be assessed for Grade 9 Mathematics this semester?

Teachers will continue to work through the completion of the Grade 9 Math curriculum as the semester comes to an end this month. Historically at DCDSB, a student’s performance on the EQAO Grade 9 Math Assessment has been included as part of the student’s final summative grade, which forms part of their overall mark in the course. Given that this will not be possible this semester, teachers will weigh all other evidence of student achievement throughout the duration of the course to determine the student’s report card grade.

When will current Grade 9 Mathematics take the EQAO Grade 9 Math Assessment?

DCDSB will await further direction from the Ministry of Education with regards to a make-up test for semester 1 students. Information will be communicated directly to students, parents and guardians as it becomes available.