The Ontario government is moving to overhaul its approach to student assessment and academic supports after newly released standardized test results showed limited gains in reading, writing and math across multiple grade levels. The province announced Wednesday it will appoint a two-member expert advisory body to conduct a comprehensive review of the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) testing program and the broader factors influencing student outcomes.
The decision comes in response to EQAO results released earlier in the day, which indicated that student achievement in Grades 3, 6 and 9 continues to lag despite the province’s back-to-basics curriculum and increased education spending. According to the Ministry of Education, half of Grade 6 students and 42 per cent of Grade 9 students failed to meet the provincial standard in math, with some student groups and boards showing persistent gaps in achievement.
“The latest EQAO results show that more action is needed to support our students and help them succeed,” said Education Minister Paul Calandra. “In too many cases, dysfunction and infighting among trustees have distracted boards from this core responsibility. I have taken the time to closely review these results, and we are taking decisive action to get students on track for stronger achievement.”
Calandra said the review will run alongside the government’s broader examination of school board governance, a process he argues is necessary to address “long-standing issues” with trustee performance. The province has repeatedly signalled concerns that administrative conflict and governance challenges in certain boards have diverted attention from student learning.
The advisory body, to be appointed early next year, will be tasked with analyzing how Ontario supports student learning across math, reading and writing. Its mandate includes assessing why academic improvement has stalled, whether curriculum materials are clear and usable, how effectively teachers are being prepared and supported, and whether students have adequate tools to succeed. The review will also scrutinize supports for struggling learners, including students with special education needs, to determine whether current interventions are effective.
A major focus of the advisory group will be the alignment and fairness of EQAO testing. The province says the review will evaluate whether standardized assessments accurately reflect classroom learning and whether test design allows students to demonstrate their knowledge meaningfully. In addition, the group will examine how EQAO data is currently used in teaching, policy development and funding decisions, and how it might be better leveraged to drive improvements.
As part of its mandate, the advisory body will also explore opportunities to support students ahead of standardized assessments—an area the government says may be contributing to existing achievement gaps.
The final report, which will include findings and actionable recommendations, will be delivered to the minister and made public. The government says it intends for the recommendations to guide reforms aimed at strengthening teaching quality, improving student achievement and enhancing accountability across the education system.
These initiatives come as the province continues to increase education funding and centralize oversight. In November, Ontario passed the Supporting Children and Students Act, 2025, legislation that expands the minister’s authority over school board finances, governance and program performance. For the 2025–26 fiscal year, the province has committed $30.3 billion in Core Education Funding, which it describes as a historic investment in student learning. Funding priorities include bolstering core literacy and math skills, enhancing special education supports and expanding access to mental health services.
The government maintains that these measures, coupled with the forthcoming advisory group’s recommendations, will help ensure “teachers have the tools to succeed and students have every opportunity to thrive.” Calandra said the province will use “every tool at its disposal” to ensure school governance structures remain focused on academic outcomes and preparing students for future careers.
The announcement marks the latest step in a series of reforms aimed at reshaping Ontario’s education system following years of fluctuating EQAO performance. While the province has emphasized improvements in some areas since implementing its back-to-basics curriculum, Wednesday’s results underscored ongoing challenges—particularly in mathematics—prompting fresh scrutiny of how students are taught, assessed and supported.
The advisory body’s findings are expected to shape the next phase of provincial education policy as Ontario seeks to accelerate student progress and address persistent disparities across school boards and student groups.
