Media Advisory - Education Quality and Accountability Office to release Ontario student results on two major international tests measuring reading, math and science skills

TORONTO, Dec. 10, 2012 /CNW/ - At 10:00 a.m. EST on Tuesday, December 11, 2012, the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) will release highlights of Ontario student achievement results on the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS), 2011 and on the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), 2011.

Both studies were conducted by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement in 2011. PIRLS assesses the literacy skills of Grade 4 students and is undertaken every five years. TIMSS assesses the mathematics and science achievement of Grades 4 and 8 students every four years. Ontario's participation was coordinated by EQAO on behalf of the Government of Ontario.

The results in EQAO's reports will focus specifically on the achievement of Ontario students, how these students compare to their national and international counterparts and any trends in their achievement over time.

A total of 58 jurisdictions participated in PIRLS 2011, including Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Quebec. For TIMSS 2011, 57 jurisdictions participated in Grade 4 and 56 did in Grade 8. These include Alberta and Quebec in both grades.

Highlights of the Ontario student results and comprehensive TIMSS and PIRLS 2011 Ontario Reports will be available on EQAO's Web site, www.eqao.com, as of 10:00 a.m. on December 11.

Disponible en français également.

SOURCE: Education Quality and Accountability Office

For further information and to arrange interviews, please contact
Katia Collette
Senior Communications Officer
416-212-7047
[email protected]