Ontario Teachers, Ministry Can Take Credit for High Reading Scores

TORONTO, Dec. 7 /CNW/ - Ontario teachers and the Ministry of Education can take credit for the high reading scores attained by Ontario's 15-year-old students in the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), according to the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO).

"While snapshot assessments build public confidence, there are a whole range of measures required to evaluate and ensure students are achieving their potential across all subjects," said ETFO President Sam Hammond. "It is the on-going assessments that teachers conduct throughout the year around a student's progress that assists teachers to guide and promote individual student learning and success."

"While Ontario's strict focus on literacy and numeracy has driven test scores up, we can build a more substantial base by paying more attention to subjects such as social studies, design and technology, the arts and physical education," added Hammond. "It's that well-rounded education that will give students the best opportunity to succeed in life."

Ontario's 15-year-old students placed in the top 10 rankings of the international assessment which measured reading and comprehension levels among students in 65 countries.

"Along with a better social safety net than many other OECD nations to support low-income families, Ontario also has teachers who bring a higher level of education to the classroom than most countries, as well as more training and professional development," said Hammond. "Upwards of 85 percent of our members engage in professional development beyond that which is mandated by the government and school boards. That professionalism makes a big difference in our classrooms."

The Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario represents 76,000 elementary public school teachers and education professionals across the province and is the largest teacher federation in Canada.

For further information:

Valerie Dugale, ETFO Media Relations: Cell: 416-948-0195