The Ontario government has announced the formation of a new expert advisory panel to examine the province’s standardized testing system and address concerns over declining math scores among students.
Education Minister Paul Calandra revealed the initiative after recently releasing the latest results from the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO). The results showed that only 51 percent of Grade 6 students met the provincial standard in mathematics during the 2024–25 school year. Meanwhile, 58 percent of Grade 9 students achieved the required benchmark in the same subject.
The results, which Calandra admitted were “not good enough,” had been delayed for several weeks as the government considered how to respond to the disappointing outcomes.
In response, the minister announced that a two-member panel would conduct a detailed review of the testing system and the underlying reasons behind the low math performance. On Wednesday, the government confirmed that William “Bill” Robson, associated with the C.D. Howe Institute, and David R. Johnson of Wilfrid Laurier University will serve on the advisory panel.
According to a government statement, the panel’s review will focus on identifying the main causes of the weak results and proposing practical solutions to improve student performance. The review will also explore ways to better support teachers, parents, and students while strengthening Ontario’s public education system.
However, critics have questioned whether standardized testing itself is the main issue. Some opposition leaders argue that the real problem lies in insufficient classroom resources and support for educators.
Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles previously said that the EQAO results reflect broader challenges within the education system, emphasizing that students are not receiving the support they need in classrooms.
Minister Calandra has assured the public that the findings of the panel will be released once the review is completed.
