“Dear Minister Lecce,
Student achievement and well-being continues to remain deeply important to us at the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB). Throughout the pandemic, students have witnessed a series of disruptions to in-person learning. We would like to thank our staff and families as they continue to make every effort to support the social, mental and academic well-being of our students, so that they may continue to achieve their personal and educational goals.
Despite these efforts, there are limited opportunities to adequately prepare students for the upcoming Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) assessments at both the elementary and secondary school levels. As you know from years past, many instructional hours are devoted to preparing students for these assessments in order to adequately reflect students’ cumulative knowledge and skills in relation to provincial standards.
At the Regular Board Meeting held on January 27, 2022, the Board of Trustees passed a motion requesting the Ministry of Education to examine the following proposals:
1. Immediately consider pausing all EQAO testing at all levels in both elementary and secondary schools until the 2022-23 school year in order to allow students to close any gaps in learning opportunities; and
2. Permit schools to return to a normal schedule when COVID-19 is no longer dangerously present in school communities.
Ontario students deserve a quality education. If the Ministry of Education continues with the planned EQAO assessments, student achievement will be hindered. These last two years have been difficult for many, and we are asking that you support our proposal for these temporary measures so that our students can continue their journey to academic success. I look forward to your consideration of the Board’s proposals. As always, I am available to discuss this matter with you as well”.
Angela Kennedy
Chair of the Board,
Toronto Catholic District School Board
