Ontario Math Scores Inch Up, Still Low
The New Boy, from "Illustrated London News" — George Smith, August 13, 1859
What Happened
Ontario's 2025-26 EQAO results show slight gains across the board, with 52 per cent of Grade 6 students meeting the provincial math standard, up one point from last year. Grade 3 and Grade 9 math scores also rose one point each, to 65 and 59 per cent.
Why It Matters
Half of Grade 6 students still aren't meeting the math standard, a number that's hovered around 50 per cent for years. A one-point gain lets everyone claim something: the minister calls it encouraging progress, the opposition blames inadequate funding. Neither side is wrong enough to lose the argument.
What's Next
Calandra has ordered EQAO to investigate a jump in test exemptions and report back.