Education Minister Criticizes Near North Board’s ‘Horrific Results’
Ontario’s Minister of Education, Paul Calandra, has issued a stark critique of the Near North District School Board following the release of student assessment results. The latest data shows alarming achievements in mathematics among grade 9 students, with only 34% performing at or above the provincial standard for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Examining the Educational Crisis
Calandra labeled the Near North Board’s EQAO results as “horrific” during a news conference held in Toronto. These results derive from province-wide assessments conducted by the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO), which evaluate student performance in reading, writing, and mathematics.
According to the provincial data, 50% of students across Ontario are not meeting the provincial standard in mathematics. In stark contrast, the Near North Board has recorded only 34% of grade 9 students meeting the standard, a slight increase from last year’s 28%.
Grade 6 Performance
The situation is similarly troubling for grade 6 mathematics, where only 29% of students within the Near North Board meet the provincial standard. Calandra emphasized that nearly half of grade 6 students and 42% of grade 9 students across Ontario are failing to meet benchmarks.
- Grade 9 Math Achievement: 34% at or above provincial standard
- Grade 6 Math Achievement: 29% at or above provincial standard
- Provincial Average: 50% of students not meeting math standards
Root Causes and Governance Issues
Calandra attributed the poor performance to dysfunctional governance within the Near North Board. He pointed out that the board is preoccupied with internal conflicts rather than focusing on student education. The Minister indicated a need for improvement in management practices and governance structures.
As part of addressing these issues, Calandra announced the creation of a new advisory body tasked with thoroughly reviewing how Ontario supports student learning. This review aims to:
- Focus on mathematics, reading, and writing education.
- Identify the root causes of achievement gaps.
- Provide actionable recommendations for educators, parents, and students.
- Examine the clarity and usability of the curriculum.
- Consider teacher preparation and support.
- Ensure assessments align with student learning.
Recent Developments at the Board
Calandra assumed control of the Near North District School Board earlier this week amid ongoing concerns about its governance. The board currently lacks local oversight as the Director of Education, Craig Myles, is on leave. The province has required the board to implement 15 binding actions aimed at restoring governance and rebuilding trust among stakeholders.
As the situation continues to evolve, discussions around educational reforms and improved student outcomes will remain crucial. The Ministry is poised to take further steps to ensure that all students in Ontario receive the quality education they deserve.
For ongoing updates, stay tuned to El-Balad.
