Press Releases 2004

For Immediate Release

November 10, 2004

Tory Standardized Testing Continues to Reap Benefits for Students

Today's report of the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) demonstrates that students continue to improve their skills under the new curriculum.

The standardized testing in grades 3 and 6 first introduced by the Conservatives were the first in Ontario's history to identify and measure literacy and numeracy skills in order to best direct resources for students where they are needed most.

Today's results show increases in performance in both Grade 3 and 6.

"The improvement in results affirms that the policy for testing and changes to the curriculum that we made are helping young students and will prepare them for a better future," said Frank Klees, Conservative Education Critic. "We look forward to seeing more improvement as our students work their way through this challenging curriculum. Parents can be proud."

"However, the Liberals, with their plan to eliminate teacher testing and changes to the Ontario College of Teachers threaten to erode these important gains," Klees added.

-30-

For further information Contact:

Terry Ross

416-325-7316