Education Quality and Accountability Office
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| Acronym | EQAO |
|---|---|
| Countries / regions | Ontario |
| Website | www |
The Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) is an arm’s-length crown agency of the Government of Ontario in Canada. It was legislated into creation in 1996 in response to recommendations made by the Royal Commission on Learning in February 1995.
EQAO is governed by a board of directors appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council. The chair of the board is currently Brian L. Desbiens. EQAO has an annual budget of approximately $33 million CDN.
The purpose of EQAO tests is to ensure that there is accountability between school boards and schools in the publicly funded system in Ontario. Educational accountability is important to three key stakeholders: taxpayers, elected officials, and teachers. By providing these yearly standardized tests, the Ministry of Education hopes to increase the quality of education in Ontario, while also using the tests to make plans for future improvement.
EQAO tests are intended to measure the students' ability to:
It is important to note that EQAO tests have different goals and intentions than normal classroom tests. These tests are not the same, but when considering the EQAO test results along with the classroom results, they can provide a meaningful picture of the students' overall learning.
Classroom tests:
EQAO tests:
EQAO’s mandate is to conduct province-wide tests at key points in every student’s primary, junior and secondary education and report the results to educators, parents and the public.
The specific responsibilities of the Office include:
EQAO conducts province-wide tests annually. Students attending publicly funded elementary and secondary schools in Ontario are required to take the respective tests at their grade level:
For students with special education needs, some accommodations that are consistent with regular classroom assessment practices are permitted on the provincial tests. Special provisions may also be permitted for English language learners. In extenuating circumstances, the principal may exempt a student from writing the test if they are unable to complete part or all of the test, even with the appropriate accommodations.
The question on EQAO’s tests are developed by Ontario educators and linked directly to the learning expectations in The Ontario Curriculum.
Educators use the results of Ontario’s province-wide tests in combination with other important information, such as demographic information, to help improve student learning and achievement. According to a 2010 survey by EQAO, more than 95% of elementary school principals and 80% of Grades 3 and 6 teachers use EQAO test results to identify areas of strength and areas for improvement in reading, writing and math programs. More than 95% of principals also reported that they use the data to guide overall school improvement initiatives.
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