The province is moving head with mandatory math tests for new teachers seeking employment at the elementary and secondary levels.
They will need at least a 70% score to pass.
Education Minister Stephen Lecce says they simply want to help educators succeed at what they do.
“I think that’s not a comment on their craft, on their skills. More so a comment as a government culturally that we want to continuously improve who we have in front of our kids.”
Lecce says there will be a protocol to follow if teachers fail the exam on their first try.
He notes the test will help the government better understand the challenges facing teachers and students in math and where they need to allocate more support for professional development.”
Math has been a problem area in the Keewatin-Patricia School District and the province for the past couple of years.
Lecce stresses “I expect higher results for our kids. I want to see better improvements for the next generation. I want to make sure that math is something that is not just taught but is something that can be inspired for kids in Ontario.”
The agency now responsible for administering math and literacy tests to students has been asked to come up with the exam for teachers.
