Ottawa Carleton District School Board

Student Achievement

Individual student achievement is summarized on a student’s report card for both curriculum expectations and learning skills.  District-wide student achievement is measured in several ways, but one key measure is the data from EQAO assessments.  The Education Quality and Accountability Office testing is done annually across Ontario for students in grades 3 and 6 in reading, writing and math; grade 9 in math; and grade 10 in literacy (OSSLT). 

EQAO Results

Results from 2021-2022 assessments mark the first set of provincial data after two years of disruption for students and staff. Several significant changes have occurred since the 2018-2019 EQAO assessments. The results from 2021-2022 establish a new baseline against which progress can be monitored moving forward. This includes the introduction of a new elementary math curriculum and new destreamed secondary curriculum. In addition, a new assessment framework and mode of delivery was also introduced. Only students learning in person (and students learning remotely who chose to write in person) participated in the assessments this past year, according to government direction.

We are proud of the achievements of OCDSB students, particularly as these assessments were conducted through the pandemic. The results reaffirm the vital contribution of all educators to support student learning and well-being.

The following table provides an overview of results for the OCDSB:

Our Successes:

• Results for the OCDSB are higher than the provincial average in all assessment areas, with the exception of Grade 6 reading and writing where results were the same.
• OCDSB students with special education needs (excluding gifted) outperformed their provincial peers in all assessment areas.
• English language learners in the OCDSB continue to outperform their provincial peers on the OSSLT.

Our Challenges:

• Similar to the provincial experience, mathematics continues to be an area of challenge. 
• While English language learners had positive results on the OSSLT, we would like to see further progress in reading, writing and mathematics, and in grade 9 mathematics.

Using data to support student learning

Along with other sets of information the OCDSB compiles, the EQAO data helps guide our strategies to support student learning, achievement and well-being moving forward.

We continue to focus on such areas as student mental health and well-being, mathematics, early reading, and ensuring appropriate strategies to support equitable outcomes for all learners.