Elementary teachers right across Ontario are looking for an end to the Education Quality and Accountability Office testing program.
Sam Hammond is the president of the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario.
He says a poll of his members shows they are concerned the province’s push for improved provincial test scores is making it difficult for them to provide a balanced program for students.
Hammond says the teachers fear students are being denied a well rounded education because of the focus on literacy and numeracy.
Hammond says as a result other areas like the arts or physical education are not getting the attention they deserve.
He says a majority of teachers think that EQAO testing has either made no difference in the quality of elementary education in Ontario or even made it worse.
Hammond says a large number of teachers would like to see the testing phased out completly and a move away from the ranking of schools as well.
