Comments on: Is Star “spinning” news about PCAP reading test scores?

By: Sandy

Sandy — Thu, 01 May 2008 23:58:24 +0000

The H/T goes to Doretta Wilson, Executive Director of the Society for Quality Education with thanks. She just gave me permission to publish her name and organization which I have now added to the bottom of the post.

By: Ann

Ann — Thu, 01 May 2008 19:11:38 +0000

This is a spin for sure. Perhaps the Star can explain just how it is Ontarians are on the hook for supporting a Literacy and Numeracy Secretariat yet the EQAO scores have either flat-lined or declined?

If 88% scored above a Level 2 that’s not saying much at all. There are only 4 levels. Two is below standard as far as I’m concerned.

If I’m not mistaken I do believe the Education Premier’s plan was to get 75% of Ontario students at a Level 3 or better? Not going to happen.

How be instead of padding the Literacy and Numeracy bureaucracy we give local schools their money directly to spend on phonics programs. That would be money far better spent than on more bureaucrats for fewer students.

By: Steve

Steve — Thu, 01 May 2008 18:05:15 +0000

Of course the Star is spinning for the Liberals. That is what the Star does.

On a personal note, after moving to Toronto from Quebec, I noticed a real deterioration in the quality of education my daughter is now receiving, despite the fact that her elementary school had a perfect 10.0 score in the Fraser Institute rankings the year prior to her attending it.

Here, they seem to think piling on the homework makes up for weak pedagogy.