EQAO Results and School Rankings

Abstract

This chapter argues that the way Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) standardized tests are administered and the results used, with a focus on quantifiable outcomes, perpetuates inequitable educational practices, particularly disadvantaging racialized students and communities and those from lower socio-economic status. EQAO test scores have gained so much currency in ranking and judging schools that increases or decreases in property values are highly correlated to school rankings published by the Fraser Institute. Real estate agents selling properties often emphasize school rankings to attract homebuyers which feeds into the cycle of parents making inferences about the quality of education offered at schools based on EQAO scores. This greatly marginalizes schools that are ranked low on the list because it contributes to lower student enrolment and consequentially less funding.