EQAO: Digitization and Modernization

EQAO recognizes that it is time to modernize its assessment program. Recent events and government direction have accelerated the agency’s initiative to support student learning through technology as the agency resumes its large-scale assessment program. EQAO is committed to providing timely curriculum-based data in support of students and the education community at this time of rapid change.

New Online Adaptive Model

This year, EQAO is field testing a new online and adaptive assessment for Grade 9 academic and applied mathematics courses. The purpose of this field test is to allow students and educators to become familiar with the new model, and to support the validation and continued development of the new platform. The Near North District School Board will begin "field testing" the new assessment platform during Octomester 3 (in December).

Field-Test Details

The initial field test will include students currently completing 'in-person' Grade 9 academic and applied mathematics courses. Students who have completed a Grade 9 academic or applied mathematics course during octomester 1 & 2, will not write the Grade 9 EQAO mathematics assessment. An assessment window will open each month to accommodate future octomesters. 

Individual student results for those who complete the assessment will be available for teachers and students immediately after the administration. Unlike in prior years, field-test results will not be used to determine a student’s final course mark unless agreed to by the teacher and the student in consultation with the parents or guardians.

Students have the opportunity to become familiar with the digital assessment and its platform through EQAO's online sample test. Also available on the EQAO website is the updated Framework, which provides a detailed description of EQAO’s Grade 9 Assessment of Mathematics. The Framework details how the assessment is mapped to the Ontario mathematics curriculum and includes a sample student report.

For more details about the Grade 9 academic and applied mathematics field test, please contact your school.