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Ontario’s Math Struggles Spark Provincial Review of Student Testing

Ontario’s latest standardized test results reveal that math achievement remains a serious concern across the province , with many students failing to meet expected benchmarks. The Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) released its 2024–2025 assessment data this week, showing that only 51% of Grade 6 students and 58% of Grade 9 students met the provincial math standard , while Grade 3 students fared slightly better at 64%. Despite modest improvements compared to previous years, the results underscore a persistent gap in student performance. Education Minister Paul Calandra acknowledged that progress has been too slow, announcing the creation of a two-member advisory body to review Ontario’s approach to standardized testing and curriculum delivery . The review will examine whether current teaching strategies, resources, and assessment methods are effectively supporting student learning. The EQAO results also highlighted disparities among student groups and school boards ,...

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How to Boost Your Fitness with 30-Second Movement Snacks

If you want to get fitter and healthier this year, you don’t need to spend hours at the gym or follow a strict diet. You can improve your well-being by adding some simple movement snacks to your daily routine.

Movement snacks are short bursts of activity that you can do throughout the day, such as climbing stairs, doing squats, or stretching. They can help you increase your energy, improve your mood, and enhance your cardiorespiratory fitness.

According to a study by McMasters University, even 20-second intervals of vigorous stair climbing, done three times a day, three days a week, can improve your fitness by 5% in six weeks. That’s a significant benefit for a minimal time investment.

To make movement snacks a habit, you can use a technique called habit stacking, which involves linking a new behavior to an existing one. For example, you can do some push-ups while waiting for your coffee to brew, or some lunges while brushing your teeth. The idea is to make movement a natural part of your day, rather than a chore.

Of course, movement snacks are not a substitute for regular exercise, which is essential for your overall health and wellness. But they can be a great way to supplement your workouts, or to get started on your fitness journey. So why not give them a try and see how they make you feel? You might be surprised by the results.

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