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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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Fed Holds Rates Steady: Investors React

 


The Federal Reserve’s decision to hold interest rates steady at the end of its January meeting has been met with mixed reactions from investors. While some investors were hoping for a rate cut, others are pleased with the Fed’s decision to maintain the status quo. The Fed’s decision was based on the progress it has made in defeating inflation, which has been a major concern for policymakers in recent months.

The 10-year Treasury yield dipped after the Fed’s announcement, as investors digested the latest interest rate decision and clues about the policy path ahead. The stock market also took a hit after Fed Chair Jerome Powell suggested that the Fed may not cut rates in March.

Despite the mixed reactions, the Fed’s decision to hold rates steady is a sign of confidence in the economy’s strength. The Fed’s official target is a 2% annual rate of inflation, and prices rose 2.6% from a year ago as of December 2023. The improving inflation picture is giving policymakers room to slow their fastest rate-hiking regime since the 1980s.


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