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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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Toronto Real Estate: A January Surge in Home Sales

 

In a remarkable turn of events, the Greater Toronto housing market witnessed a 37% surge in home sales during the month of January. This impressive growth comes as a beacon of hope for both buyers and sellers, signaling a dynamic shift in the real estate landscape.

Key Highlights:

  1. Sales Momentum: A staggering 4,223 homes changed hands last month, marking a substantial 22.9% month-over-month increase from December. The allure of lower borrowing costs, particularly associated with fixed-rate mortgages, enticed buyers back into the market.

  2. Tightening Market: While new listings saw a 6.1% increase compared to January 2023, they failed to keep pace with the surging demand. As a result, the market has become tighter than it was a year ago.

  3. Across Housing Categories: The sales surge was not limited to specific housing typesTownhouses led the charge with a remarkable 54.5% annual increase, closely followed by semi-detached homes at 42.9%.

  4. Average Home Price: Despite the robust sales activity, the average home price experienced a slight dip. It dropped one percent from the same time last year, settling at $1,026,703. This figure also represents a 5.4% decrease from the final month of 2023.

  5. Looking Ahead: TRREB President Jennifer Pearce remains optimistic. If inflation cools off as predicted by the Bank of Canada, resulting in lower interest rates, more buyers are likely to re-enter the market. This includes those currently grappling with high rents, eagerly seeking their first home.

The Greater Toronto housing market’s resilience and adaptability continue to shape the city’s real estate narrative. As we move forward, all eyes remain on the evolving dynamics, ready to seize opportunities in this dynamic landscape. 

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