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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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Trump Administration Initiates Major Federal Workforce Reduction


In a significant move, the Trump administration has issued a memo directing federal agencies to develop plans for large-scale layoffs. This directive is part of President Donald Trump's broader effort to downsize the federal workforce, which he has often described as bloated and inefficient.

The memo, distributed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), requires agencies to submit their plans for a reduction in force (RIF) by March 13. These plans will not only lay off employees but also eliminate their positions altogether, potentially leading to extensive changes in how the government functions.

Russell Vought, director of the OMB, emphasized the need for a more efficient government, stating, "The federal government is costly, inefficient, and deeply in debt. At the same time, it is not producing results for the American public".

The memo comes as Trump prepares for the first Cabinet meeting of his second term, with Elon Musk, who oversees the Department of Government Efficiency, playing a key advisory role. The administration's goal is to streamline operations and improve productivity, even if it means significant workforce reductions.

This move has already sparked protests among federal workers, who fear the impact of these layoffs on their livelihoods and the overall functioning of government services. The coming weeks will reveal how these plans unfold and their broader implications for the federal workforce and public services.






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