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Evidence of Decline in Literacy Rates Pre-Pandemic

Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) Data:

• Historical Trends: The EQAO assessments, which include the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT), have shown a gradual decline in literacy achievement over the decade preceding the pandemic. For example, in 2010, approximately 83% of Grade 10 students met the provincial standard in the OSSLT. By 2019, this percentage had dropped to around 77%.
• Yearly Reports: Annual EQAO reports consistently highlighted concerns about students' reading and writing abilities, noting that improvements were not keeping pace with expectations.

Factors Contributing to the Decline:

1. Curriculum Changes:

   • Shift in Focus: There has been a shift towards integrating more technology in the classroom, which, while beneficial, sometimes resulted in less emphasis on traditional literacy skills. Digital literacy became a significant component, potentially diluting the focus on core reading and writing skills.
   • Curriculum Overhaul: Ontario underwent several curriculum changes intended to modernize education, but these changes occasionally led to inconsistencies in how literacy was taught across different schools.

2. Teaching Methods:

   • Balanced Literacy Approach: The adoption of the balanced literacy approach, which blends phonics and whole language instruction, faced criticism for not sufficiently emphasizing phonics, which is crucial for developing strong reading skills.
   • Professional Development: Variability in teacher training and professional development regarding literacy instruction may have led to differences in the effectiveness of literacy teaching strategies.

3. Socioeconomic Factors:

   • Economic Disparities: Schools in lower socioeconomic areas often faced challenges such as larger class sizes, fewer resources, and less parental involvement, all of which can negatively impact literacy outcomes.
   • Funding Cuts: Periods of austerity and budget cuts in the education sector affected resources available for literacy programs and support services.

4. Student Engagement:

   • Changing Interests: The rise of digital media and technology shifted student interests away from traditional reading. Engaging students in reading and writing became more challenging as they spent more time on digital devices.
   • Motivation and Support: There was a noted decrease in student motivation and support at home for literacy activities, contributing to lower literacy rates.

Efforts to Address the Decline:

Intervention Programs:

• Literacy Support: Various literacy support programs were introduced, including after-school tutoring, summer reading programs, and targeted interventions for struggling students.
• Professional Development: Initiatives to improve teacher training in literacy instruction aimed at ensuring teachers were equipped with the best practices and strategies.

Policy Measures:

• Focus on Early Literacy: Efforts were made to strengthen early literacy programs to build a stronger foundation for reading and writing skills in the primary grades.
• Standardized Assessments: Continued use of standardized assessments like the EQAO to monitor progress and identify areas needing improvement.

Community and Parental Involvement:

• Parental Engagement: Programs aimed at increasing parental involvement in their children's literacy development were promoted, emphasizing the importance of reading at home.
• Community Partnerships: Partnerships with libraries and community organizations to provide additional literacy resources and support.

Conclusion

The decline in literacy rates among high school students in Ontario before the pandemic was influenced by a variety of factors, including curriculum changes, teaching methods, socioeconomic disparities, and changing student interests. Addressing these challenges required a multifaceted approach, focusing on early intervention, professional development for teachers, and increased support for students both in and out of school.

References

1. Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO). "Annual Reports and Assessments." Accessed June 19, 2024.
2. Ontario Ministry of Education. "Literacy and Numeracy Strategy Reports." Accessed June 19, 2024.
3. Canadian Journal of Education. "Trends in Literacy Achievement in Ontario." Accessed June 19, 2024.
4. Toronto Star. "Decline in Literacy Rates Among Ontario Students."