Ontario teacher math test data shows racial and language gaps

New data shared by the Ontario Teachers’ Federation shows notable differences in pass rates for the province’s mandatory teacher math test across racial, language, and age groups. The test, which teacher candidates must pass to become certified, had an overall firsttry pass rate of about 68 per cent, rising to 82 per cent when retakes were included. But the breakdown showed lower success rates for some racialized candidates, Frenchlanguage speakers, and older applicants. Teachers’ federation president Chris Cowley said the results suggest the test creates barriers rather than measuring teaching ability. The provincial government says the requirement sets a consistent standard and helps ensure teachers are prepared for the classroom. The test was introduced in 2021, paused after a court challenge, and later reinstated after an appeal. The federation says the latest figures raise questions about how many potential teachers may be discouraged from entering the profession.