Planning for Mathematics Learning Renewal Among Ontario Students: Comparison of Item-Level Performance Pre- and Post-Pandemic

• In Event: Sunday Roundtable Session 1:15 pm
  In Roundtable Session: Large-Scale Studies of Student Understanding and Achievement (Table 38)

Abstract

The unprecedented disruptions to in-person learning caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have led to concerns about learning loss and the need for recovery. To gauge its impact on mathematics learning in Ontario, Canada, this study compared Grade 3 and Grade 6 student performance on province-wide assessment items used in Spring 2022 with performance on the same items administered in 2019 or prior (N ≈ 85,000). Results revealed significant performance drops in most re-used items, with the largest decreases in the Spatial Sense strand and the Thinking skill category for Grade 3, suggesting challenges in hands-on learning experiences and advanced problem-solving skills. These findings highlight the need for targeted recovery strategies and areas requiring focused attention in post-pandemic mathematics education.

Authors

• Margaret Dunlop, Education Quality and Accountability Office

• Hyunah Kim, Education Quality and Accountability Office

• Jennifer Hove, Education Quality and Accountability Office