The Inequity and Effect of Standardized Literacy Testing for First Nations Students: An Ontario (Canadian) Outlook

Abstract

The authors illuminate the distinct issues of standardized literacy testing on First Nations (FN) such as the need for equity within Ontario, Canada with regard to the provincial Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO - test) and the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT), both criterion-referenced tests for students in Ontario. The authors address key areas such as historical background, test equity, literacy practices and the effect on FN students. A cursory overview of government and control via testing of First Nations was explored.