Whitby families reviewing the Durham District School Board’s latest provincial assessment results will find stronger performance in literacy than mathematics, with fewer than half of Grade 6 students meeting the provincial math standard.
Following the release of the 2025–2026 Education Quality and Accountability Office results, the Durham District School Board reported gains in several elementary assessments. It also identified mathematics as an ongoing priority, particularly for multilingual language learners and students with Individual Education Plans.
Across the board, 85 per cent of Grade 6 students met the provincial standard in reading and 84 per cent did so in writing. For Grade 3 students, the corresponding results were 73 per cent in reading and 66 per cent in writing.
The board’s Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test success rate was 86 per cent.
Compared with the previous year, results improved in Grade 3 writing and in Grade 6 reading, writing and mathematics, according to the board.
Math results show need for continued support
Grade 6 mathematics achievement rose slightly to 48 per cent, while Grade 9 mathematics remained unchanged at 58 per cent. The board said math continues to require targeted support.
The results also showed continuing achievement gaps for multilingual language learners and students with Individual Education Plans across several assessment areas, particularly mathematics.
There were literacy gains among Grade 6 multilingual language learners: 61 per cent met the provincial standard in reading and 59 per cent in writing.
Students receiving special education supports improved in Grade 3 reading, writing and mathematics, as well as Grade 6 reading and writing. The board described those gains as progress while noting the need for continued support.
French Immersion students recorded high literacy results in Grade 6, with 94 per cent meeting the standard in both reading and writing. The board also reported improvements in other assessment areas for French Immersion students.
How the board will use the results
DDSB said provincial assessments are one measure of student learning, rather than the only basis for planning. Staff review them alongside classroom assessments, educator observations and other board data to understand achievement and student well-being.
Under its Multi-Year Strategic Plan, the board’s literacy work includes evidence-based instruction and structured literacy approaches. Its mathematics strategies focus on conceptual understanding and problem-solving.
The board also identifies digital tools, assessments and data-informed practices as ways to recognize students’ strengths and needs. Additional supports and interventions are intended for students who require more assistance.
DDSB said the findings will help shape school improvement planning and classroom instruction, alongside its ongoing work to provide equitable and inclusive learning opportunities.