In response to the emergence and spread of COVID-19, the decision was made last week to close all publicly funded schools for two weeks following the March Break, as well, the decision was made yesterday to declare of a provincial emergency. These decisions were based on advice from Dr. David Williams, Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health and the experts at the COVID-19 Command Table.
EQAO Assessments
Given the school closure period and the uncertainty beyond that point, cancelled are EQAO assessments for the remainder of this school year. Appreciated is the work done to prepare for these assessments by board and school staff, students and families.
For students who are graduating in the 2019-20 school year, the literacy graduation requirement as set out in Ontario Schools, Kindergarten to Grade 12: Policy and Program Requirements, 2016 will be waived. Students who are not graduating this school year will have the opportunity to write the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) in the upcoming 2020-21 school year.
Continuity of Learning
The ministry is working on plans to support the continuity of learning during the closure period and possibly beyond. The ministry expects to launch a site this week with a single point of access to online learning opportunities. This will be shared with staff, students and families when this is operational.