EARLY READING SCREENERS


UNDERSTANDING TEACHER AND OCCASIONAL TEACHER PROFESSIONAL JUDGEMENT RIGHTS


BY HEATHER AGGUS AND TARA ZWOLINSKI O


n February 28, 2022, the Ontario Human Rights Commission released the final report of the Right to Read inquiry, which


included 157 recommendations. Of these, 18 refer to the use of universal early reading screeners (ERS). Te Ontario Ministry of Education’s


Policy/Program Memorandum 168 defines early reading screeners as “a process of assess- ing a student’s foundational reading in the early years of school. It involves administer- ing a series of measures to identify students who may be at risk for reading difficulties.” Te screeners are mandatory as of Sep-


tember 2024. Between the start of the school year and November 20, students in year two of Kindergarten and in grades 1 and 2 will be screened annually. ETFO recognizes the importance of


evidence-based assessments and identifying students who are experiencing reading dif- ficulties. However, without interventions to improve student learning, assessments are merely performative. Our union and our members have always been committed to providing meaningful support for learners who are having trouble with learning, in- cluding learning how to read. Tat’s why, in the most recent round of


bargaining, ETFO fought to maintain the existing language enshrining professional


18 ETFO VOICE | FALL 2024


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