After The Bell Episode 63 Frogs and Boiling Water: Talking Declining Academic Scores With Professor John Richards
Ever wondered why Canada’s scores in science, math, and reading are showing signs of decline? With international assessments like PISA revealing these trends, educators, policymakers, and parents are increasingly concerned. In this comprehensive breakdown, we delve into the causes, implications, and potential solutions to these educational challenges, informed by insights from education policy experts and researchers.
The Long-Term Trends in Student Performance: Are We Facing a Slow Decline?
Over the past decade, Canada’s standing in international assessments such as PISA has gradually slipped. Unlike sudden drops, this decline is subtle yet persistent—a phenomenon often likened to a “boiling frog” syndrome. According to education researcher Professor John Richards, Canada’s scores in math, science, and reading were initially well above average, hovering around 530 points, but have slowly declined over successive assessments. Despite remaining in the top ranks among OECD countries (around 5th or 6th), the downward shift raises alarms. Richards points out that the decline from 2018 to 2022 was approximately 15 points, a statistic that reflects a gradual erosion, potentially exacerbated by the chaos caused by COVID-19 school disruptions. This slow decline suggests that action is needed before the problem becomes more pronounced—there’s a risk of complacency if we ignore these subtle but worrying trends.
What Are the Factors Behind the Decline?
A key factor identified may be the training of teachers, particularly in core subjects like math. Data indicates that Quebec outperforms other provinces, likely because their secondary teachers possess more specialized math training. The typical approach to math education has shifted over time, from rote memorization of multiplication tables to inquiry-based discovery methods. Author and education expert Anna Stoke criticizes the move away from memorization, arguing that foundational skills, such as times tables, are essential for fluency. She advocates for the importance of traditional learning methods—doing lots of questions from subtraction to division—before moving on to more complex concepts. This foundational knowledge allows students to develop confidence and competence, particularly when they can offload some of their mental working memory onto well-developed skills. With the rise of artificial intelligence and digital tools, some worry that learning foundational skills may be further de-emphasized. Professor Richards warns that the easy availability of AI writing tools and calculators can diminish students’ cognitive effort in learning core skills like writing and math. In our podcast, Martin Stuible notes that the ability to generate stories with AI in elementary schools could hinder the development of critical thinking and creativity.This concern echoes the metaphor of “boiling frogs”: if students are gradually allowed to bypass learning essential skills, the educational “water” slowly heats up, leading to a crisis of literacy and numeracy that could be difficult to reverse. Richards emphasizes that skills like organizing writing and understanding basic arithmetic should be emphasized early on, especially since these form the basis for higher-level reasoning and problem-solving. The role of the home environment and societal attitudes can also not be overlooked. Richards and his colleagues suggest that societal factors—such as attitudes toward reading, the value placed on education, and family learning habits—have a profound impact. Countries with cultures that prioritize reading and academic achievement tend to perform better in assessments. Additionally, inequalities among provinces pose challenges. For instance, Indigenous students and students from smaller or rural provinces often lag behind, influenced by disparities in resources and community support. Richards highlights the importance of targeted interventions and assessments that identify these gaps to address systemic inequities.
Strategies for Addressing the Decline
Richards underscores that improving teacher preparation, especially in core subjects, is crucial. Countries like Finland and Singapore assign high value and pay to teaching professions, resulting in better student outcomes. As Roy Hunt notes, Finnish teachers are required to master the subjects they teach and are compensated accordingly, making teaching a respected and attractive career. Professional development should focus on maintaining foundational skills, integrating evidence-based instructional strategies, and adapting to new technologies without losing sight of core educational principles. Ensuring that teachers are well-trained and motivated is fundamental to reversing the decline. A balanced approach that combines inquiry-based learning with mastery of essential skills might be most effective. Stoke’s advocacy for memorization and mastery of multiplication tables exemplifies this. Students need solid grounding in basic arithmetic to tackle complex problems confidently.Similarly, writing assignments—such as essays—are still invaluable in developing organizational and critical thinking skills. Richards warns that reliance on AI for writing may hinder students’ ability to organize and express ideas effectively. Therefore, re-emphasizing traditional literacy practices, including handwriting and manual writing, can help preserve cognitive skills. Changing societal attitudes towards education and literacy is vital. Encouraging reading at home, fostering a culture of continuous learning, and reducing excessive screen time are strategies that can support school-based efforts. Studies show that children whose families prioritize reading and model lifelong learning tend to perform better academically.Furthermore, addressing disparities in educational access, especially among Indigenous and rural populations, requires targeted policies. Further, while technology and AI are powerful tools, they should complement rather than replace foundational skills. Richards warns that in environments where students can simply generate essays via AI or use calculators without understanding the underlying concepts, cognitive skills may deteriorate. Educators should promote balanced use—leveraging new tools while reinforcing core competencies.
The Importance of Continuous Monitoring and Policy Focus
Richards advocates for ongoing, rigorous assessment such as the next round of PISA, scheduled for 2025. Longitudinal data can reveal whether policies and interventions are effective or if further adjustments are needed. He also emphasizes that demographic and regional disparities—such as the performance gaps among provinces—must be addressed proactively. By focusing on early childhood education, training teachers to deliver effective instruction, and fostering a societal culture that values literacy and numeracy, Canada can work toward reversing the downward trend. A focus on systemic issues, combined with targeted local strategies, is essential for strengthening the foundation of future generations.
Final Thoughts
The apparent decline in Canadian student scores is not a simple story but a layered challenge involving teaching quality, societal attitudes, technology, and systemic disparities. As Richards aptly notes, “education is messy,” and solutions require nuanced, sustained effort rather than quick fixes. By valuing foundational skills, supporting teachers, engaging families, and responsibly integrating technology, Canada can aspire to restore and surpass previous educational standards. The journey might be complex, but with informed action and commitment, a brighter future for student achievement is possible.
Interested in learning more?
Listen to the podcast or watch the full episode of After the Bell with Professor John Richards, where complex issues around education policy and performance are discussed in depth.
Want to dive deeper?
FAQ Section
Why have Canadian student scores been declining over recent years?
The decline stems from a combination of factors, including changes in teaching practices, over-reliance on technology, societal attitudes towards literacy, and regional disparities, compounded by disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
What role does teacher training play in student performance?
Quality teacher training is fundamental. Countries like Finland prioritize thorough subject mastery and professional standards for teachers, leading to better student outcomes — a model Canada can emulate to improve results.
How does inquiry-based learning impact foundational skills?
Inquiry-based methods promote critical thinking but may neglect the importance of mastering basic skills like memorization and procedural fluency. Balancing inquiry with traditional mastery techniques can provide a more effective approach.
What can parents do to support education at home?
Encouraging reading, limiting screen time, fostering curiosity, and modeling a love of learning at home help reinforce school-based education and improve academic performance.
How can technology both help and hinder learning?
While AI and digital tools can support personalized learning, overuse without a solid foundational knowledge can weaken core skills. Education systems should integrate technology thoughtfully, emphasizing foundational skills first.
A Stunt Brothers Production 