New teachers in Ontario will soon have to pass a math test by scoring at least 70 per cent but the idea is being slammed by teachers unions.

A memo from the deputy education minister Nancy Naylor says the new test will include both math questions based on elementary and secondary school concepts, and questions on math assessment, planning and facilitating student learning.But the teachers’ unions question the value of giving all teachers the same test. Representatives of both the Elementary Teachers’ Federation and Secondary School Teachers’ Federation say the test is unnecessary, since a majority of them will never teach math and that it makes no sense to expect a kindergarten teacher to have a “firm grasp of calculus.” It will be in place starting this academic year for any prospective teachers applying for registration with the Ontario College of Teachers on or after March 31. Last August, the EQAO said math test scores among public elementary students  had been decreasing over the last five years.The latest results are set to be released Wednesday.