The report has received significant media attention in the past few weeks related to the supposed closing of specialty schools. The Director of the TDSB, John Malloy, has since issued a statement indicating that the closure of specialty schools is not the intention of the Board, but that the Board will instead consider how these programs can be accessible to all. The report discusses much more than just the future of TDSB specialty schools and we feel that it is important for parents to be aware.
We have highlighted some areas of the report that may be of particular interest (outside of the specific recommendations), but we encourage you to read the whole report to get a complete view of the Enhancing Equity Task Force’s recommendations to the Board. Parents are reminded that the Report is currently in the draft stage and a final report including recommendations will be presented to the Board in December.
Biased Curriculum Materials and Equity Based Curriculum – Participants noted that both the curriculum and textbooks being used in our schools are Eurocentric. According to the report, this results in many students struggling to see themselves as part of the school community. Culturally relevant pedagogy was suggested as were courses specifically focused on equity. (page 15 & 31)
Parent and Community Relationships – Taking deliberate action to include all families and voices at the school level was deemed imperative by participants. Participants also felt that school buildings should become a community hub to provide space and resources for families to come together. (page 18)
Special Education – Participants noted that programs such as the Home School Program and Gifted Program and practices such as streaming contribute to the division along socio-economic and racial lines. The report recommends that the Home School Program should no longer exist in its current form and that integrated student support should be provided within the classroom setting. Appropriate and adequate supports are required to transition this program effectively. (pages 14, 19 & 29)
Destreaming – The Task Force Report recommended destreaming Grade 9 and 10 students. New programming would phase out Academic, Applied and Locally Developed levels. (page 29)
Socio-Economic Inequalities Between Schools – The report noted that Parent Councils in low socio-economic areas experience a lower fundraising capacity that leads to an inequity of opportunities for students. The report suggested more equitable access to funding and resources among schools including a potential review of school-based fundraising practices. (page 13)
Equitable Hiring – The report recommends that the Board examine and act on equities in staffing promotion and transfer processes and that priority is given to the hiring of diverse staff, especially in racialized backgrounds. (page 33)
The TDSB would like your opinion on the recommendations and proposals presented in the Enhancing Equity Task Force Report. Please use this form to provide input and feedback before November 20th.
The APA Team