Support specialized programs & schools made possible by optional attendance!

Attending Arts school was central to who I was as a teen. These spaces need to exist for kids who follow a unique path -- I see with my own kids how important it is to have an outlet and healthy, productive influences. As an adult, I support the arts as a patron -- largely driven by my early experiences and deep appreciation for the skills and commitment it takes. Arts are important -- and for so many kids, their only exposure and comes through school. We need more - not less.

The specialized program is a highlighted in the public education school board, students get big benefit from those program which they cannot get from the home school.

I went to a specialized arts program in high school (Claude Watson) and it was the best decision I made. I would not be working in the film industry today without the help of my teachers. That program helped encourage my creativity and hone my abilities from an early age. It is absolutely crucial that other kids have this opportunity.

please keep the special program as it is impossible to have one program fitting for everybody.

Speciality programs should remain. They are critical to helping certain students achieve better, stay in school longer, and to ultimately become better, educated, and happy citizens. Cancelling these programs would be cruel.

I went to an arts high school in Ottawa and it was invaluable. We absolutely need these schools.

I do not agree to phase out gifted IB TOPs program. Different IQ students should treat differently

Please do not phase out specialized programs. This is what makes TDSB unique.

I am an alumni of Wexford’s Speical Visual Arts program. We was the most amazing experience and the education there has lead me to a career in design/advertising and globetrotting. Please don’t phrase it out. My life has been richer from spending my critical years there as a teenager, the impact is life long. The teachers there lifted me through some dark times through arts.

As a graduate of the Claude Watson Arts Programme, I strongly disagree with the idea of phasing our specialized programmes. CWA was an invaluable experience for me and was the first academic step in my career as an artist. CWA is an incredibly strong arts programme and many of its graduates have gone onto successful careers in the arts. Terminating it would be an enormous loss and I strongly encourage the TDSB to abandon this endeavour, and instead seek to create additional opportunities for students in other schools to be exposed to and study the arts.

I object to phase out specialized program.

I object to phase out specialized program.

we all hope that strive for excellence will be kept alive in this country..!

The stupid draft will benefit who finally? Do not bully gifted kids like never bully anyone. We should encourage students reach the high even not every one can reach it but at least they are trying. Phasing out oppotional attendence means discouraging students pursuit for excellence. You guys kill gifted students' dream.

Two of my children went to specialized programs in TDSB. The programs were able to guide my children to use the gifts they were born with. No student is accepted in a TDSB program without going through the testing that is implemented BY TDSB. So, when you state: “This means ensuring that all students have access – the same access – to learning, opportunities, resources and tools to succeed while keeping our high standard of excellence for all students.”, you will have to think twice. In fact ALL students have access - same access to learning opportunities and programs. Not all have the same gifts and abilities, which is fine. What TDSB has to do, is to create MORE programs so all students will be able to find out what their abilities and gifts are. You will also have to focus on truly teaching these students “strong literacy and numeracy skills which are critical foundation for all other academic achievement and for a lifetime of success” (see: http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/elementary.html). The level of these skills has dropped significantly throughout the years, and it should be a concern for TDSB. Only if TDSB still cares about students….

These programs are a main reason Toronto is as diversely skilled and cultured as it is.

No way jose

I attended a specialized art program throughout elementary and secondary schools. It was very beneficial to my growth and development as a curator today. The enriched education I received during these formative years significantly shaped my approach to creativity, innovation, and critical thinking. Phasing out specialized programs under the guise of creating equitable access is just a means of cutting the budget for enriched academic, arts and cultural educational opportunities for our youth. Shame on you TDSB!

It is sad to see that these amazing programs which motivate kids don't have the support they need. Kids work hard to get into these programs which are offered to everyone, and work that much harder to succeed in them.

Have you considered that cutting programs aimed at high academic achievers also removes incentives from financially disadvantaged students to strive to achieve? If the programs are located in schools that are difficult for less advantaged students to get to, surely an effort could be made to locate programs in schools within the less financially advantaged areas, thereby making it less difficult for students based there to attend. It is a shame to cancel special programs just because they are not accessible to everyone. Nothing is completely accessible to everyone.