Support specialized programs & schools made possible by optional attendance!

For the sake of those who aim high and fly higher, I say no to the new TDSb program for "equity".

Review the system and make the changes that will bring changes... diversity (student and teachers), access and success..... Don't destroy something that can work, make it better!

I went to a specialized school and I think it was a fantastic opportunity and it would be a shame to remove them and take away the chance for future students to benefit from them.

Review the system and make the changes that will bring changes... diversity (student and teachers), access and success..... Don't destroy something that can work, make it better!

My mother will go on record saying that Etobicoke School of The Arts saved my life in the 80's. ! As a graduate of an all arts high school who has had successful careers in the arts, interactive design and architecture industries, my success in was largely in part to the high quality arts education I got as a teen. Every kid in Toronto deserves the education and resources that were available to me more than 30 years ago NOW, TODAY, in every neighbourhood. Music, visual art, drama, dance, film, electronic media and storytelling are essentials.

Teachers can’t manage special ed in their local class. Specialized education will go by the wayside if teachers try to integrate it into a class. There will be total lack of focus trying to merge all student types together in a class. Already classes have split grades so could you imagine split gifted and non-gifted? Yes I agree to phase out any auditions to public school -this does create inequity. Specialized programs such as TOPS and Gifted caters to diverse types of thinkers. Let’s not let equity trump DIVERSITY!

By removing all the specialized programs TDSB will achieve underdevelopment of the students capable of achieving better results compared to the standard stream. Moreover, to fully develop such students will have only private education option which is not available to everyone. Canada will lose in number of bright artists and scientists. Please do not do this to public education. And it is completely inappropriate to mask financing issues under such reports

While the removal of special programs (Claude Watson, gifted, Macs, etc.) is terrible to think about, the most important thing here is that they're taking away separate streams (enriched, applied). My heart hurts for those in applied. This is not how you create equity!

We need these schools!

This is such an accepting and supporting school! We need it! It changed the life of so many!!!

Going to art school saved me, and other students that may have been bullied for many reasons in their home schools. Art schools are typically a safe space and platform for individuality and creation, and are absolutely necessary.

We are proud of TDSB for its specialized programs to accommodate talented kids or learning passionated kids needs to reach their excellences in academic and life. Now TDSB is going to take away the helpful programs??? Many places in north American have the special programs to meet kids needs to improve their learning level in Arts, Sports, and Academic. As one of the largest cities in the world, the School Board Is going to give up all there kids with special needs??? I understand and support of equity and well being. We should respect each kid. However some kids born with talence, or showing different advanced skills in very earlier ages. These kids and families Are crying For helps. Not all of them Are affordable private schools. It Is the shame if TDSB fails to support these kids who should be respected and welcomed as well. In a word, TDSB should keep supporting special programs to make Sure not wasting or hurting kids with special passion and needs.

Never never take the arts away from young people. They are our future

All Students in the elementary schools should have the opportunity to be taught art, music, drama and dance. They are exposed to everything else ...see below areas. Schools chose students who excel in math, hockey, basketball, volleyball, tennis, track and field, skiing,science, enhanced,enrichment, special needs, & FLS. Students who excel in the arts should be chosen too.

I am in favour of keeping specialized programs in the TDSB to help students with specific passions and talents an opportunity to succeed.

These specialty schools enhance the education system and should not be eliminated! E S of the Arts, as well as others are VALUABLE ! more of these schools should be rolled out !

How could one pair of shoes would fit all people? Diversified education will benefit the young generation! These programs have been proved successful! Please keep them!

Please do not phase out these amazing schools! Instead, focus on replicating them across the city so more kids can benefit!!

i want it kept

I come from poverty and extreme circumstances. Without the funding to the TDSB Band program and Etobicoke School of the Arts I would never have had access to the tools which has led to a successful career in the music industry. I presently run a music publicity business and find lots of success for my clients. It keeps me employed and enriches the cultural tapestry of out city and country. Furthermore, what I found most powerful about my experience at ESA is that it was a safe space to be myself and without that experience I don't think I ever would have tapped into my personal power. Artistic and personal expression is a matter of mental health and it's important that we nurture that above all.