Support specialized programs & schools made possible by optional attendance!

We strongly disagree in the CONGREGATED gifted program.

Having the gifted program has immeasurable benefits and has been one of the distinguishing features of the TDSB system. We implore you to ensure its continuance.

Stop putting students at a disadvantage! Not all kids learn the same way. What’s next? Cutting programs for children with LDs?

All 3 of our children have benefitted from optional attendance both in elementary and high school. Their experiences in specialized schools gave them learning and community well beyond the regular school system in our neighbourhood. They found their voices and have blossomed as independent, socially conscious, creative young adults. It's an investment in Toronto's future leaders to keep optional attendance for specialized schools available.

Joanna Marcovici

I wanna go to IB

DISAGREE with the recommedation REGARDING the OPTIONAL ATTENDENCE.

Is Canada turning into a communist state? TDSB is clearly heading in that direction. I don’t want my children to be subjected to another social experiment. Keep your hands off out great schools.

Save home school program , intensive support , core and enhance support for Applied level placements so that they will succeed in academic program . Provide stem teachers in Applied and in Hsp at elementary so these most vulnerable students are not left behind . Learning disabled students need access to their teacher in smaller classes and thus won't have to take upgrading programs at college . Invest in students who are struggling and results will be remarkable .

Disagree in phasing out optional attendence of specialized program.

As a graduate of a regional arts program, i must insist that you give students the opportunity to pursue their passions!

I'm a graduate of Earl Haig, a dance teacher and teach in an arts school.

I strongly believe in the optional attendance programs to help meet the diverse needs of our students. One size does not fit all.

Optional attendance allows kids to go to their choice program. It shouldn't be phased out.

We need to expand and improve opportunities for optional attendance. Not remove them. What's important is a good fit between student and school. The local geography of the school is a minimal factor in that fit. As taxpayers, we pay our taxes to the Ontario government. Not our local homeschool. Need to have greater access to education Opportunities that are the right fit for our children. By removing optional attendance as a policy, it will encourage and reward those who are fraudulent and find other ways to go to the school that is the best fit for their child.

I absolutely agree that all students should have free, unrestricted access to enriched programming, but dismantling the specialized schools and integrating students with special needs into regular classes with support is not the answer to making TSDB schools more equitable. What you would be taking away from these children is too important to dismiss as being “unfair to others”. Don’t take away the life-line that has been offered to the students that require intense enrichment. No amount of teacher support or training can transform every teacher into the equivalent of the teachers my children are now being supported by, nor will it fill the classrooms with students who share the same learning skills or passion.

disagree with phasing out optional attendence

Completely disagree to phasing out optional attendance.

Phasing out optional attendance will be a huge mistake. This is the way too wrong.

I think removing these specialized programs from the TDSB would be a grave mistake. We live in a world where excellence is needed for success. To remove access to these programs for talented students in the TDSB district would be a step backward for education. I urge you not to remove these programs from the TDSB curriculum.