Support specialized programs & schools made possible by optional attendance!

It reminds me of this well knows visual for Fair vs Equal: http://jewishspecialneeds.blogspot.ca/2013/07/fair-isnt-equal.html It sounds to me that TDSB is focusing on making everyone equal, while our kids (as well as we all) are different and they need different options and opportunities to strive and develop to their potential. Removing specialized programs will deprive our kids of choice and will put even more unus on parent to support their kids individual needs outside of the school system. As a result, the kids from poorer families will be deprived of opportunities outside of the standard school program. I would much rather see public money spent on learning from the successful programs and applying it across the board.

Esa has changed my life and given me a platform to peruse what I love to do every day. I enjoy coming to school because of it. I’ve never been in a better environment.

Why would you get rid of the programs that can lead them to great thing in life

Sc puckislife28

Don't remove the programs that help students enter arts careers that they would have never heard of otherwise.

It shouldnt be banned

There is no absolute equality.

Create more opportunities don't take them away.

An unthinkable question to even raise on the part of the TDSB.

I can't believe this is even being considered. These specialized programs, for the arts in particular, are what set the TDSB above and beyond.

Specialized arts education was critical to my development as a student and as a person. Making spaces for students to pursue their passions in an academically rigorous environment offers them opportunities and a sense of community that is unlikely to be retained under the proposed model. There are other ways for you to meet your budget and your goal of offering all students quality education, and I encourage you to pursue them.

These programs help many kids get through their ages lives and is like an ease to their stress etc. TDSB isn't considering the fact that many kids join these schools just for their programs. What's gonna happen to these kids? They should also take into consideration that these specialized programs are mostly for people who want to make it their careers and get a start on it.

Your mom n me last night

These programs are examples of schools being excellent. We need to find a way to bring more and more excellent education to everyone--imitate these programs, don't cute them.

Please do not phase out these programes. Our children will benefit greatly in improving / realising their skills.

How can you possibly think this is ok?

Keep the specialized programs to enrich students' education, needs and help them reach their fullest potential.

8 years ago Featured

This would be a devastating loss. There are students who are alive today because of schools like this. What the committee is forgetting is that these schools are a safe haven for students who often went through hell until they entered their programs.

Save our specialized schools and our specialized programs. If the TDSB is considering getting rid of enriched programs and schools then what happens to the vocational schools within TDSB? Where do they draw the line for equality within the schools? Children with IEP’s have specialized programs based on the individual child, are they at risk? The solution is to support schools that do not have specialty programs, not take away from schools that are known throughout Toronto and surrounding areas for excelling in the arts or maths and sciences. Etobicoke School of the Arts supports their students with SESAT and fund raising to remain fiscally viable. These students through the application process, attendance and the mandatory requirement of passing their major deserve to attend a school that they love, excelling at what they do, and preparing for a future that celebrates the arts and develops Canadian artists of the future. Save our programs and our schools!