Support specialized programs & schools made possible by optional attendance!

As a Cyber Arts student who loves going to school and loves his program this initiative makes no sense. I'm in class with kids from all different social and economic backgrounds, none of whom would be able to enjoy the benefits of this program if it wasn't in the TDSB. Do not get rid of these specialized programs, please!

Claude Watson was a life-saver for me! I can guarantee that without those specialized programming I would be the successful, confident person I am today. The decision to phase out these programs is a step backwards. If anything I would encourage more specialized programming so that more children can have the enriching experience that I had.

There are many specialized schools in applying for this year, I don’t want them to be taken away!!

stop that

don't close the gifted schools

Please don't phase out specialty education at TDSB. Our children need these programs!

HSP is a NEEDED program in schools. Students that use the program thrive in school take that program away and students will Become lost in the crowd.

I agree that something must be done to help under privileged schools, but taking away these opportunities instead of working together and thinking of other alternatives is not the right approach.

Against phasing out optional and specialized high schools. Children have different needs and different aspirations. Only having one high school option will negatively affect their success and dreams if they are obligated to attend a high school that doesn’t work for them.

What has the society come to?

i love my school and i love the arts that i do

I think it's time to think about what's working and what's best for the students, rather than what's best for government.

As a student that is part of the CyberARTS program, I do NOT want my future to be taken away from me like that. I love art, and if this goes through I will not be able to accomplish my goal.

I transferred to Etobicoke school of the arts this school year. It takes me over an hour of traveling, but i do it because i am extremely passionate in my art and I wouldn't have nowhere near the amount of opportunities if I didn't go to esa. If this goes through, I'll be waking up before the sun rises everyday to go to a normal school that's an hour away from me. It isn't equity if you take away programs that thousands of students benifit from. It isn't eqity if you take away programs that students are passionate about

TDSB is pretty dumb

If this is true, I have no idea why would they do that! There's already scarce resources for hard working students, and they want to take even that away?!

this is totally ridiculous. Kids should be provided with opportunities and they should not be removed.

Keep the programs! They are important

Special education including ESL and developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, all cost money. If the school board wants to be fair, all the special education programs should be terminated, rather than just focusing on Gifted or IB, Tops, etc.

I am having a very difficult time understanding how this, before other considerations to improve the level of education, came to be.