Support specialized programs & schools made possible by optional attendance!

As a parent of children in the public elementary and secondary schools of Toronto, I strongly object to this proposal. Specialized programs are NOT the cause of the Equity problems in the board; they are a critical part of the solution.

As a parent of children in the elementary and secondary schools of Toronto, and as an *employee* of the board, I strongly object to this proposal. Specialized programs are NOT the cause of the Equity problem in our schools; the are a critical part of the solution.

Stop this from happening

the Claude Watson program is what led me to an acting career. Arts should be in all schools but not all children care to specialize in something, some do. These schools allow for that specialization without ridicule and allowing for a nurturing environments for those talents. I lived in a poor neighbourhood where my talents were not being used or harnessed. Going to Claude-Watson allowed the development of something that would not have happened in a regular program.

This is unfair.

These programs are essential to our children’s differneces, learning and success.

I attend Rosedale, and previously attended claude watson. After being in specialized programs for almost 7 years now, I can honestly say that it might be the worst decision ever made by the tdsb. Specialized programs have taught me so much, and I've had so much fu n. And to shut them down in the name of equality is absolutely absurd and frankly unfair to students who work their butts off everyday for these programs.

this is messed up.

As someone currently IN the gifted program this would affect me quite a bit, my home school SUCKS

This is outrageous. These programs are extremely important and it would be a travesty to lose them. And what...bring mediocre programs to high schools instead. That is absolutely not the solution. These specialized programs are needed for so many kids. Kids that otherwise might not have found their passion in school and dropped out. This is a sad day for the tdsb if this goes through :(

As a student who has benifited from both the gifted and arts programs I believe that it would effect so many bright students that instead of going into law and medical school they will have to settle for something else because they were never given necessary speacialized education i believe every student should be tested for gifted and guaranteed a spot in grade 4 I was someone who had to wait a year which wasn’t terrible but I know people that had to wait 3 years to be excepted in which grately effected their perception of smarts and for someone like me with severe reading disabilities and a different style of learning this was important and it was and is amazing to be around like minded kids unlike when I wasn’t in a specialized program.

I never would have graduated high school and become a contributing member of society with out these programs. They are needed every one learns different. There is not one size fits all.

This absurd idea is going to take away something I worked very hard for. This won’t be taken away from me. This is limiting our generation on what we can do. You are not taking away a program. You are taking away our future. Put that in your pipe and smoke it

Some of these programs have changed people's lives and shaped them into important people today.

Do not destroy what works, do not divest from our children, this is the most valuable resource we have as humans.

As someone who has been in both gifted and AP, I can positively say that they both have benefited me and many of my peers immensely. AP especially prepared me for University incredibly well and eased what would have otherwise been a rough transition.

This would be like taking ten steps back, all in the wrong direction.

they better not

This service is need a lot, helping lots of people, why stop it now.

TDSB should NOT shut these schools down!