Support specialized programs & schools made possible by optional attendance!

It is great that you have started this petition. I have shared it with many of my contacts. How can we contact you (petition originator) to add a few specific proposals to your petition: 1 . To have the deadline for public comment extended to end of fall term 2017 2. To propose alternative solutions that would improve equity across TDSB without closing specialized programs. It would be best to add to this petition otherwise we need to create a parallel petition. Thank you. Rob

I can safely say that specialized programs bring diversity and promote equity in educational institutions. As a graduate of the Claude Watson Arts Program at Earl Haig Secondary School, I have witnessed not only equality in the programming (as arts electives bring in excellent faculty) which in turn benefits the academic students, but having a specialized program fosters tolerance of people of different backgrounds and interests. I do not think that homogenizing groups will bring the equality that a metropolis such as Toronto currently has in the working world. I speak from experience as a 31-year old professional in the education sector. Please consider continuing specialized programs in the most diverse school board in Canada.

No.

just don’t

People who care about the arts and want a future in it need these schools. It’s unfair

The students and their family love those program, that means the program is successful.

Don’t do it

This is so important.

This better not happen. I as a child in the gifted program would be very sad, and let down.

no!

If this motion is approved, only wealthy privately educated children will be able to receive specialized instruction, creating a bona fide two-tier system unlike the fair system currently in place. This threat against the status quo is cruel and uncalled-for.

i go to etobicoke school of the arts. come on man

"Phasing out" specialized programs truly is an awful idea that would negatively effect so many children and teens in the city. Toronto is such an artistic and enriching city, it only makes sense to have specialized programs for future artists to celebrate and be inspired by their city around them.

Arts programs have changed my life, quite literally. I am absolutely appalled by this news. I can confidently say that every last student works their ass off each and every single day to fulfill and take advantage of these opportunities we are given. The arts are barely advocated for in the professional world, how can the TDSB, a board reflecting a large number of youth, condemn the arts as well? You can argue that you are not condemning the arts, but the truth is you are. You are taking away opportunities from adolescents who can't afford quality arts programs. And yes, one hundred percent are school needs to work to make ourselves accessible to everyone, but if you won't even give us a chance? You are taking away opportunities from adolescents who's guardians will never allow them to pursue a career in the arts, to follow their passion, because they are scared. Programs like these prepare them so they don't have to be scared! So we don't have to live in fear of the unknown! So that young girl doesn't just move to New York because she think she can make it. Put her in a program that will give her confidence. That will allow her to make it. I understand that arts programs need to be better in the major schools. But the priority right now is to support and fund the kids who can't make it to specialized programs. The ones who can't make it to ESA. I am lucky enough to be able to just pay and hope on the subway each morning. To pay the fees at the beginning of the year. Focus on the kids who can't, and that's how you'll succeed.

Don’t get rid of it

CW Arts student in Screen Arts from 2010-2014. I also went to CWSA from grades 4-8.

Shook

These programs are in place to allow students to learn in different environments. Every student is different and it is disingenuous to presume that all students will thrive from the same teaching environment. If you dismantle the infrastructure of specialized programs, every student is forced to learn in a centuries-old structure that was devised to teach future University academics. As a minute portion of the population becomes University academics, it would be foolish to thrust all students into an environment where that predominantly unattainable occupation is the primary focus of their education. If you haven’t seen Ken Robinson’s TED talk on this topic, I would highly recommend it. I believe it’s been viewed 50 million times… www.ted.com/talks/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity

Stop !!! Don’t do this !!!

My daughter has a learning disability. Her strengths have always been in the visual arts. When in grade 2 the teacher thought something was amiss with the way my daughter learned. He suggested we have an psychological evaluation conducted so that we could determine how she learned. This took almost three years to be conducted by a psychologist - a test that could be performed by someone who holds a psych degree (a huge cost savings). She is now studying at an arts school. This school has given her confidence to continue her education at a secondary level. I believe she would not have continued her education if she was forced to study in the traditional school system. Its like forcing a square peg in the round hole. We are NOT all alike nor should be forced to be educated alike. Please do not phase out specialized programs as they are inclusive in a system that does not integrate all forms of learning and children.