STOP the TDSB EETF: NO to De-streaming; NO to Cancelling Specialty Programs; NO to Cancelling Optional Attendance; NO to "reforming" Gifted Programs

Unreasonable to cancel the gifted program, IB and special program to kids. That will overwhelm the talent of kids.

Gifted program is a way to enhance equity for these high IQ or special needs children. Without these programs like gifted program, these kids will study in a environment that is not proper to them. The gifted program should be saved and it’s very important for social equity.

TDSB, you are not killing the kid’s specialties, you are killing Canada’s future, you are killing mankind’s future. Do you have any idea how many scientists, artists will be killed by this stupid decision? Think about it! Don’t be blind! Open your eyes, look further, a little further more.

It makes no sense to implement a one size fits all approach to learning. This will have extremely negative consequences for most students. There are other ways to improve access and opportunities other than taking away successful programs.

Specialty programs are important. One size does not fit all. We are very concerned with the decrease in the education quality that will be unavoidable with gifted and specialty program cuts.

I am very disappointed by short sighted thinking from TDSB. Not all kids are the same, hence, they all have different needs and potentials. Equity means giving each student options and opportunities that meet their unique needs NOT taking away their individuality.

Enhancing equity doesn't mean dragging everyone to same level. When you emphasize equity of one group, you are ignoring rights of another group. Respect kids' born gifts! Keep it FAIR!

Short sighted thinking from TDSB. This is the way to produce a non competitve group of global citizens!

Specialty programs are important. One size does not fit all.

My daughter attended Dreary Secondary School. It is dedicated to educating intellectually challenged teenagers. It was wonderful because she did not feel like an outcast, which is how she would have been treated by students had she attended a regular high school.

I am very disappointed by the process and lack of communication from TDSB and lack of consultation with families and students. Regarding the gifted program, there is a process to address equity (universal screening) which was only changed one year ago and therefore not yet been given adequate time to assess its effectiveness. The draft equity report does not suggest concrete improvements in place of gifted program, giving a strong impression of cost cutting. My daughter found her peers in th gifted program, which would not happen if her giftedness was addressed in a regular classroom (where she previously masked her giftedness to fit in). I believe canceling the gifted program is a mistake, and will adversely affect many students. Returning to her home school after two years away would be heartbreaking for my daughter and I for many students she knows.

I am not in favour of de-streaming. Not all kids are equal, hence, they all have different needs. After struggling for years in a mainstream class, my son is excelling in the gifted program at BCCI.

It is imperative that the TDSB stop and listen to the feedback of concerned parents, students, and other experts to reconsider the very deficient recommendations in this report.

We are very concerned with the decrease in the education quality that will be unavoidable with gifted and specialty program cuts.

I believe it is important to support all children with exceptionalities whether they are gifted in the arts, have ADHD, are gifted in math, are on the autistic spectrum or have any other specific needs. I don't believe it serves anyone to treat all children as if they have the same learning needs.

Say NO to De-streaming Say NO to Cancelling Specialty Programs like Arts, TOPS, IB Say NO to Cancelling Optional Attendance Say NO to "reforming" Gifted Programs

Reforming the gifted programs will force my child, who has a double exceptionality (as do many in the gifted program), out of the TDSB and into a private school program.

People will suffer if you do this. If there are people with Special Education needs, you are forcing them to be like everyone else. There is a saying, people, "The world needs originals, not sequels. You are stopping people from being original. -Renee, a "Gifted" student

Former TDSB gifted student (1976-78) and parent of TDSB gifted child

This is not right