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

Reject the TDSB EETF recommendations. Have the TDSB give much more time for feedback, broader re-consult & better options. Getting rid of specialized streams means no one's needs are met, instead of everyone's. The process leading to the vote has been opaque and exclusive.

Reject the TDSB EETF recommendations. The TDSB needs to give much more time for feedback, broader re-consult & better options.

I am a parent and an educator. This report must be discussed seriously by all concerned parties. It has been thrust upon the public, parents, and educators with little collaboration nor respect for our concerns.

Do NOT eliminate gifted programs.

It is IMPERATIVE that CONGREGATED GIFTED PROGRAMS BE ALLOWED TO CONTINUE. Congregated gifted programs are necessary to meet well-researched and documented real and substantive learning, emotional, and social needs of gifted students, including those who are part of the groups targeted by the EETF recommendations. Congregated gifted programs are inclusive and equitable: they include many students (i.e. a third or more) who have multiple exceptionalities and other special needs; and congregated gifted programs include (and bring together) all races, backgrounds, and demographic profiles. As a parent of four children who all meet the criteria for Gifted designations - in very different ways - I am very concerned about the proposed changes. I have recently learned from a well-know educational psychologist and expert in the field of gifted children that research has proven we are only able to truly connect with those who are within one standard deviation of IQ. That is 15 points. If you choose to deny these children the opportunity to connect with their actual peers, you are doing them a major disservice. Many gifted children struggle to fit in and often giftedness can feel like the opposite of a "gift." DO NOT DENY THESE CHILDREN THE RIGHT TO SUCCEED IN AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE THEY ARE FREE TO BE THEMSELVES AND TO LIVE UP TO THEIR UNIQUE POTENTIAL.

The TDSB’s mandate is to educate ALL students to each reach their potential. To meet the very diverse learning needs of TDSB’s exceptionally varied student population, a very large range of research-proven learning strategies and practical options are needed. Solutions that are appropriate and excellent for some learning needs may be completely inappropriate and destructive or counter-productive for other learning needs. It makes no sense at all to apply a single approach or ‘one size fits no one’ solution to meet all of these diverse needs - which is what the EETF is suggesting! The TDSB is large enough to obtain access to and apply a huge variety of real and excellent research-proven solutions, and it should do so. While it is very true that the streaming of students has resulted in negative consequences for racialized students and specifically Black students, the problem does not lie in the fact that there are a variety of different and specialized academic programs offered. The problem lies in the systemic racism of the Board and it is that, that should be the focus of change, not the elimination of programs that have demonstrated the ability to meet and support the needs of a diverse student body.

Why is this process being kept secret? Why no public debate or publicized opportunity to discuss? If this goes ahead is, the trustees are likely to be looking for jobs next year.

Do not cancel specialized programs and IEPS for the children in need.

I don't understand the lack of consultation with parents and students by the TDSB. All students should have the opportunity to reach their potential through diverse programs.

We need to have specialty programs to handle the very diverse needs of our students!

I do not support the cancellation or reform of gifted education. Gifted kids need to be educated in congregated classes with like minded peers by experienced teachers. I do not support destreaming, the cancellation of special programs, or ending optional attendance. Children need choice to succeed.

"CONGREGATED"

Fully support keeping the gifted program.

I am opposed to the TDSB EETF changes.

Please don't make these changes! Our students will suffer if you do.

A separate streamed Gifted program is essential. Gifted kids will not thrive in regular, integrated classrooms. I know for a fact, because my son was in one until grade 4. Once he entered a Gifted stream, he found his place in the world and truly thrived.

This makes no sense. You hire a consultant that interviews only a select portion of the student body but this is supposedly giving equal opportunity to all. A single perspective will NEVER provide equal opportunity to everyone???

The idea that all learners can be supported in one classroom is an ideal that cannot be reached at this time. For this to be achievable teachers, support staff and administrators need to be properly trained and supported with class size caps and support personnel who are able to understand the needs of our Learning Disabled and otherwise vulnerable students.

It essential that these type of programs are in place to develop our youth for the challenging positions in the future.

Why is it the TDSB sends out mass notices about lice but NOTHING about a policy that will affect so many of our kids? Something like this needs input from more than a select group of people. You have the means to get true input - why didn't you?