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

Please keep the special programs. They are equal opportunities for all studebts based on exams!

Destreaming does not benefit students -gifted or non-gifted. It is ok for children to have different learning styles and needs and they learn best in environments that can provide them with these supports. A single teacher can not be expected to be able to accommodate the wide range of learning and behavioral needs in a classroom when you have to wide of a range of needs. In fact two of my three children were not serviced well in the core stream despite wonderful teachers. One had significant ADD that was missed because she is quiet and the other was massively underperforming and her academic strengths weren’t encouraged or even identified. My third is so academically gifted that she would master the material in the first few minutes of class. Gifted students also often have dual diagnoses and behavioral challenges that can be very disruptive in the classroom and often have social difficulties that can leave them with self-esteem issues if not with peers who can relate to them.

The gifted program is one of the best things about the TDSB. It helped my son more than I can say. When he joined the giftted program he said "I have met my people". he flet like he fit in for the first time and he started to thrive. He went from being academically challenged to graduating from from high school with a 96% average. I can't imagine what the outcome would have been had he not been in special classes that allowed him to believe in his potential. Please do not change the system. or it you do, perhaps expand the program. Thank you.

It is imperative that we find a way to make all the varied programming that the TDSB offers equitable and accessible to all students, whatever their background. That is absolutely not the same as removing all the specialized programming 'to make it fair'. For many kids, these programmes represent a lifeline that keeps them engaged with school when they are vulnerable.

Equity begins with acknowledging the individual and allowing each individual to succeed

Don't deprive students of the much needed programs that allow them to succeed in school. All students do not learn the same way. The school system has taken steps forward, way take steps back.

education should be done according to the uniqueness of each individual. It is great treasure for Canadian education system to have special educational system. It will be a pity and huge waste to abandon the treasure we already have.

NO to EEFT

I am a teacher candidate studying at OISE with a daughter in a Gifted Program. I am currently in a placement where the math abilities of grade three students range from being unable to focus enough to count to ten (6 students) to grade level and above. It is absolutely impossible for my Associate Teacher to address the needs of the 19 students in her class. It is shocking that the TDSB thinks that even having all of these 'main stream' kids together is the best way for anyone to learn. Having everyone together just holds everyone back. I suggest that the decision makers should go back and see what some classrooms are like these days. Your idea is a nice one in theory but it will be very dmamaging to education in Toronto.

The process that the TDSB has used to set forth these guidelines is ridiculous. De-streaming is probably the absolute worst way to go about improving the equality among students. Kids in the gifted program are there for a reason—sure they are bright, but they also are dealing with serious issues that cannot be addressed in the traditional classroom setting. Go through a proper process, get the proper input (3 weeks?!) and serve all students in the way they deserve.

need more study and consultation with stakeholders

Fair education is to recognize the different potential of children and help them to achieve their potential with verified program.

My son and daughter have greatly benefitted from the tdsb gifted program. Do not cut this wonderful program that helps many gifted children excel!!!!! All children are different and learn in a variety of ways and their education should reflect their unique qualities! Cutting programs like these will force parents like me to the private system.

Please let gifted students to reach their potential. Children are our society's future. Providing good education for our kids is very impotent.

Not De-streaming Don't Cancelling Specialty Programs like Arts, TOPS, IB No Cancelling Optional Attendance Not "reforming" Gifted Programs

Who is this mysterious pop-up "Enhancing Equity Task Force" fabricated by the TDSB? Firstly, we have school buildings that are derelict and third world in appearance, students failing mathematics in droves, and not enough textbooks for the students. Now we have to contend with a nonsensical task force dismantling an entire education system without any public consultation. How undemocratic and damaging to all students with varied learning profiles.

Once again, the TDSB is charging ahead to implement Ill thought out changes with minimal consultation based upon a pre ordained outcome. These recommendations do NOT benefit students. Stop pandering to special interest lobbies and instead do the right thing for ALL students - equal opportunities does not mean the same program for all. I have an LD child and a gifted child and they definitely should not be in the same classroom. Both would have their learning compromised.

Giftedness is a frailty that can be turned to an advantage with expert guidance. Those with means will flee the TDSB, and they will lead the charge for school tax reform.

I have twins in the gifted program in grade 9. They are thriving in the program. The program is excellent and very necessary.

This report negatively impacts EVERYONE at The TDSB with a one size fits no one approach. Congregated programs (arts, stem, IB, Gifted, etc) are essential for students to thrive. Gifted students in congregated classrooms with their peers thrive socially, emotionally and academically. All students have a right to education that meets their needs.