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

Well-organized on TDSB-level gifted program allows my kids to follow education path that fit them better in the school system, totally unknown for parents who didn't study in Canada. I'm so happy that school teacher promoted my daughter a while ago to try gifted tests, I believe that new system of overall kids evaluation for gifted is even better, because eliminate possibly objective teacher's point of view. As a parent that studied equivalent program in my home country, I'm very glad to have the same opportunity for my kids here in Canada. Gifted program does the best that school can: encourage students for better and deep knowledge, and challenge them every time, making education a gift, not a routine. Luck of gifted program for kids will increase inequity between Toronto area's making school an estate. I hope my kids will be able to continue their full of interest education process in the program provided by TDSB.

The children will suffer so the director of education can look like a hero for a few years. Insanity is doing the same thing....

The Gifted Program was very important for both my daughters. I strongly urge that it be continued.

TDSB will only be going a step backwards by removing specialty programs. These programs allow students to learn in a way which better suits them, which I feel is very important.

Let’s have a School system that supports kids with different learning abilities. “One style of teaching fits all” does not work.

My kid is finally thriving and independent in public school thanks to the gifted program. Without it he was refusing school altogether, dispite placement in an excellent “regular” classroom. Switching back will crush him.

I agree that an equitable education approach/solution would allow each student to achieve his/her potential. The EEFT was focused on underperforming student groups; I believe solutions to support specific populations of underperforming student groups should not detrimentally impact the remainder of TDSB students. This approach is not equitable. Congregated gifted programs cater to students who would be isolated, disruptive and/or unchallenged in a typical classroom. Specialized secondary programs prepare students for the ever-increasing skills specialization required for our future workforce. There does not appear to be any evidence to indicate there is any detriment with respect to these specialized programs for current participants. I would be supportive of prevention, early intervention and catch-up programs for underperforming student groups without negative impacts on the remaining student groups.

Please don’t close gifted programs! My son was not thriving in the regular program. Please!

This is so important to my son. He finally has the opportunity to be with other like minded kids. He's far more positive at school now and has made real connections. This is a very much needed special education stream. Please don't let him slip through the cracks by cancelling it!

Elementary teacher AND parent of a student in the gr 4 gifted program in tdsb

A diverse population of students benefits from a divergent approach to education. This is not elitist. This means that those who require extra attention should benefit and those requiring enhanced stimulation should benefit as well. It is often impossible to accommodate this in the same classroom. For this reason, I strongly disagree with getting rid of specialty programs and urge the board to vote against the proposition.

This is the best thing that has happened to my child. He was under stimulated and struggling in the regular school program. Since entering the gifted program he's thriving. Taking this away would be unforgivable.

The gifted program has had a significant, positive impact on my son. He went from struggling to now loving school and is excelling. It couldn't be more important that we keep this program going.

De-streaming might, for very specific parts of TDSB, be the right approach. But a one-size-fits-all de-streaming would be a terrible idea. Please be smart, be selective, and base your approach on evidence and broad consultation. Thanks.

I have seen firsthand the very positive effects this program has had on my grandchildren! PLEASE don't force them to return to a situation where they are unhappy, unstimulated and socially isolated !!!

The specialty programs are exceptionally valuable and provide the opportunity for individual children to better express themselves and realize their full potential. Cancelling them and attempting a 'one-size-fits-all' approach to education is potentially disastrous, and will serve to further INCREASE problems in providing quality education, rather than helping to address the issues that currently exists. We need MORE specialized and tailored approaches to education, not less.

It it a great program that help children meet their fullest potential.

It's very sad to see how the TDSB is failing our students on a daily basis. The TDSB is more interested in political correctness than preparing our kids for higher education and future success.

This would have a negative impact of students with LDs. How can they learn with students who are in the gifted stream?!

Cancelling a program that is extremely beneficial to special needs kids is not the solution to creating equal access to education.