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

NO to De-streaming Say NO to Cancelling Specialty

I think it is sad ththe education institusion is shutting down

Standardized education is what countries like Finland have been moving away from for several years now. The more personalized the education the better if we want our children to realize their potential.

Do not collapse special education HSP programs either. They do vital work for our neediest students.

Speciality programs help mainstream students by removing those that have special needs of all kinds.

Keep the program! My nephew just started this year and benefits greatly!!

As a success of the public school system, I am very concerned with the proposed changes. Gifted students should be encouraged in our system.

My children attended a gifted program in a model school. Most of their classmates were not economically advantaged. Before my children started in the gifted program we were very worried about some very negative experiences they were having, both academically and socially (and different for each child). Getting to know their gifted peers was transformative for them -- their classmates "got them" and they felt at home. Please don't end these programs!

These TDSB EETF recommendations make absolutely no sense. People who take these recommendations seriously should have their heads examined!

The gifted program gives parents A way to cope with the fact that their children are different and learn differently. We have two children in the program and since it's beginning they've been thriving and have formed strong bonds. If this society is all about inclusion than this program should be considered as one that gives our children a cahance that they truly deserve!

There is a very BIG need for these programs and Specialty Programs serve a specific need within education. The one size fits all philosophy is outdated and puts too much of a strain on the educators themselves.

This proposal makes the system less flexible in responding to needs of individual students, and will probably make it more difficult for the students it seeks to help fulfill their potential. There is a danger that it will induce parents with the means to leave the system and send their children to private schools.

I support Deniel Roy's opinion. It would be good to find some ways to continue these programs.

Don't let this happen! Our kids don't deserve this.

I think that children with special needs and talent should be recognized. Mediocrity wrapped in the guise of equity is not an acceptable approach.

The TDSB needs more specialty programming, not less, if it is serious about allowing each child to meet his/her potential.

I support continuation of the gifted program.

I strongly feel that the gifted program is integral to the student's needs in order to help them live up to their full potential. My daughter has never been happier or more mentally challenged as when working with her peers in the program to push their educational boundaries. This simply cannot be replicated in the standard classroom.

I can't believe we are honesty having to consider NOT supporting students who learn quickly. Isn't this the mandate of a board of education. We are supported to be encouraging students to become the best they can be, not cancelling those opportunities.

My daughter would lose her potential without this program. She needs the socialization that the gifted program brings and without the curriculum she would lose her way. These children are our future and have challenges that cannot be addressed in the regular classroom.