Alternative School Review - Parent Consultation Meetings
In June 2016, the Board approved the following motion regarding Pathways in the Alternative School System - please read more below.
A review is underway and the following public consultation meetings have been scheduled:
Thursday, March 23 from 6:30 – 8:00 pm @ former Eastern Commerce CI, 16 Phin Ave (Library)
Tuesday, March 28 from 6:30 – 8:00 pm @ Western Technical Commercial School, 125 Evelyn Cres (Library)
Whereas, the Alternative Schools Advisory Committee established since the early 1990s has thrived within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) providing invaluable programming at the elementary, middle and secondary school level; and
Whereas, ongoing support that adds depth to programming, an expansion of resources including personnel and infrastructure is much needed to support the demand for these schools across the GTA; and
Whereas, the following is in keeping with the vision and mandate of the TDSB by addressing and providing avenues to serve students and families that need access coming from diverse segments of the population in all parts of the city; and
Whereas, current barriers include the lack of robust pathways from middle school to secondary school, limitations based on entry requirements, geography, lottery and such; and
Whereas, at the present time several Alternative programs and schools within the TDSB are facing wait lists with families and children being subjected to random selection through lottery; and
Whereas, there might be an opportunity to build capacity through formal and informal training of administrative staff with an emphasis on expanding access and pathways to students and families that could benefit the most;
Therefore, be it resolved: That the Director:
(i) research and plan in consultation with appropriate stakeholders including ASAC to find ways to minimize and remove barriers to access by creating pathways in the alternative school system within the TDSB. That is, the creation of additional seamless path from K-12 in the alternative system that includes the elementary, middle school and secondary school levels;
(ii) proactively explore the expansion and variety of alternative programs and schools including staffing (teaching, support and administration) to support enrolment demands and interest from the community through active consultation and review with ASAC on an ongoing basis;
(iii) plan in partnership with ASAC for future growth through research, development in teaching, learning and professional development at all levels of management within the system. That is, Executive and all levels of management (Principals, Superintendents and others);
(iv) present a report on (i) to (iii) above to the Program and School Services Committee, for action and completion within school year 2016-17.
As such, a review is underway and the following public consultation meetings have been scheduled;
Thursday, March 23 from 6:30 – 8:00 pm @ former Eastern Commerce CI, 16 Phin Ave (Library)
Tuesday, March 28 from 6:30 – 8:00 pm @ Western Technical Commercial School, 125 Evelyn Cres (Library)
Please note that consultation evenings are open to all parents. Would you kindly share this information with your community – additional details can be found on the TDSB web http://www.tdsb.on.ca/Community/PublicConsultations/AlternativeSchoolReview.aspx
Regards,
Manon
Manon Gardner
Executive Superintendent
Teaching & Learning, Alternative and International Education
Toronto District School Board
A review is underway and the following public consultation meetings have been scheduled:
Thursday, March 23 from 6:30 – 8:00 pm @ former Eastern Commerce CI, 16 Phin Ave (Library)
Tuesday, March 28 from 6:30 – 8:00 pm @ Western Technical Commercial School, 125 Evelyn Cres (Library)
Whereas, the Alternative Schools Advisory Committee established since the early 1990s has thrived within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) providing invaluable programming at the elementary, middle and secondary school level; and
Whereas, ongoing support that adds depth to programming, an expansion of resources including personnel and infrastructure is much needed to support the demand for these schools across the GTA; and
Whereas, the following is in keeping with the vision and mandate of the TDSB by addressing and providing avenues to serve students and families that need access coming from diverse segments of the population in all parts of the city; and
Whereas, current barriers include the lack of robust pathways from middle school to secondary school, limitations based on entry requirements, geography, lottery and such; and
Whereas, at the present time several Alternative programs and schools within the TDSB are facing wait lists with families and children being subjected to random selection through lottery; and
Whereas, there might be an opportunity to build capacity through formal and informal training of administrative staff with an emphasis on expanding access and pathways to students and families that could benefit the most;
Therefore, be it resolved: That the Director:
(i) research and plan in consultation with appropriate stakeholders including ASAC to find ways to minimize and remove barriers to access by creating pathways in the alternative school system within the TDSB. That is, the creation of additional seamless path from K-12 in the alternative system that includes the elementary, middle school and secondary school levels;
(ii) proactively explore the expansion and variety of alternative programs and schools including staffing (teaching, support and administration) to support enrolment demands and interest from the community through active consultation and review with ASAC on an ongoing basis;
(iii) plan in partnership with ASAC for future growth through research, development in teaching, learning and professional development at all levels of management within the system. That is, Executive and all levels of management (Principals, Superintendents and others);
(iv) present a report on (i) to (iii) above to the Program and School Services Committee, for action and completion within school year 2016-17.
As such, a review is underway and the following public consultation meetings have been scheduled;
Thursday, March 23 from 6:30 – 8:00 pm @ former Eastern Commerce CI, 16 Phin Ave (Library)
Tuesday, March 28 from 6:30 – 8:00 pm @ Western Technical Commercial School, 125 Evelyn Cres (Library)
Please note that consultation evenings are open to all parents. Would you kindly share this information with your community – additional details can be found on the TDSB web http://www.tdsb.on.ca/Community/PublicConsultations/AlternativeSchoolReview.aspx
Regards,
Manon
Manon Gardner
Executive Superintendent
Teaching & Learning, Alternative and International Education
Toronto District School Board
