Four innovative strategies for improving the success of Black students were approved by Trustees of the Toronto District School Board at a special meeting on January 29.
“The strategies developed by our staff following consultation with our communities, will hopefully more effectively address the needs of youth who have historically struggled in TDSB schools,” said John Campbell, Chair of the Board.
“Our objective is to provide students with the education and life skills for positive good outcomes so that when they leave, they have every opportunity to succeed in university, college or the workplace and they will go on to be productive members of society” said Campbell. “Tonight’s decision demonstrates our commitment to action to creating innovative approaches to improve the success of all students.”
The approved strategies include:
- Establishing a Program Area Review Team to recommend the program and operational model for an Africentric Alternative School opening in September 2009;
- Establishing a pilot program in three existing schools integrating the histories, cultures, experiences and contributions of people of African descent and other racialized groups into curriculum, teaching practices and school environment;
- Establishing a Staff Development, Research and Innovation Centre in collaboration with post-secondary institutions and community agencies to assess best practices for improving the success of marginalized and vulnerable students; and
- Developing an action plan for addressing underachievement for all marginalized and vulnerable students.
“We are committed to enabling student success and providing the resources and supportive learning environment necessary to help all our students excel,” said Connelly. “These decisions will help provide environments that will motivate and inspire our students, re-engaging them and closing the achievement gap.”
Read the report Improving Success for Black Students