多伦多教育局今天传来噩耗。教育局大比例投票,决定所有需要考试或既技能资格的特殊增强性高中教育项目比如IB, AP, TOPS, STEM,取消技能或考试评估,而改用按兴趣,就是任何人不需要考试,不需要技能或MERIT评估,换句话说,就要走上人人有份,抽签或主观选择了。
Toronto’s public school board trustees voted Wednesday night to replace ability-based assessments with an interest-based application.
www.thestar.com
TDSB votes to remove skill-based assessments for specialized schools, programs
Toronto’s public school board trustees voted Wednesday night to replace ability-based assessments with an interest-based application.
By
Isabel TeotonioEducation Reporter
Thu., May 26, 2022
timer4 min. read
updateArticle was updated 22 hrs ago
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Trustees at Toronto’s public school board voted Wednesday night to approve a major overhaul of the admissions process at specialized programs and schools, replacing ability-based assessments with an interest-based application.
During the Toronto District School Board meeting, trustees criticized and applauded the controversial change to the process, which is aimed at improving access and will impact programs that typically focus on areas such as the arts, athletics, science and math.
In her opening remarks on the issue, Director of Education Colleen Russell-Rawlins said the policy change will “provide a fair chance for all students who have an enduring interest and passion for an area of program to be accepted.”
“We must remember that public education is for everyone. It is our responsibility to remove barriers that prevent students from access to education and provide them the pathways to pursue their dreams and realize their full potential.”
Currently, applicants for these programs are assessed on their ability through auditions, formal portfolios, entrance exams or report cards. Under the new policy, applications will be based on a student’s interest and they will need to demonstrate an active interest or passion in an area. If demand for a program exceeds available space, then a random selection process will be used, with priority given to those from under-served communities.
There are about 40 specialty programs and schools — 16 accepted every applicant because there was sufficient space. The policy change will affect those applying for September 2023, and only apply to high school programs. About 9,000 of the TDSB’s 235,000 students are in a specialized program or school.
In recent weeks, news of the proposed change upset some parents and students, who say a lottery process is unfair and may preclude those who have been working hard towards getting into a specialized program. Some also worry that an interest-based application may ultimately result in programs being watered down.
Russell-Rawlins said the board “will closely monitor the quality of experience and outcomes of these programs.”