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[h3]Black-only school proposal draws praise, criticism[/h3]
Updated Mon. Nov. 12 2007 10:40 PM ET
toronto.ctv.ca
It was a charged atmosphere in a Toronto school on Monday night as educators, parents and students met for the second time to discuss the idea of schoolsdesigned especially for black students.
While some members of the community say it's the best way to keep more young blacks interested and engaged, others fear the concept is a dangerousthrowback to the days of segregation.
The event began at 7 p.m. at Northview Heights Secondary School, at Finch Avenue and Bathurst Street.
The debate was heated at the first meeting last Thursday night at North Albion Collegiate.
One mother strongly against the concept was escorted out after an outburst.
"We don't have to go back to segregation," the woman shouted. "Come up with something else. The kids are failing school, but come up withsomething else."
Opponents argue the idea would segregate students, while supporters say an "African-centred alternative school"would lower the dropout rate of young black males.
But the proposal also has supporters, including one parent who said it would be a step forward from the current system, which she says alienates many blackstudents.
"It's about time. It's about time that the school board put its resources its curriculum and its people behind the community," said theparent.
More than half of black male teens at public schools haven't earned the 16 credits required by the end of Grade 10,according to the Toronto District School Board.
The 100 or so parents and students who attended last week's session were divided into groups to discuss the proposed approach. It appeared mostsupported the concept.
Some parents say an African-centred school with black teachers and role models would help black youths graduate andsucceed.
The school board's proposal calls for a school from junior kindergarten to Grade 8 that would have more black teachers,mentors and a stronger focus on students' heritage.
The school would teach the Ontario curriculum and have more parent involvement.
Black-focused schools have long been a controversial issue in Ontario. When the idea was raised in Toronto two years ago, itcaused an uproar.
Premier Dalton McGuinty says he is "not personally comfortable" with the plan.
Education Minister Kathleen Wynne last week praised the school board for looking at ways to improve student achievement.She said the province would not intrude if the board approves the initiative.
School board staff are preparing a report based on the feedback at the meetings. The report is expected to be released later this month.
If the idea is approved, the black-focused school could open as early as next fall.
There will be two more community meetings held in early December.
Updated Mon. Nov. 12 2007 10:40 PM ET
toronto.ctv.ca
It was a charged atmosphere in a Toronto school on Monday night as educators, parents and students met for the second time to discuss the idea of schoolsdesigned especially for black students.
While some members of the community say it's the best way to keep more young blacks interested and engaged, others fear the concept is a dangerousthrowback to the days of segregation.
The event began at 7 p.m. at Northview Heights Secondary School, at Finch Avenue and Bathurst Street.
The debate was heated at the first meeting last Thursday night at North Albion Collegiate.
One mother strongly against the concept was escorted out after an outburst.
"We don't have to go back to segregation," the woman shouted. "Come up with something else. The kids are failing school, but come up withsomething else."
Opponents argue the idea would segregate students, while supporters say an "African-centred alternative school"would lower the dropout rate of young black males.
But the proposal also has supporters, including one parent who said it would be a step forward from the current system, which she says alienates many blackstudents.
"It's about time. It's about time that the school board put its resources its curriculum and its people behind the community," said theparent.
More than half of black male teens at public schools haven't earned the 16 credits required by the end of Grade 10,according to the Toronto District School Board.
The 100 or so parents and students who attended last week's session were divided into groups to discuss the proposed approach. It appeared mostsupported the concept.
Some parents say an African-centred school with black teachers and role models would help black youths graduate andsucceed.
The school board's proposal calls for a school from junior kindergarten to Grade 8 that would have more black teachers,mentors and a stronger focus on students' heritage.
The school would teach the Ontario curriculum and have more parent involvement.
Black-focused schools have long been a controversial issue in Ontario. When the idea was raised in Toronto two years ago, itcaused an uproar.
Premier Dalton McGuinty says he is "not personally comfortable" with the plan.
Education Minister Kathleen Wynne last week praised the school board for looking at ways to improve student achievement.She said the province would not intrude if the board approves the initiative.
School board staff are preparing a report based on the feedback at the meetings. The report is expected to be released later this month.
If the idea is approved, the black-focused school could open as early as next fall.
There will be two more community meetings held in early December.
