In 2005, the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) identified 100 inner city schools that were underachieving. Three years and $25 million later, the TDSB's Model Schools for Inner Cities program is showing some promising results.
Of these 100 schools, seven were selected as model schools, which would serve as role models for the other schools in their neighbourhood. In 2005 the students in these areas were, on average, about a year behind the Canadian average in aptitude tests. Now, they are well on their way to being back on track.
"Now that we are three years into it, the achievement gap is finally narrowing because we are leveling the playing field," said Vicky Branco, lead principal for model schools. "We are narrowing the achievement gap, but if we don't continue it may never fully close."
Students in this pilot project don't necessarily have intellectual problems, but are affected by socioeconomic factors that prevent them from being as prepared to learn as students from other parts of Toronto.
New immigrants that are still learning English language skills, those without access to nutritious food at home or with undiagnosed medical problems can't be expected to progress at the same level as students without such disadvantages.
Over the last three years these students have been offered nutritious breakfast and snack programs, additional teaching staff to help with language barriers, culturally specific curriculum and other forms of assistance to enhance their learning experience. According to Branco, after hearing and vision checks it was found that an astounding 40 per cent of students were identified as having potential medical problems that were affecting their learning.
"We are changing the way inner city education is delivered," said Branco. "Equal funding is not the answer for education in Toronto. Equality does not necessarily mean that everything is equal."
In 2005 the program was approved for a three year term and with that time frame coming to an end, Branco hopes the TDSB will take into account the positive statistics released in a press conference on March 4 at Nelson Mandela Park School.
Some of these include increased attendance, enhanced atmosphere, more options for self-development and a better connection between schools and their communities.
In another three years, Branco thinks the 50,000 students affected by model schools will be able to match and perhaps surpass the average aptitude Ontario's students, as measured through EQAO standardized testing.
"The EQAO is like a 100 metre race and our students were starting 50 metres behind," said Branco. "We believe every child can learn, but the opportunity gap had to be closed before they can get those basic skills."
In order for the model schools program to continue it's work in the next school year, the TDSB must first approve their funding in the next budget, which is expected to come to a vote in June.