Toronto to create "black-focused" school

[DramaQueen]

This is an issue that's being talked about ALOT in my area (considering I'm from the Greater Toronto Area)

So the Toronto District Schoolboard has voted in FAVOUR of creating an "afrocentric"/"black-focused" school system.
Simply because black students have a 40% dropout rate and they want to decrease that percentage.

The curriculum would be more "black-focused"...whatever that means!? And it hopes to decrease the dropout rate in the black communitey (how?!)

I think this is the STUPIDEST idea ever. It is PROMOTING segregation, which uhhhmm...if I'm not mistaken was abolished in the 60's! This is taking a HUGE step back IMHO.
What are they going to do when they get out into the REAL world...there are not "black-focused" businesses or working industries.

Going to school in Toronto has really opened my eyes to mant other cultures and religions, that I may not have been exposed to in a less multi-cultural areas, and promoting the fact that they are different, when we have fought for so long to try to get people to look PAST each others differences is ludicous.

Toronto is supposed to be one of the most mulitcultural cities in the world, and I think the TDSB's decision to create a school for one specfic race or group of people is NOT the best thing to do.


Opinions?

 

[Babyjustrun]

I'll agree.
It's not the best idea.
While I don't live in a big city like you, I go to school with tons of different people. People of every race, from many different countries, different religions and stuff of the like. I feel that when people go to school with so many vastly different people, they learn and gain things that they wouldn't otherwise if they were in a 'White only' school or what have you.

 

[BabyPiglet]

I agree, this is taking a step back.

 

[crazytp93]

I agree, this is taking a step back.

Agreed.

 

[DramaQueen]

To add:

I think that public schools SHOULD offer courses in Black History (and other types of history as well) We have Black History Month, but that's obviously not enough for Black students to learn all about their heritage and fight for freedom (etc)

But to me, having a seperate school system is not a way to improve the dropout rate...personally, I don't think the dropout rate has anything to do with black students being intergrated with TONS of other culutres in school (or whatever the "official" reason/excuse may be) I think students need to be more focussed and WANT to succeed.

 

[Babyjustrun]

I agree, Black History should be offered... or a bigger part of the Social Studies/History curriculums.
This is a little OT, but I love the Black History Month commercial on tv. I know most of it by heart. And it has a strong message.

 

[OneTreeHill]

That is very stupid. It is taking a step back in the complete wrong direction. It should not happen.