In 2005 my children were transferred from the TDSB (Toronto District School Board) to the DSBN (District School Board of Niagara). My son entered grade six and my daughter grade one.
Immediately, my son began to complain. "I'm bored. I know all of this, I did it before." I replied, "It's September, it's always review, soon you'll be complaining of homework."
He never did.
My son is quick. He always has been; not just scholastically but in life. He notices things, he remembers things, he pays attention and he questions - he is very bright.
He complained all year long. "I know this, I've done this already!!"
On several occasions I spoke to various school officials that assured me the curriculum was the same (as it falls under Provincial standards) but I still urged the teachers to challenge him. His enthusiasm diminished quickly only it was attributed to the location move and adjusting. Being a normal Mom, I absorbed the guilt and dismissed the curriculum.
One day when when he was in grade seven (second semester), he came home from school shouting. "Mom! Mom! MOM!! Where is my stuff Mom?!" as he bounded up the stairs to his room.
"Where is my work from my old school?!!" "MOM!!!!"
My son is a typically a quiet kid, but on this day - wow! He was obviously very unhappy and upset.
"I am not doing this again! I am not doing the same work again!!" as he was scrambled through his closet looking for his "old schools' keepsakes".
"Where's my book reports?! I'm not reading this book again, I did this report - and I got an A!"
"I'm not doing it again Mom - I'm not!!"
When I looked at him, his face was full of angst and there was a look in his eyes, a look I had never seen before. I wasn't sure what it was, but it was very different, it was new and it was distressful.
The book is
Maniac Magee written by Jerry Spinelli and delves into the topics of racism, poverty and homelessness. "Scholastic" indicates this book is for ages 9-13 and for a grade level of
5.4 .
The TDSB is on par, my son studied this novel in grade 5, second semester at age 10-11. In comparison, The DSBN decided this particular acclaimed novel study, one of literary and social awareness was more applicable for children in Niagara at the age of 12-13, being grade 7.
Why?
My son handed in a new book report and got a C+. That mark did not reflect his level of comprehension, that mark reflected indifference and defeat. That was the look in his eye that day - defeat.
The Province of Ontario dictates and provides the educational materials 'needed' for course instruction. Long gone are the days when teachers could think for themselves and teach according to the students in their class, not according to the officials watching through the door.
Niagara parents seriously need to question why the DSBN feels the same book, with the same tests is at par with Niagara children whom are two years older. This is extreme.
Eventually, the children will all be completing with each other for post-secondary education, not to mention, financing. Niagara has one of the highest unemployment rates in Canada and most residents stay within the region.
Could there be a direct correlation between the education standards held by the DSBN and the continuum of high poverty in Niagara?
Could there also be a correlation between the curriculum and a school board's determination to rank in the EQAO testing?
Is this differential about education or politics?
My son will tell you, "these schools made me stupid." He continued to speak with the kids from his old school and would say, "Mom I could never go back to Toronto, I would fail everything. I'm not smart anymore."
Of course I disputed his theory but I could see the effects. His judgement and choices changed. He gave up and his enthusiasm to learn was gone - why bother became the attitude. He was no longer challenged.
If I could have afforded it, I would have moved back - but I couldn't.
I was hopeful that when he entered high school and it was a more 'adult' atmosphere, he would once again be enthusiastic about his education. That never happened.
Now before someone hypes about teachers - lay off - their hands are tied with red tape but their personalities are not which is the true difference between a "good" and "bad" teacher.
It also factors into whether or not your child's education is accelerated by enjoying their school year or stagnated though boredom and discouragement.
My mother was a teacher, I grew up with teachers, one of my best friends today, is one of my own high school teachers. I will defend most educators. But, today, they are carbon-copy graduates who dictate mandatory curriculum. They are the adult versions of unenthusiastic students. It is a continuation of the "why bother" attitude and the children sense it, then adopt it.
As a parent, I commend the rogue educators. I thank you, keep fighting.
As for parental responsibility and involvement, I am educated. I have Grade 13 and 3 years post-secondary education. I have consistently reinforced the value of education in both my children since they were small as my mother instilled in me and - I did all I could to educate my child in tangent with their school.
After the
Maniac McGee incident, I demanded an answer from the school and reinforced my concerns but the DSBN chosen grade 7 curriculum was "technically" correct. I requested advanced work. This occurred for a short time but ended. When? I honestly don't know but it did.
Ontario offers an IEP (Independent Educational Plan) for student with difficulties in maintaining provincial standards - why don't they offer the same for the children who excel?
The provincial government in all its glory totes success of the EQAO (Education Quality and Accountability Office). Measurement of students achieving grades, ranking of teachers and schools educational success does not regulate the root of this testing - the curriculum.
Who monitors and measures the choices and decisions between the School Boards? The mean base is unbalanced. The same one that the Ontario government measures, rates and ranks schools, teachers and children according to results of "standardized testing".
If the curriculum is not equal, and the level of challenge unbalanced - how can the results be comparable?
Ontario is the only province that does not allow its Ombudsman to investigate the MUSH sector, Municipalities, Universities, Schools, Hospitals. Where do you go? Who do you talk to? Who will listen?
The DSBN has no accountability to justify its decision that Niagara children are at a two year literary disadvantage than those of children who live a mere ninety minutes away.
So, you be the judge.
Is the DSBN an educational and financial liability for Niagara's children?
Request your MPP to expand the mandate of the Ontario Ombudsman to include School Boards
here. (Ontario residents only).
