EQUITY AND INCLUSIVE EDUCATION Toronto Catholic District School

EQUITY AND INCLUSIVE EDUCATION Toronto Catholic District School Board

Origins of the Ministry of Education’s EIE Strategy “We believe - and research confirms - that students who feel welcome and accepted in their schools are more likely to succeed academically. We believe that everyone in our publicly funded education system regardless of background or personal circumstances - must be welcomed and accepted, and thereby enabled to reach their highest potential. ” Equity and Inclusive Education Strategy (2008)

Background The Equity and Inclusive Education Strategy (EIE) was published in 2009 and went into effect the same year. The three core priorities are: 1. High levels of student achievement 2. Reduced gaps in student achievement 3. Increased public confidence in publicly funded education

Now you together are Christ’s body; but each of you is a different part of it. St Paul in 1 st Corinthians 12: 27

Our Catholic Calling In the rich vision of the Christian faith, each disciple sees the face of Christ in every person that he or she encounters and acts accordingly. That is equity, and more than equity; that is the practical generous love expected by Jesus of every disciple. Archbishop Thomas Collins (February 24, 2011)

A Closer Look at The EIE Strategy Guiding Principles Equity and Inclusive Education: Is a foundation for excellence Meets individual needs Identifies and eliminates barriers Involves the broad community Builds and enhances previous and existing initiatives Is demonstrated throughout the system

Legal Sources of the EIE Strategy For Catholic Boards: EIE policies have been developed and implemented in the context of the denominational rights of Roman Catholic schools as set out in section 93 of the Constitution Act, 1867 Section 19 of the Ontario Human Rights Code The Ontario Education Services Corporation (OESC)

Denominational Rights Empowers Catholic Schools to exist ( i. e. EIE created in conjunction of Catholic Graduate Expectations ) Allows for the hiring of Catholics Allows in the elementary panel for the assertion of denominational with regard to admissions Supported in the code, charter of rights and freedoms, BNA Act as well as case law

AREAS OF FOCUS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Board policies, programs, guidelines, and practices, Shared and committed leadership Inclusive curriculum and assessment practices, School–community relationships Religious accommodation School climate and the prevention of discrimination and harassment, Professional learning Accountability and transparency;

Creation of Catholic Template Update to PPM 119 from Ministry of Education OESC engaged to create Catholic Template for Equity and Inclusive Education OESC is the Ontario Education Services Corporation who provide services to School Boards and Associations

Who Directed the OESC in the writing of the template from which the policy is derived ? Institute for Catholic Education (at the behest of the Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Ontario) Ontario Catholic Trustee Association Catholic Directors of Ontario Catholic Supervisory Officers of Ontario Borden Ladner Gervais, Keel Cotrelle The policy and resources have been reviewed by Archbishop Collins

Catholic Consortium Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Ontario PPM 119 EIE Institute for Catholic Education OCSOA CPCO Ontario Catholic Trustees Association Archdiocese of Toronto

Context Publicly Funded Catholic Education in Secondary Schools In 1984 with the arrival of full funding for Catholic Schools open access was granted to all high school students. Since that time and indeed prior to 1984 Catholic schools in Toronto have endeavoured to support students of various faith traditions within the context of our Catholic tradition and values.

Commitment Freedom of religion is an individual right and a collective responsibility Catholic School Boards are committed to work with the community they serve to foster an inclusive learning environment that promotes acceptance and protects individuals from discrimination or harassment on the basis of religion

School Climate and the prevention of discrimination and harrassment In 2006 the Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Ontario released thru the Institute for Catholic Education a pastoral guideline titled: ‘Pastoral Guideline to assist Students of Same Sex Attraction’. It offered staff a means of working with students in discerning and understanding one’s sexuality in terms of our faith

Bullying and harrassment: Comment from ACBO First, it’s important to note that any student in any Catholic school who feels bullied or harassed because of their sexual orientation, ethnicity, physical abilities, or any other factor has always been able to receive support to address their concerns and needs and this will not change The enrichment of existing school-based opportunities for students to gather in groups to address bullying against students with same-sex orientation will be available before the beginning of the next school year, which starts in September, 2011 (Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Ontario/Ontario Catholic School trustees –April 15 2011

What does this mean for TCDSB 1. 2. 3. 4. Review existing supports for staff, students and families as it pertains to bullying Ensure that all groups are mentored by staff who are well informed concerning the tenets of our faith and the complexity of sexuality Work to follow faithfully the direction of Archbishop and ACBO To offer our support to this provincial initiative

Archbishop Collin’s remarks on Catholic EIE document ‘Catholic boards throughout the province, drawing on the well-considered resources prepared by the Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Ontario, have worked diligently to create policies rooted in the Gospel and totally in harmony with our Catholic Christian faith that ensure the rights, dignity and respect of all students in our care. ’ March 2011

Final Thoughts Now you together are Christ’s body; but each of you is a different part of it. St Paul in 1 st Corinthians 12: 27