News Reports

Report: Ontario school boards struggling to implement anti-racism plans

A report from People for Education highlights the lengthy implementation of anti-racism efforts in Canadian schools, attributing the slow progress to insufficient data collection and resource allocation. While Ontario was the first province to pass anti-racism legislation in 2017, the report notes significant inconsistencies in the execution of anti-racism strategies across publicly-funded school boards. Data reveals that 74% of school boards mention racism in equity policies, 40% have anti-racism statements on their websites, and 28% have online anti-racism strategies. The report underscores the importance of identity-based data for understanding disparities and advocates for a whole-of-government approach, emphasizing the need for resources and time in schools to address anti-racism effectively.

https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/ontario-school-boards-struggling-to-implement-anti-racism-plans-report-1.6233104


Pandemic curbed school boards’ anti-racism work, study finds

People for Education's recent survey reveals a significant lack of diversity among Ontario school principals, with almost 90% identifying as white. This stark contrast to the diverse student population highlights the slow progress in anti-racism initiatives, partly hindered by the pandemic. While some schools offer anti-racism training, only a fraction collaborate with community organizations, crucial for addressing systemic racism due to their expertise, cultural competence, advocacy, and resources. The report calls for collective efforts, stressing the need for representative hiring and ongoing initiatives to establish equitable and anti-racist educational environments in Ontario.

https://www.thestar.com/politics/provincial/pandemic-curbed-school-boards-anti-racism-work-study-finds/article_331cd5ab-6651-5fb1-a978-0efa358298c7.html


Being Black in School: Peel students open up about the racism they face in the classroom

The students at the Peel District School Board (PDSB) bring light to a harsh reality: a prevalent culture of dismissal and ignorance toward racism and cultural differences within their classrooms. The PDSB's slow response and apparent lack of urgency have intensified students' frustration. Personal experiences of racism, coupled with widespread parental concern, emphasize the need for lasting systemic changes that prioritize inclusivity, respect, and justice for all students.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/peel-students-racism-panel-1.6408851


Ontario Taking Bold Action to Address Racism and Inequity in Schools

The COVID-19 pandemic marked a transformative year, spotlighting numerous systemic barriers within the education system for Black, Indigenous, and racialized students. This page outlines several changes implemented in response, such as the elimination of streaming in Grade 9, addressing the disproportionate impact on outcomes for students in applied courses compared to academic ones. The article also discusses reforms to suspensions for primary grades and the augmentation of anti-racism and anti-discrimination training for teachers and educators, fostering a truly inclusive and equitable classroom environment.

https://news.ontario.ca/en/backgrounder/57542/ontario-taking-bold-action-to-address-racism-and-inequity-in-schools


The crisis of anti-Black racism in schools persists across generations

Reports on the experiences of Black students in Toronto schools highlight persistent issues of negligence and racial insensitivity, with students facing adverse treatment, including the regular use of racial slurs. This ongoing problem, documented over two decades, reveals systemic barriers, such as a lack of representation, inadequate curriculum addressing Black history, and discriminatory disciplinary practices. Recent studies echo concerns about streaming practices and a sense of not belonging among Black students, creating challenging learning environments. The call is made for educators to critically assess teaching materials, cultivate culturally responsive learning spaces, and proactively address systemic racism in schools.

https://rsc-src.ca/en/node/4088


How these 3 teachers bring anti-racist education to their elementary school classes

The event of George Floyd's murder has inspired educators like Curtis Dardaine, who uses a student-centered, anti-racist approach, integrating students' experiences into lessons. Monica Noakes focuses on empathy and advocates for diverse literature, while Halifax art educator Robin Jensen encourages personal perspectives in art creation, fostering inclusivity in education.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/teachers-anti-racist-education-young-learners-1.6044605

 

 

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