Question 4 – Zone 6 Responses
Contents
The Question in brief
Responses from:
– Tanya Melissa Dasilva
– Chris Ellis
The Question in Brief
In your opinion, is equitable, inclusive education important? Why or why not?
Tanya Melissa Dasilva
Yes, equitable and inclusive education is important. It has wide-reaching implications that may impact a student in later life stages. Irrespective of one’s background, students should be educated (not ignorant) about all communities that make up Canada’s multicultural mosaic. They also should have an awareness of systemic issues and institutionalized barriers that still exist. However, despite our differences, we have shared values which bind us as Canadians and our diversity is our unique strength. We’re not perfect, we have our flaws, but Canada is still an incredibly welcoming and tolerant country in this world. I know Canada and its citizens will continue to strive to become better and better.
Eventually, our students in the schools will socialize, study and work with other individuals in society (including new immigrants, refugees, etc.). This interaction can occur in post-secondary institutions, through volunteering, sports & clubs, in business, throughout their career(s), in public or civic engagement, and even internationally. Students need to know that equitable and inclusive education has transferrable skills, policies and practices that can be applied in other settings.
How have you personally demonstrated your commitment to inclusive, equitable education?
Throughout my educational, professional and community experiences, I have always been cognizant of issues surrounding equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility. I keep informed of the latest trends, new developments, organizations and people spearheading such initiatives. I have been involved in events and workshops designed to create awareness, incorporate different perspectives and promote equitable & inclusive education.
Would you vote in favour of an initiative similar to the DDSB’s Equity and Diversity Strategic Framework?
Yes, of course.
Please provide between 1-5 examples of practical steps you would want to see included in a comparable document.
It would be great to include practical steps such as the following:
- Equitable Recruitment Framework (including updated staff census, hiring and promotional trends)
- Look at creating a new department at OCDSB for Equity, Inclusion and Diversity (with dedicated staff)
- School diversity teams (including Diversity intelligence or Intercultural training)
- Increase partnerships with community organizations that improve student experiences from marginalized communities
- Inclusive curriculum and assessment practices (data and evidence based)
Do you believe that there is a role for alternative, self-directed programs to play in promoting equity and inclusion? Why or why not? You are invited to consider Danh’s story while responding.
Yes, I support different educational pathways and flexible programs in schooling, especially that encourage equity and inclusion. There should be opportunities for students to thrive and excel in learning environments that are outside of standardized school structures (where possible).
Chris Ellis
For me public education’s most important feature is in giving all students an excellent education no matter race, ethnicity, income, gender and/or learning challenges. That all students receive the support they need to offset barriers that they may face from other sources. It is imperative that resources be differentiated to address those deficits. Failing to provide an equitable outcome for all students but especially students facing challenges is a failure of public education.
During the passing of the last strategic plan I brought forward an amendment to start collecting data disaggregated by race and ethnicity. Unfortunately it did not pass. The four years prior to becoming a trustee and as a trustee I have been a member of the OCDSB Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) advocating for the support of Spec Ed students through a continuum of options from total integration to congregated classes depending on need and wishes of student and parents. I have consistently spoken in favour and voted at budget to provide more funding to Spec Ed than the province provides to the OCDSB for special education. I have been a member of the OCDSB Advisory Committee on Equity (ACE) prior to being a trustee and have consistently attended ACE committees as a trustee. I introduced the motion that gave ACE a seat at the Board Committee of the Whole table so that a member of ACE can bring their insight to policy and discussion of trustees. During the Rideau HS closure I held a meeting with Syrian newcomers in the apt towers where they live to get there input. I arranged for staff to be at that meeting as well as translators. I also facilitated the OCDSB to provide bussing for this group and others lacking transportation to an open house and then so they could give a delegation to trustees at the board office in regards to the Rideau HS closure.
I would vote for a more far reaching and comprehensive equity strategy than the “DDSB’s Equity and
Diversity Strategic Framework?”. In my opinion it is still missing important components on equity of
outcomes and how to achieve them.
In a comparable document I would want to see but not limited to;
• Plan for data collection on race, ethnicity, socioeconomic, the full range of gender identity, and learning exceptionalities and reporting out of that data.
• A plan to provide curriculum that reflects the range of diversity in our schools as a balance to the current euro-centric focused curriculum
• A plan on how to get the OCDSB staff to a place that represents the diversity that we see in our country
• How to measure the OCDSB success in achieving equity and inclusion to help make needed decisions to keep moving forward on this issue
Students learn in many different modes of delivery. The OCDSB should have many options so the best fit for a student will be available. That is why I support all options from integration to congregated classes for Spec Ed students and the alternative program. It is why I worked with parents and students to keep the Store Front program open and will be looking to expand it to other areas of the city. Having these and more options including self directed learning will mean that the OCDSB will have the tools to create my ideal of public education and provide equitable outcomes for all.