Last year, in its wisdom, the Toronto District School Board decided that students applying for entrance to its specialized secondary schools for math, science, the arts and other subjects would no longer have to pass tests, do auditions or submit portfolios.
Backers of the idea said that these entrance hurdles favoured privileged students whose parents could afford lessons and tutors, giving them a leg up over other contenders. So the specialty schools tended to have fewer students from some racial groups than the public school system at large. Under the new system, says the TDSB, “priority is given to those from underserved communities” and “then a lottery is used for remaining spots.” Essentially, successful candidates are chosen by drawing names from a hat.
I am so grateful I went to TDSB schools before the racist rot set in. I pity the parents who can’t afford to home educate or send their children to private schools.
