DATE:
Mr. Ted Arnott, MPP
Parliamentary Assistant to
the Minister of Education
Mowat Block
Toronto, ON M7A 1L2
Telephone (416) 325-2600
Fax (416) 325-2608
Re: Alternative Education Programs
Dear Mr. Arnott,
I understand that you have been consulted by the PACE Society with regard to the possibility of creating alternative programs within the structure of the publicly funded system. I understand also that such programs would deliver Ministry of Education curriculum within a context that respects and supports the cultural and/or spiritual worldview of the families attending. A proposal, developed by PACE, is presently before the Minister of Education.
As a citizen of this province, choice in education appeals to me. Alternative programming intended to address cultural, spiritual and language differences, has a positive impact on school achievement. Our province is extremely diverse and public education should reflect that diversity. This comes down to the fundamental belief that to serve all children, we need to meet their unique needs.
Many families, within different cultural/spiritual segments of society, find curriculum materials or methods of presentation offensive and in conflict with their values and worldview. It is important to note that these families do not object to the provincial curriculum. Furthermore, they do not desire to have their values imposed upon others. Requests of the families to remove the materials or change the presentation methods is interpreted, by the school board, as imposing the values of this group upon others. Some school boards will exempt students from offensive activities, but such efforts often lead to singling out the children and ostracization by other pupils.
There are significant benefits to a society that provides alternative programs. In other provinces, such as Alberta, school boards are encouraged to create alternative programs that address cultural, language and spiritual differences (Alberta School Act, Section 16). The limiting criteria placed on such programs are that they must be fiscally viable and deliver provincial curriculum expectations. Boards of Education where alternative programming has been implemented report increased academic results and improved understanding of cultural, language and spiritual differences.
Ontario already has four alternative programs designed to address spiritual differences. These have been functioning very well: Eden High School, (Niagara DSB), Centre Peel School (Upper Grand DSB), Sturgeon Creek Alternative Program (Rainy River DSB), and Mexican Mennonite Alternative Program (Grand Erie DSB).
As a citizen of Hamilton-Wentworth, I encourage the Government of Ontario, and Ministry of Education, to take the necessary measures to ensure the PACE alternative program becomes a reality in Hamilton-Wentworth.
Yours truly,
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