Last fall, Weidong Pei was elected as a new trustee of the Toronto District School Board after campaigning to end the new TDSB admissions policy for its arts and specialty schools which was performance-based before moving to a lottery system. The policy is designed to allow for greater diversity and opportunity for the entire city as opposed to, for example, those from a specific group that could afford to send their kids to ballet school since they were old enough to walk.
TDSB spokesperson Ryan Bird told the Toronto Star that the programs “have offered outstanding opportunities for some students, but families have told us that barriers to access including admission processes, entrance criteria and geography, have limited these opportunities for a significant number of students. Since the changes to the policy, more students who represent the diversity of TDSB schools have expressed an interest in and have registered to attend these programs.”
Thank you to the 250 students, parents, staff who attended my Forum on the TDSB Lottery for Specialized Programs last night. 100% of speakers were opposed to the lottery system. Serious flaws in the unfair system were exposed. We must develop a fair system that works for everyone pic.twitter.com/LITPC3iK81
— Weidong Pei ?? (@DrPeiTO) April 19, 2023
Pei hosted a forum on April 19 to discuss the specialty program lottery and plans on presenting a motion to reverse the admissions policy at a June meeting.
Here is our conversation with Pei.
Could you explain why you think the admission policy for Toronto’s specialty schools is flawed?
The lottery system will destroy the specialized programs. Specialized academic programs like TOPS and International Baccalureate (IB) along with arts schools will be negatively impacted. Standards will have to be lowered. Many passionate, talented and hard-working students will be prevented from enrolling in these programs. They will seek opportunities in other boards or if they can afford it, in private schools. Students without the financial means will lose out. This is the opposite of equity. The TDSB is making a big mistake.
Do you have experience with these specialty programs?
I know first-hand that these schools provide a world-class educational experience. My daughter graduated from Claude Watson School for the Arts in 2017 and then graduated from the Victoria Park Collegiate Institute IB program in 2021. My son is currently enrolled in the Grade 8 program at Claude Watson.
Why did you decide to run for election?
The TDSB is heading in the wrong direction. The lottery system is just one example. I want to make school safety the TDSB’s number one priority. Three of our youth have been killed at schools in the past 12 months and many other students have been victims of violence. Many parents and staff feel Toronto schools are no longer safe. TDSB’s response to the escalating violence has been totally inadequate. I will be calling for a comprehensive review of safety policies and procedures and ensure changes are made to keep our students and staff safe. Also, I would like to see a greater focus on academic excellence and more focused programming in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) so our youth can be successful in a very competitive global job market.
Do you think anything needs to change at these schools to make them more equitable for all Toronto communities and people?
I understand school staff have been working towards making these schools more equitable. We can support students who are marginalized with audition preparation and with the creation of portfolios. I also believe the curriculum should, and can be, more inclusive. The TDSB should be harnassing the expertise and assets of our talented teachers and administrators in these schools. I know they will come up with solutions that will make the programs more equitable without destroying the quality of the programs.
What would you like to see happen with the specialty programs?
As a new trustee I know I have a lot to learn. I will work with my fellow trustees to try to stop the lottery system. I will champion school safety, academic excellence, healthy schools and fiscal responsibility. I want to ensure the TDSB provides all students the opportunity to reach their full potential.
