Ten mandates that will assist with the creation of the Centre of Excellence for Black Students

BY PAUL JUNOR

On June 17^th, 2020, the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) announced in a news release that it had created a new Centre of Excellence to celebrate the achievements of black students.

The TDSB is the largest, most diverse  public school boards in Canada, with approximately 247,000 students in 583 schools (www.tdsb on.ca). The decision to create this centre was unanimously approved by TDSB trustees. It will be the first one in Canada, and there is much hope, expectations and promise from this innovative initiative.

The formation of the Centre of Excellence has been in the development stage since 2018. It arose within the context of the Multi-Year Strategic Plan, which was passed and accepted by the Board of Trustees in 2018. It identifies system goals, which include:

1. Transform student learning
2. Create a culture for students and staff well-being
3. Allocate human and financial resources strategically to support student needs
4. Build strong relationships and partnership within school communities to support student learning and well-being.

In the introduction to the plan, it notes “We know that we need to make major changes to show we support black students and those with special needs.” The basis of the plan is to ensure that each school Improvement plan is targeted to an area of focus on three specific areas: achievement, equity and well-being.

The Chair of the TDSB, Robin Pilkey and Director John Malloy made a joint statement on May 29^th, 2020, “Racism in all forms is deeply rooted in our history. This week events remind us of the ongoing impact of anti-black racism on individuals and communities. Throughout the media, we have witnessed violence and harassment against members of the black community. We are acutely aware of the devastating impact of anti-black racism.”

On June 17^th, 2020, they further noted, “The TDSB continues to be committed to equity and inclusion and we acknowledge the importance of addressing anti-black racism. As we continue to serve students and communities these acts of violence are critical reminders that we need to remain focused and committed to the changes that need to happen for all students, staff, parents and communities.” 

 The mandate of the centre includes:

1. Providing support of black students in TDSB to combat racism, navigate complaint process, identify barriers to success and access appropriate resources (e.g. scholarship, networking, mentoring).
2. Using evidence to highlight promising practices and engage in meaningful research on topics relevant to black students that are then integrated across schools and are the system level within the TDSB.
3. Creating professional learning in anti-black racism and collaborate with other staff in facilitating learning in decolonization, anti-racism, anti-oppression and human rights recognizing the similarities and intersections of various forms of oppression.
4. Identifying, developing and facilitating culturally responsive and relevant healing practices for groups of students.
5. Informing changes to policies and procedures so that all students may benefit from the learning.
6. Establishing effective mechanisms for monitoring improvement in their achievement of black students.
7. Providing annual accountability reports and recommendations to the Board of Trustees and staff.
8. Supporting meaningful engagement and advocacy of caregivers for their children in TDSB schools, and programs to improve communication to them about black students: success, system, navigation and complaint process.
9. Engaging in strategic partnership related to education with the annually identified approved budget for this purpose.

In many ways the TDSB has been at the forefront of initiating innovative programs. It was the first board in Canada to start the Afrocentric Alternative School in 2009. This school originated after a report titled Improving Success for Black Students was released in January, 2018.

The Centre of Excellence resulted from the work of the Enhancing Equity Task Force, which involved widespread community input in 2018, which led to the Multi-Year Strategic Plan. No time has been given for when the Centre will commence. It is expected to be supported  by 20.5 staff positions, which include: a social worker, child and youth counsellor, and five education coaches who provide assistance to help black students excel academically with full support.