Have your say on two important TDSB policies

 The TDSB's Parent, Caregiver and Community Engagement Office has made us aware of two opportunities for parents and caregivers to help shape board policies. Please read the following and consider having your say.

1. Learning Opportunities Index Policy (P067)

The Learning Opportunities Index Policy (P067) is currently being reviewed. The revised draft Learning Opportunities Index Policy (P067) (the “Policy”) is meant to affirm the TDSB’s commitment to achieve equitable academic opportunities. This Policy will assist with steering additional resources to schools serving students who face greater challenges and to make sure that all students have access to educational resources. The revised draft Policy also aims to support student learning experiences through equitable allocation of resources to schools and to provide direction to staff regarding the use of the Learning Opportunities Index (LOI).

The objectives of the LOI are: 

• To support student learning experiences through equitable allocation of resources to schools.
• To provide direction to staff regarding the use of the Learning Opportunities Index (LOI).

 
The TDSB would like to share the draft Policy with you and seek your input. You can find the draft Policy posted for your review at the TDSB's Policy Consultations page, or directly at this link.

Please share with us your thoughts, questions and recommendations on the draft Policy by email to [email protected], or via this online feedback form, on or before March 24, 2025.

Review draft of P067

2. Dealing with Abuse and Neglect of Students Policy (P045)

The Dealing with Abuse and Neglect of Students Policy (P045) is currently being reviewed and reconsulted for 30 days.

The revised draft Dealing with Abuse and Neglect of Students Policy (the “Policy”) is meant to support the Toronto District School Board’s commitment to educate school communities about their Duty to Report, incidents of suspected, witnessed, and/or disclosed neglect and abuse of children to the Children Aid Societies. The draft Policy also centres around the principles of human rights, in alignment with the Human Rights Policy (P031) and the Human Rights Code, to provide a culturally safe, nurturing, positive, and respectful learning environment focused on preventing abuse and neglect for all students, including Indigenous, Black, and newcomer students.
 
In addition, the revised draft Policy includes provisions related to:

• Embedding Jordan's and Katelynn's Principles.
• Committing to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action, specifically related to child welfare and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
• Aligning the Policy to governing legislation and directions, such as, the Human Rights Code, the Education Act, the Child, Youth, and Family Services Act, 2017, Policy Program Memorandum (PPM) 9: Duty to Report Children in Need of Protection, and PPM 166: Keeping Students Safe: Policy Framework for School Board Anti-Sex Trafficking Protocols.
• Educating all students about abuse and neglect.
• Informing and training employees and volunteers working with students about their legal duty to report abuse and neglect - suspected, witnessed and/or disclosed to Children’s Aid Society and/or Native Child Services.
• Identifying, developing and facilitating identity affirming/culturally responsive and relevant healing practices for all groups of students.
• New section on: detecting and reporting abuse and neglect.
• New section on: privacy and confidentiality.
• New section on: training and awareness.
• New section on: Truth and Reconciliation – Calls to Action, UNDRIP, National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls –Reclaiming Power and Place.
• New section on: child welfare and their impacts on black students, newcomer students and their parents/guardians/caregivers.
• New section on: institutional accountability.

The TDSB would like to share the draft Policy with you and seek your input. You can find the draft Policy posted for your review at the TDSB's Policy Consultations page, or directly at this link.

If you have any questions related to the review and consultation of the Policy, please contact at: [email protected] on or before February 24, 2025.

Review draft of P045

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