Coalition for Alternatives to Streaming in Education
2 Carlton Street, Suite 1001 M5B 1J3 Toronto, ON, Canada

Student and de-streaming advocate, Amin Ali, wrote this article discussing how Ontario can get de-streaming right. Check it out! #endstreaming #onted https://peopleforeducation.ca//how-ontario-can-get-de-str/

Academic streaming. What is it? How and why does it happen? What impact does it have on students’ personal and academic outcomes? We’re here to break it down and explain why it’s important to #endstreaming in Ontario! #onted Streaming is the practice of separating students based on perceived academic ability. Ontario high schools typically offer 3 levels of courses: academic, applied, and locally developed. In theory, this supports a variety of learners. In practice, stream...ing creates inequitable education pathways and outcomes. Those enrolled in non-academic streams are at a disadvantage with limited opportunities to learn and fewer post-secondary options. Only 3% of Grade 9 students enrolled in an applied language class (English or French) make it to post-secondary. Streaming upholds systems of oppression, hurting marginalized students the most. Black and Indigenous students, low-income students, students with special education needs, and students learning English as a second language are disproportionately placed into non-academic streams. Decisions about stream placement are subjective and arbitrary, but leave a lasting impact on students’ sense of agency, academic ability & self-esteem. Ending streaming is a critical step in creating an #onted informed by equity and collaboration with marginalized communities.

In honour of #FamilyDay, we're spotlighting the work of Parents of Black Children. PoBC is an organization committed to advocating for Black youth and families in Ontario by ensuring that school boards meet the educational needs and wellbeing of Black students. Click the link below to check out PoBC's United Parents (UP) Project. UP programming is designed to support parents of Black children as they navigate the education system. https://parentsofblackchildren.org/united-parents-project-/

Recent data from a third-party review of the Peel District School Board reflects a pattern found across Ontario and beyond Black students are disproportionately placed into lower academic streams. Racial equity is one of many reasons we're committed to #endstreaming. The final report of the Peel District School Board (PDSB) review was released in February of last year. You can read it here: https://tinyurl.com/p6g4jcde

Did you know education in Canada was racially segregated? In fact, the last remaining segregated school didn't close its doors until 1983. #BlackHistoryMonth is a particularly important time to reflect on anti-Black racism in education and how it is maintained through current policies and practices, such as academic streaming. Racial equity is one reason why we’re committed to #endstreaming. Click the link below to watch scholar and Ontario Black History Society president, Na...tasha Henry, discuss the history of racially segregated schooling in Ontario. tinyurl.com/3so9klf4

The Black Opportunity Fund is hosting an interactive town hall tomorrow from 3:00pm - 5:00pm ET for Black parents/caregivers to share their experiences within Canada's #education system & discuss how schools, communities and families can better support Black learners. We know one thing that will help support Black students: #endstreaming. Join the conversation: https://www.blackopportunityfund.ca//education-in-canada/