Province to provide planning tool, funding to school boards to support Black student success

King-Vaughan MPP attends ribbon cutting for the READI program

Yorkregion.com
Aug. 17, 2021
Laura Broadley

The Ontario government is introducing a new tool for school boards and making available $1.43 million in programs, which are meant to target policies and practices that have had an adverse impact on Ontario’s Black students. These funds are also meant to support anti-racism work in schools across the province.

The tool, called Board Improvement and Equity Planning Tool, is in place for 2021-22 school year and will increase accountability and standardize commitments for advancing human rights and equity across the education system.

Parents and local communities will be engaged by school boards on their actions to identify and dismantle systemic barriers facing underserved student populations. Boards will then be required to support reports to the Ministry of Education as well as post them publicly.

“Racism and discrimination have no place in our school systems -- yet too many Black students continue to feel left behind,” said Stephen Lecce, minister of education and MPP for King-Vaughan. “We recognize that Black and racialized students have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, which is why we are partnering and investing to combat racism and promote the academic success of Black students.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased existing inequalities and disproportionately impacted Indigenous, Black and other racialized youth, as well as those from low-income backgrounds, LGBTQI2S students and students with disabilities, a media release said.

The Safe Return to Class Fund will help community groups and school boards deliver culturally relevant supports for students to build the skills and knowledge for academic and future success. Of that funding, $280,000 will go to ANCHOR (African-Canadian Coalition against Hate, Oppression & Racism) to support the creation of a culturally relevant summer learning program for students in kindergarten to Grade 12 to increase the engagement of Black students in their education.

"The pandemic has created challenges for racialized students; Black students in particular. The READI program will create a positive environment where our children can reach their full potential, by ensuring that they are cared for, celebrated and affirmed. The READI program will have educators working with children who may have become disengaged during the last school year," said Shernett Martin, executive director of ANCHOR.