With Good Reason

Assuming the trustees of the Toronto District School Board’s (TDSB) approve the blacks-only pilot programs and stand-alone school at tomorrow night’s meeting, the Toronto Sun’s Moira MacDonald is saying in a column today that failure is not an option. And, I whole heartedly agree with that hope — in spite of the fact that I think it has the potential to segregate and isolate black students from the mainstream. But, realizing a democracy is made up of differing opinions, I will try to keep an open mind if it is approved.

How did this whole process start anyway? Obviously, someone in the community thought it would be a good idea. Apparently, the seed for such a school was planted by a parent, Angela Wilson and her friend, Donna Harrow, a community worker. As MacDonald explains:

“Wilson and Harrow wanted three ‘Africentric’ schools; board staff are recommending planning start for one, with three other existing schools piloting teaching models that highlight the contributions of African descendants and other minorities. The board would start up the three pilot programs next fall and the stand-alone school would have a target opening of September, 2009. Staff have been clear all programs would be open to students of any race.”

Now, as I have written in another article, there are certain characteristics that make a school successful, black-focused or otherwise. One hopes the TDSB is doing its homework on that issue. There needs to be a shared vision and a clear sense of purpose and a strong community involvement — which definitely seems to be the case here. There also needs to be effective leadership, a quality curriculum and teaching expertise, clear behavioural and discipline expectations and a commitment to excellence and accountability.

On the issue of leadership, MacDonald says:

“The city already has the people who can make this school fly. David Watkins, an eloquent, award-wnning TDSB teacher of African-Canadian history, who happens to be black, is ready to be its principal, if asked. There are teachers, black and white, and community workers, with the skills and the interest to make the school work.”

Well, that is all well and good. But an award winning teacher may or may not have the type of leadership skills a strong principal needs. The role of a teacher is very different from that of a principal. That does not mean I am assuming Mr. Watkins does not have those abilities, just that it needs to be ascertained that he does before he is hired.  Similarly, let us also hope that TDSB human resources staff look at all aspects of a candidate’s experience  — quite apart from the fact they may be black.

Whatever the case, there can be no magical thinking here. ALL the ingredients of a successful school have to be present to make this school a success. MacDonald says failure is not an option. That remains to be seen.

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Note: H/T to Cathy Cove. C/P at Crux-of-the-Matter.

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