Thread by @JyotiGondek

1/Calgary’s public high school education system gets hit again, with the proposed cancellation of an International Baccalaureate (IB) program. The savings? $16,600. Apparently, our kids aren’t worth that kind of money but $12 million to fight Bigfoot on Netflix is a fine idea.

2/March 17 is the last public opportunity for feedback on proposed programming cuts for public high schools in Calgary. These cuts are aimed at popular “alternative programs” like IB, French Immersion, Spanish Bilingual & Arts-Centred Learning.

3/The proposition is that these cuts will save money & maximize space in schools bursting at the seams. By removing “alternative programs”, high schools can warehouse more kids from growing communities for the general program. Allow me to unpack the issues with this plan.

4/Instead of building new public high schools to serve students, successful programs will be cut in some existing schools to make physical space for students being bussed in from other communities. This stems from provincial failure to invest in the building of schools over time.

5/Further, failure to partner with municipalities & private sector to provide the buildings and/or infrastructure for schools is another issue. Allowing school structures to be built during community (re)development would alleviate capital costs, yet there’s no provincial desire.

6/Most significant, the programs slated for cuts allow some students to succeed in a system that is otherwise stacked against them. Access to the IB program in marginalized communities allows many less privileged kids to go on to post-secondary, often with scholarships.

7/The proposal is to eliminate the IB program in one of 5 schools. Students from Western Canada, Churchill & Henry Wise Wood high schools are able to keep their IB program. Students from Diefenbaker & Pearson had to write a joint letter in an effort to save both programs.

8/Diefenbaker & Pearson are jointly fighting to keep IB to provide many marginalized students with the opportunity for a better life. Both schools embraced IB to promote academic & citizenship opportunities for many students who otherwise would not be able to afford it.

9/ Hardest hit by the changes will be families with lower incomes, less wealth and struggles with English as a second language. To access programs that facilitate improved post-secondary admission, marginalized kids will have to apply outside designated schools & travel further.

10/Instead of embracing the fact that investment in public education results in better trained students who can drive a strong socioeconomic future, our provincial government is determined to devastate the future of our kids, while dividing us along class lines.

11/Last month, they hobbled local post-secondaries. Now they’re coming for public high schools. The greatest impact will be felt by Calgarians who don’t have the wealth to send their kids to private schools & universities/colleges located in other cities. Education = privilege.

12/We’ve heard the provincial government preach about investing in our children’s future. Their actions say otherwise. They’re also hoping you’ll blame the Calgary Board of Education, the body they underfund & punish when trustees fight for students’ needs. Don’t fall for that.

13/They’re hoping you’re still reeling from the pandemic and a tumultuous 12 months of school during quarantine times. They’re hoping you’re easily distracted and disengaged.

Prove them wrong.

14/Show them you’re here to stand up for all Calgary families & their kids. Show them that public education matters to all of us. Educate yourselves by doing 3 things. First, read this to familiarize yourself with proposed changes:

cbe.ab.ca/get-involved/p…

15/If you want the full suite of information, visit here:
cbe.ab.ca/get-involved/p…

Once you have understood the gravity of what is being proposed, please complete the survey:
engage.cbedialogue.com/en/projects/3/…

Get your high school student to complete the survey:
engage.cbedialogue.com/en/projects/3/…

16/Finally… speak up! We cannot call ourselves a diverse, equitable and inclusive city if we don’t stop this clear effort at compromising public education. Get the word out to there families. Deadline for feedback is March 17.