Alternative schools offer students and parents something different from mainstream schooling. Each alternative school, whether elementary or secondary is unique, with a distinct identity and approach to curriculum delivery. They usually feature a small student population, a commitment to innovative and experimental programs, and volunteer commitment from parents/guardians and other community members.
The ASCAC advises the TDSB on matters concerning alternative schools. The membership is comprised of students, parents, educators, designated TDSB staff and trustees appointed by the Board. The ASCAC is co-chaired by two parents, two students and a trustee.
At its meeting on 20 June 2016 the Board approved the establishment of a Black Student Achievement Advisory Committee (BSACAC) with the mandate to “examine and make recommendations on strategies to create more equitable outcomes, raise achievement levels and create safe spaces for Black students.
The BSACAC will support the Board’s ongoing commitment to work in partnership with its parents/guardians, communities and students to improve educational outcomes for Black students.
Mandate of CUSCAC:
- to facilitate ongoing feedback from community organizations on both the continued implementation of TDSB Community Use of School Policies. (policy P.011, Community Use of Board Facilities and P.023)
- to suggest improvements to the policy;
- to provide an opportunity to explore the concept of Integrated Service Delivery (ISD) with community agencies and groups;
- to assess the impact of CUS funding from the Ministry of Education on use of space and to make recommendations regarding that funding
- to make recommendations to the TDSB in order to:
- increase the accessibility and use of school facilities by community groups
- increase the concurrent use of school facilities by multiple community groups
- increase revenues from the Province of Ontario to support CUS
- improve and streamline the permit application process and reduce barriers to access
- ensure access and equity considerations re CUS
- to consider and coordinate the work of other initiatives within TDSB as they impact on CUS: e.g. Model schools, Focus on Youth program, service integration pilot project, Continuing Education, access to pools, Toronto Lands corporation re: community use, full day kindergarten, Full Service Schools, Priority School Initiative, Facilities Partnership Agreements. This may also involve the TDSB speaking to City of Toronto and Province in areas under their jurisdiction.
The EYCAC will provide advice to the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) on matters concerning the implementation of the Early Years Policy, and to identify and provide advocacy on issues of broad community interest concerning Early Years programs, for the consideration of the Board and staff. The EYCAC is comprised of representatives of recognized groups across Toronto with an interest in early years public education, parent members, designated TDSB staff and trustees appointed by the Board.
The ESCAC was formed by the TDSB in 2010 as part of the Go Green Climate Change Action Plan. The Committee was created to help inform the TDSB's environmental policies and programming. Since forming in 2010, impacts of the ESCAC have included:
- Successfully advocating for the TDSB to adopt a strategic direction focused on the environment
- Providing direction on the TDSB Charter for Active, Safe, and Sustainable Transportation
- Advising on programming regarding professional development for ecological literacy
The EPCAC will provide advice to the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) on matters concerning the implementation of the Equity Policy. It will also identify issues of broad community interest regarding equity in education, for the consideration of the TDSB and staff. The EPCAC is comprised of representatives of recognized equity seeking groups across Toronto with an interest in public education, representatives from recognized Community Liaison Groups, parent members, designated TDSB staff and trustees appointed by the Board.
The FSLAC consults with and advises the Board on French as a Second Language matters and contributes to the work of trustees and staff. This partnership of trustees, staff and parents fosters excellence and growth in FSL programs at the Board.
The FSLAC is comprised of parent representatives and alternates elected by ward councils, a parent co-chair elected by FSLAC parent representatives, a trustee appointed by the Board as co-chair and designated TDSB staff.
The ICCAC advises the TDSB on matters concerning learning opportunities for students in "inner city" communities and on Board policies and programs addressing the socio-economic circumstances of students and families across the system.
The membership is comprised of community resource persons, parents, educators, designated TDSB staff and trustees appointed by the Board. The ICCAC is co-chaired by Community co-chair Ms. Ingrid Palmer, elected in 2014 and the Trustee co-chair position is currently vacant. Trustees Aarts, Kandavel and Tonks participate on ICCAC.
The Urban Indigenous Community Advisory Committee (UICAC) meets on a monthly basis to offer parent and community input on TDSB policies and programs, in addition to providing an advocacy role for parents and the community.