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The Brampton Guardian
Public board set to approve regional programs in August
Wednesday July 2 2008
By Roger Belgrave, Staff Writer
A new policy for regional programs at local public schools is scheduled for approval in August.
The Peel District School Board launched a review of its regional programs more than a year ago. A draft policy has been written to govern programs the board is not mandated to offer under the Education Act. The list of programs affected would include such courses as Mayfield Secondary School's arts program, Turner Fenton's International Baccalaureate (IB) program, North Park Secondary School's International Business and Technology (IBT) program or the arts program at Earnscliffe Senior Public School.
Last year, there were more than 5,000 students in regional programs at Brampton and Mississauga public schools.
At a June 26 meeting, school board trustees approved recommendations from a committee established to conduct the review. The new policy, presented by the same Regional Program Review Committee, is scheduled to be presented for approval at the board's Aug. 26 public meeting.      
Under the draft policy, transportation would still not be provided to students outside designated school bus catchment areas, similar programs in different areas would have common entrance requirements and bursaries would be available for families who show financial need.
Committee members also attempted to address equitable access to the programs by recommending programs should be strategically placed geographically, situated along public transit routes and cater to the different learning styles and abilities of students to ensure wider access.
It was recommended board officials engage in further discussion about making regional programs more inclusive.
Committee Chair and Brampton Trustee Steve Kavanagh also said the board cannot continue to establish a program at locations just because a school has the space. "We have to start creating space," he remarked.
Kavanagh also revealed the committee was recommending the board no longer consider French Immersion a regional program.  The suggestion raised some concern with Board Chair Janet McDougald who believes removing the regional program banner from the very popular French Immersion classes would lead to some difficulties controlling enrolment, meeting accommodation needs and handling busing costs.
The regional program review was initially launched after students in some Mississauga communities were unable to attend their neighbourhood school because it was filled with students being bused in to attend regional programs.
Regional programs are open to students outside the immediate school neighbourhood where the programs are located.
Mississauga Trustee Ruth Thompson wanted the review to see what can be done to ensure regional programs are not displacing students who live within school boundaries.
The draft policy can be viewed on the board's website at www.peelschools.org under the Media Desk menu and scrolling to the June 26 "Board Highlights" section.