Letter from Ruth Ehrlich M.Ed. of the Toronto District School Board

My experience with Alternative Schools in Toronto, at both the elementary and secondary public school level, has been extremely positive. These schools have in fact "saved" many children, especially at the high school level, who would have perhaps become discouraged, disenchanted and left school.

The philosophy at the elementary level permits the teachers to individualize where needed and to develop a curriculum that is based on the child's interests. Children who are imaginative, creative and self-directed learners thrive. These school especially appeal to bright children. Children who require a more structured "top-down" approach are not as successful and generally move out. In my experience this is a very small percentage, however.

Alternative Schools at the junior and senior high school level are thriving. Some of the schools have a waiting list. There is a strong feeling of community, students often have similar interests and stimulate one another to explore new interests and push themselves to develop in different areas. Because of the strong relationships with their teachers the latter act as facilitators. It would be interesting to know how these students manage at the post-secondary school level. Perhaps the TDSB has some statistics. I was saddened to learn that Alternative Schools may vanish from Ottawa. There should, in fact, be more not fewer Alternative Schools. I hope this helps a little.

Ruth Ehrlich M.Ed.
Educational Consultant

Just for the record:
   I have been a classroom teacher, a special education teacher, taught teachers at University of Toronto and York, been a school principal in a school for children with Learning Disabilities. The past 20 years I have worked as a private consultant with schools, parents and children. Good Luck!