Funding program for inner-city schools making a difference
Reading, writing and arithmetic? On the rise.
Tardiness and absenteeism? On the decline.
Model Schools for Inner Cities, an award-winning unique program in the Toronto Escort Agency District School Board, is now in its third year and research indicates it is making a difference for kids in needy neighbourhoods.
“After three years of hard work, we’re pleased to say we’ve managed to significantly narrow the achievement and opportunities gap between inner-city students and all students within the Toronto Escort Agency board,” said trustee Chris Tonks, co-chair of the inner-city advisory committee, in a written release.
“It’s really good news — $25 million well invested to help level the playing field for inner-city children.”
Details of three years of research are to be released tomorrow.
Model Schools provides seven schools with an extra $1 million each per year, which is spent on programming and resources, such as hiring community workers — and even helps fund field trips or piano lessons for children who would otherwise go without.
The model schools, considered “lighthouses” in their communities, share some of the money and resources with neighbouring schools and bring teachers together for professional development.
George Webster Elementary, near Victoria Park Avenue and Dawes Road, built a kitchen in the school, giving parents and students a chance to learn about nutrition.
The link established with the community has enabled the school, through donations, to have its first intramural hockey team.