Families protest closure of gifted learners program at Vancouver schools
Posted March 13, 2024 7:36 am.
Last Updated March 13, 2024 6:40 pm.
Families of Vancouver school students rallied Wednesday to protest the closure of a program that supports gifted and neurodiverse learners.
Around 1,000 parents have signed a petition asking the Vancouver School Board (VSB) to resume intake for the University Transition Program, otherwise known as the Transition Program for Gifted Students (TPGS), which helps children prepare for early entrance into post-secondary education.
Dozens of people gathered outside the VSB offices around 10:30 a.m. calling for intake to resume.
Parents say the program is needed for profoundly gifted students, whom studies show are more likely to drop out of school, experience social isolation, and develop depression and anxiety disorders without proper support.
In a letter to those applying to the program, the VSB, co-signed with the Ministry of Education and UBC, says it cancelled admission to the program for the 2024-25 year to “conduct a review of the program by Deetken Insight.”
“Several concerns about the program have been brought to the attention of the Ministry, VSB, and UBC, and most recently these concerns highlighted the negative impacts on students’ mental health and well-being,” the letter stated.
“Given the nature of the concerns raised the Ministry and VSB, in consultation with UBC, have decided to pause admission into the TPGS.
“Deetken Insight will work with the VSB to provide opportunities for students, their families, staff and alumni to participate in the review process,” the letter continued.
However, concerns are being raised by TPGS families and caregivers, with one parent suggesting Deetken has “no experience” in gifted education or adolescent psychology.
“The study is being done without input from all stakeholders,” said Tracy Adole.
“The UTP is not a VSB school. It is a Provincial Resource Program run by the BC Ministry of Education to meet the diverse needs of a specific student population,” Adole continued.
“They are calling this a review instead of what it is: shutting down admissions to then close down the program. They are not listening to student and community voices.”
Decisions about TPGS future to be made following review: VSB
Meanwhile, the VSB says in a statement to CityNews, “no decision about the future of the program will be made until the program review is complete.”
“The program will continue to operate for students who are currently enrolled; however, there will be no new admissions for the 2024/25 school year. We believe this is the right decision given the serious nature of the concerns raised,” the statement explains.
“The admissions pause will not impact students who are currently enrolled in the program. Students in their second year will have the opportunity to complete and graduate from TPGS as planned, in June 2024. Students in their first year will have the ability to choose to complete their second year of studies in TPGS or return to their local secondary school to receive comprehensive academic instruction and support.”
The VSB says it made the decision to suspend admissions pending review “with careful consideration.” It adds the decision “reflects our dedication to the mental and emotional welfare of students and their families.”
“The gravity of the identified concerns requires us to take prompt and decisive action to prioritize the well-being of students,” the VSB explains.
“The formal review will be comprehensive, exploring various aspects of the program from the perspectives of current students, their families, staff and alumni. All these groups will have the opportunity to participate and have their voices heard, which will help gain a deeper understanding of specific issues and opportunities related to this program.”
The VSB did not elaborate on the specific concerns that were raised.
Listen live to CityNews 1130 to keep up to date with this developing story. You can also subscribe to breaking news alerts sent directly to your inbox.
–With files from Cecilia Hua
