Destreaming in Secondary Schools

Why De-stream?

Students wishing to move between streams once they have selected Applied level courses in Grade 9 face a number of barriers. De-streaming Grade 9, starting with mathematics in September 2021, and all Grade 9 subjects in September 2022, keeps course options open and supports all students to prepare for Grade 11 and 12 courses that will allow them to pursue the post-secondary pathway of their choice. The Ministry has provided new curricula for Math (MTH1W), Science (SNC1W) and English (ENL1W to be released in 2023), and the remainder of grade 9 courses are being reviewed and re-written.

Thames Valley embraces de-streaming as an opportunity to welcome students into an innovative, vibrant learning environment, where all students experience a solid foundation and an equitable opportunity for their future studies. We strive for all learners to see themselves for what we know them to be; curious, capable and competent.

Background and Research

The Organization for Economic and Cooperation and Development (OECD) (2012) recommends that school systems delay streaming to upper secondary education to ensure that options are kept open for students until they have enough experience to make decisions about their futures.
Research has shown that all students benefit from learning in groups of students of varied abilities and interests in which teachers have high and appropriate expectations for all students and a clear understanding that all students can be successful (OECD, 2012).
Ontario students, parents and caregivers have indicated that they consider course type selection in Grade 8 to be too early, and that Applied courses do not prepare them for success (People for Education, 2015).
The reality of offering different pathways is not consistent with the intended plan that students choose a combination of applied and academic courses to fit their career and life goals. In practice, students tend to take all their courses in one pathway. This often widens the achievement gap between the pathways.

Ontario was the only province in Canada that continued to stream students in Grade 9. The original intent for Applied courses was to provide a different approach to learning. Over time, the perception grew that these courses were less academically rigorous.
Research shows students from racialized communities, low-income households, and other marginalized groups are more often encouraged to take Applied level courses which then affects everything from graduation rates to employment opportunities later in life. (Ontario Ministry of Education 2017).

Streaming and De-streaming History in Ontario

Prior to 2021, Ontario was the only province in Canada that streamed students as they entered Grade 9. While the original intent for Applied courses was to provide a different approach to learning, the perception grew that these courses were less academically rigorous.

Research shows students from racialized communities, low-income households, and other marginalized groups are more often encouraged to take Applied level courses, which then affects everything from graduation rates to employment opportunities later in life.

De-streaming is one way to help break down barriers for Black, Indigenous and racialized students, and provide all students with an equal opportunity to succeed. The anti-oppressive approach of de-streaming aims to help students keep their options open, as they learn and grow in their chosen pathways.

Effects of Streaming in Ontario

Significantly lower numbers of students who take mostly Applied courses move on to post-secondary education, compared to those who take mostly Academic courses in Grade 9. There are significantly lower transition rates to post-secondary education for students who take mostly Applied courses compared to those who take mostly Academic courses in Grade 9.
59% of students who took the Grade 9 Applied mathematics course moved on to post-secondary education within 7 years, compared to 88% of students who took the Academic course.

Grade 9 Math - Information Night for Grade 8 Families

Grade 9 Math will support all students in continuing to build confidence and develop a positive attitude towards mathematics. Students will be taught to think critically and work collaboratively during lessons that are intended to make them feel as though their lived experiences are reflected in the curriculum.

What You Need to Know About De-streaming in Secondary School

Self-Directed Learning for Grade 8 Students Entering Grade 9 Destreamed Math

Grade 8 Families Virtual Information Session - January 12, 2022

FAQs

Why is TVDSB prioritizing an Academic Pathway for grade 10 in 2023-2024?

As of September 2022, courses in Ontario are no longer offered at both the Applied and Academic levels in Grade 9. This change is the result of strong evidence across Thames Valley and Ontario that supports not having Grade 8 students choose between applied and academic courses. In Thames Valley, we believe that the decision on which pathway a student may take should be made after a strong foundation in both grades 9 and 10. Prioritizing an academic pathway in grade 10 empowers students to pursue the futures they want, with doors open to all post-secondary options, including apprenticeship, college, university, or into the workplace. Our goal is to provide more equitable outcomes for all students.

Through high expectations and the knowledge that students can be successful- we strive for all learners to see themselves for what we know them to be; curious, capable and competent.

How are staff preparing for de-streaming?

Staff have been preparing for de-streaming in Grade 9 since the announcement was made by the Province in July 2020. This has included significant preparation by central staff, who have developed an extensive library of support material and resources for educators to access.

Educators have had the opportunity to take part in varied training, professional learning series, school team sessions, webinars and small group sessions designed to enhance educators’ strategies to help learners grow identity and academic knowledge.

How will all students be successful in academic level course? What supports will be available?

We want all students to succeed and know that some students will need extra help to catch up or keep up. Our goal is to provide high-quality education to all students. The research shows that all students benefit when they learn together in a mixed group that also ensures individual support. The new Grade 9 courses and single streamed Grade 10 courses will continue to hold high expectations for learning, offer opportunities to extend thinking, and develop students’ critical thinking. Students that need extra support beyond the classroom will all have access to student success teachers, intervention support, and special education.

Student success will be supported in a number of ways, including:

De-streaming Leads and Learning Coordinator are working with educators to develop programming to support students to meet the expectations in academic courses.
Educators will focus on getting to know and understand their learners.
Special Education teachers and support staff, and Student Success teachers will work with classroom teachers to develop and implement specific strategies to help students meet program expectations.

Our educators understand that every student is at a different stage in their personal learning journey, and they design instructional and assessment opportunities with these differences in mind.

What does this mean for students with special education needs? Will these students be able to enrol in academic courses? What supports will be provided?

We are working with all classroom educators to build their capacity to support students in an inclusive learning environment. Teachers will support the learning of students with special education needs by providing the accommodations outlined in the student’s individual education plan (IEP). In limited circumstances, additional course choices will be available to students.

My child has struggled to engage in their academics recently, and I am worried they are behind where they should be. Is a de-streamed class right for them?

Yes. Educators are well aware that students had a variety of learning experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learning activities in de-streamed classes are designed to meet students where they are while providing multiple opportunities to progress along their individual learning journeys.

Are there plans to de-stream grades 11 and 12?

There is no discussion about any changes to the pathways in grades 11 and 12 programming. Pathway choices begin as students enter grade 11 where student individual interests and goals are centred. Individualized pathway planning with students in consultation with caregivers, guidance, and larger communities at the end of grade 10 will support students in choosing courses that support their post-secondary destination in grade 11.