Parents Challenge North York School’s Three-Grade Classroom Setup

Parents at Derrydown Public School in North York are expressing strong discontent after a recent restructuring led to the merging of three grades—Grade 1, Grade 2, and Grade 3—into a single classroom with one teacher. This decision, made by the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) during its mid-September reorganization, has raised significant concerns among families about the educational impact on their children.

The TDSB’s reshuffling is intended to align classroom sizes with Ministry of Education guidelines and to address discrepancies between projected and actual student enrollment. This year, approximately 3,000 students were reported to be enrolled below projections across the board. As a result, some Grade 3 students at Derrydown were moved into an already established split classroom, a situation that parents describe as “unheard of” in the school’s history.

Moya Rodriguez, whose daughter was reassigned to the combined classroom, articulated her shock at the changes. Rodriguez noted that her daughter had previously thrived in a split classroom environment but was looking forward to a dedicated Grade 3 setting. “Everything that was sent to the parents… it was like a slap in the face,” she said, highlighting the lack of communication from the school regarding the changes.

Concerns about the educational quality in a combined classroom situation are echoed by other parents, including Michelle Mitchell. Mitchell worries that older students could be overlooked and would not receive adequate attention. “I feel like the Grade 3 students might be used as the teacher’s assistants,” she expressed, fearing that the focus would shift more towards the younger students.

The TDSB has stated that triple combined classrooms have become less common, with 713 such classes in 2016 compared to the current number in the 300s. Despite this decline, the TDSB maintains that such arrangements are not new and can occur across various grade levels, including special education and ESL classes.

Emma Moyniham, a spokesperson for the TDSB, explained that when there are too many students for one class but not enough to justify multiple single-grade classes, schools must create combined classes to meet educational needs. “Principals and staff consider learning styles, social skills, and academic needs when grouping students into classes,” she noted.

In contrast, Helen Victoros, president of the Elementary Teachers of Toronto, criticized the situation as a reflection of ongoing budget cuts and a lack of funding for schools. Parents have voiced concerns that the three-grade split diminishes tailored learning experiences for students, putting them at a disadvantage compared to peers in single-grade classrooms.

Crystal Davis, a parent at the school, remarked, “The problem is that having a one, two, and three class together doesn’t benefit or foster learning.” She expressed worry that students are overwhelmed in larger classrooms and are struggling to keep up with their educational needs.

While some educators, like Todd Cunningham, an associate professor at the University of Toronto, argue that split classrooms can provide beneficial opportunities for peer learning and leadership, many parents feel the current setup may hinder their children’s educational experience. Cunningham explained that mixed classrooms could allow for more tailored instruction based on students’ strengths and weaknesses.

The TDSB has acknowledged that changes in classroom assignments can be unexpected and is committed to supporting students and families through the transition. However, no specific details were provided about the necessity of the three-grade split at Derrydown, and families continue to seek clarity on how their children’s educational needs will be met moving forward.

As this situation unfolds, parents remain hopeful for a resolution that prioritizes the educational experience of their children. With the academic year underway, the implications of this restructuring will be closely monitored by concerned families and educational advocates alike.