Senior staff at the Toronto District School Board are recommending black-focused school curriculums to be implemented at three city schools, CTV News has learned.
A 156-page report, obtained by CTV News, recommends one of those schools to be located in Toronto's north-west end and that it be open to all students.
The document suggests the African-centred curriculums be implemented at three existing schools, as early as this fall. The report doesn't say which schools should offer the programs.
The school board will host another public meeting about the controversial initiative next week, while a decision to move ahead with the recommendations will be made at the end of the month.
The board proposal for a black-focused school has been met with both criticism and praise.
Some parents are enraged, saying the initiative is a dangerous throwback to the days of segregation.
But proponents, which include parents, community leaders and educators, support the concept. They say an African-centred alternative school would lower the dropout rate of young black males
Last week, an American educator who founded two black-focused schools told CTV News he believes the concept can work in Toronto, but he urged the plan shouldn't be rushed.
Howard Fuller, professor of education at Marquette University in Milwaukee, said African-centred schools can help improve student achievement among black children.
With a report from CTV Toronto's Galit Solomon
