Request change of TDSB attendance and staffing policies
The Issue
Education is a journey that every student embarks upon with hopes of acquiring knowledge, skills, and understanding. Like many students, I am committed to my learning and strive to excel in my studies. However, recent changes to the policies within the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), specifically regarding attendance and grading, have posed challenges not only to my education but to the learning environment of countless students.
The administration has introduced a policy where 15% of a student's final grade is determined by attendance. While I wholeheartedly agree that attending classes is vital, assigning such a heavy weight to attendance neglects the actual effort, understanding, and mastery of course material by the students. Life sometimes presents unforeseen challenges, illness, family emergencies, or medical obligations that can prevent a student from attending school, regardless of their dedication. It is neither fair nor educationally sound that these circumstances should impact grades so significantly.
Furthermore, the newly implemented staffing policies have left many students and teachers grappling with insufficient support in the classroom. Class sizes have increased, personal attention from teachers has diminished, and students are finding it harder to engage and receive the help they need. These policies risk turning our schools from centers of learning into mere attendance counters and obstacle courses.
The primary goal of education is to nurture and develop a student's abilities, understanding, and love for learning. Therefore, we respectfully urge the TDSB administration to reconsider the recent attendance and staffing policies. We propose a more balanced approach that honors both student accountability and life’s unpredictability.
We are calling for the administration to reduce the weight of attendance in grading, and to implement staffing practices that truly support education, such as hiring more teachers and support staff. This will allow for smaller classes and personalized learning experiences.
Join us in advocating for an educational environment that truly reflects academic achievement and holistic development. Please sign this petition to show your support for a fairer and more effective educational policy within the TDSB.
16
The Issue
Education is a journey that every student embarks upon with hopes of acquiring knowledge, skills, and understanding. Like many students, I am committed to my learning and strive to excel in my studies. However, recent changes to the policies within the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), specifically regarding attendance and grading, have posed challenges not only to my education but to the learning environment of countless students.
The administration has introduced a policy where 15% of a student's final grade is determined by attendance. While I wholeheartedly agree that attending classes is vital, assigning such a heavy weight to attendance neglects the actual effort, understanding, and mastery of course material by the students. Life sometimes presents unforeseen challenges, illness, family emergencies, or medical obligations that can prevent a student from attending school, regardless of their dedication. It is neither fair nor educationally sound that these circumstances should impact grades so significantly.
Furthermore, the newly implemented staffing policies have left many students and teachers grappling with insufficient support in the classroom. Class sizes have increased, personal attention from teachers has diminished, and students are finding it harder to engage and receive the help they need. These policies risk turning our schools from centers of learning into mere attendance counters and obstacle courses.
The primary goal of education is to nurture and develop a student's abilities, understanding, and love for learning. Therefore, we respectfully urge the TDSB administration to reconsider the recent attendance and staffing policies. We propose a more balanced approach that honors both student accountability and life’s unpredictability.
We are calling for the administration to reduce the weight of attendance in grading, and to implement staffing practices that truly support education, such as hiring more teachers and support staff. This will allow for smaller classes and personalized learning experiences.
Join us in advocating for an educational environment that truly reflects academic achievement and holistic development. Please sign this petition to show your support for a fairer and more effective educational policy within the TDSB.
Supporter Voices
Petition Updates
Share this petition
Petition created on July 13, 2026