Son thriving thanks to RISE

My son is a bright and determined young boy with a designated exceptionality.

Before he entered the Greater Essex County District School Board's RISE (Reaching Individual Success and Excellence) program, he struggled in a traditional classroom setting. The large class size combined with the diverse needs of his peers made it challenging for him to receive the personalized attention he required.

His confidence waned and he felt lost in the crowd. Then came RISE, a beacon of light for him. The smaller group setting allowed for individualized programming tailored to his strengths and needs. The dedicated teachers in the RISE classrooms have recognized the potential and have worked tirelessly to nurture it.

My son's progress has grown leaps and bounds in language arts and math. It's more than just academic support, it's a safe haven, a place where he has felt understood, accepted, and valued. His self-esteem has grown, and he has developed meaningful connections with both teachers and fellow students.

The sense of belonging has been transformative. Now, faced with the possibility of losing this lifeline, I am filled with anxiety.

How can we abandon a program that has unlocked his potential? How can we compromise on the very foundation that has allowed him to thrive?

There is a legal obligation to accommodate children with exceptional circumstances. In court cases such as Moore vs. B.C. there's precedent set that school boards cannot argue financial hardship as a reason to close such programs. Ontario's Human Rights Commission in 2019 stated the right to read is not a privilege but a basic human right.

There are no adequate supports in place should RISE be removed, thereby diminishing this legal right.

Cuts to special education will have long-term effects — including education and employment opportunities — for them and society as a whole. Teachers' efforts will be diverted by these children's needs, whether academic or behavioural.

All children are equally entitled to an equitable education.

Jacqueline Andersch, Windsor