Specialized Programs; New Merit-Based Application Process to Only Consider 50% of Exams

TORONTO - It’s safe to say that the TDSB have quickly backtracked on their idea of lottery-based selection for specialized programs. The lottery system has caused a completely unforeseen shift in academic performance among the program’s student body. For our beloved school, it seemed like the students who did deserve to be in the program were only suffering under the embarrassment of being known as “Lotto MaCS”.

Luckily, the TDSB has decided to reintroduce the merit-based process. You know, with the exam and everything. However, with a twist. Exactly half of all exams will be discarded, and not looked over once. It seems like the board would like to create a hybrid between both systems. The TDSB’s education minister has stated in a press conference, “We’re just ensuring they’re both lucky and capable.” Indeed, not everything is obtained through skill alone. Many believe that luck is a valuable asset too.

Several teachers have expressed their appreciation for this new system. Laye Zibam, one of our teachers here at Mac, has said in an interview “This way, we don’t even have to grade half of the exams!” Though, many students have also expressed their opinions. One student says, “If I just happen to be one of the people who aren’t considered, will all of my efforts be for nothing?”

Some would say that the controversy behind this is even greater than that of the lottery system. Certain individuals have even speculated the idea behind the new application process was picked out of a hat. Well, this idea’s still probably better than selecting from a stream of names, with checkmarks for minority groups and AI-generated essays.

We’ll simply have to observe what the outcome of this new system is next year. Will they stick with this system, unlike what they did with the lottery? I wouldn’t bet on it.