​​​​​​​​What is De-Streaming?​

De-streaming is an educational approach that supports the achievement of equitable outcomes for every learner. This means that students will not select from Academic or Applied streams when choosing their courses in Grade 9.  Most students entering Grade 9 will be taking courses designed for all learners.   More students will be empowered to pursue the futures they want, with doors open to all post-secondary options, including apprenticeship, college, university and the workplace.  

Currently, grade 9 math (MTH 1W), science (SNC 1W) and English (ENL 1W) are de-streamed.

Why De-Streaming?

De-streaming offers an opportunity to address systemic discrimination and barriers. Research indicates that there was an overrepresentation of particular groups based on race, socio-economic status and learning needs in the applied pathway.  These groups included Indigenous, Black and racialized students as well as those from lower socio-economic households, multilingual learners and students with Individual Education Plans.

The Organization for Economic and Cooperation and Development (OECD) (2012) recommends that school systems delay streaming to upper secondary education to ensure that options are kept open for students until they have enough experience to make decisions about their futures.

• Research has shown that all students benefit from learning in groups of students of varied abilities and interests in which teachers have high and appropriate expectations for all students and a clear understanding that all students can be successful (OECD, 2012).
• Ontario students, parents and caregivers have indicated that they consider course type selection in Grade 8 to be too early, and that applied courses do not prepare them for success (People for Education, 2015).

Supports Available for Students in De-Streamed Classes​

Students in de-streamed classes, like in any course, will receive the individualized support from their teacher they need to be successful in their courses.  Families are encouraged to maintain consistent communication with their students’ teachers just as was done in elementary school.  HDSB educators have received significant professional development to support their effectiveness in de-streamed classrooms.   

If parents/guardians have any concerns about their student’s success, they are encouraged to contact the teacher, Guidance Counsellor, Student Success Teacher, English As A Second Language Teacher and/or Special Education Resource Teacher as appropriate.