Decision to pause gifted students program in B.C. draws criticism
CBC
A recent decision to pause admissions to a provincially-funded program for gifted students has stoked concerns among parents and advocates.
The Transition Program for Gifted Students, or the University Transition Program (UTP), is run by B.C.'s Ministry of Education, the Vancouver School Board (VSB) and the University of B.C.
Initiated nearly three decades ago, UTP allows high-achieving students to fast-track their academic and career aspirations by reducing the duration of their secondary school experience from five years to two years, and offering experiences to prepare them for university life.
According to VSB, the program accepts a maximum of 20 new students between the ages 13 and 15 each year.
UTP announced last month that it is halting enrolments for the September 2024-25 intake amid concerns over students' mental health, and the program is undergoing a formal external review.
"Several concerns about the program have been brought to the attention of the ministry, VSB and UBC, and most recently these concerns highlighted negative impacts on the students' mental health and well-being," it said in a statement.
UTP's alumni and parent advisory council say they fear the move might be a final attempt to shelve the gifted student program.
Tracy Adole's 14-year-old daughter is currently in her second year at UTP.
"When [my daughter] was in the regular school...she didn't like [attending] because she didn't fit in," Adole told CBC News during a telephone interview.
"It wasn't challenging enough for her, but once she got into the program she came to life."
B.C.'s Ministry of Education informed CBC News the program will continue to operate for students who are currently enrolled.
Adole, who is a parent advisory council member, says while she welcomes the external review, she doesn't support pausing the program.
"As an immigrant from Nigeria, the program made learning better for my child because I don't have the money to send her to a private school," she added. "Others are not going to have that opportunity anymore."
Gifted Children's Association of British Columbia shared similar sentiments in an email to CBC News, saying "the actions related to this review send a message to the students and their parents who have concerns that appropriate programs for gifted learners are being, or may be eliminated."
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