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Following criticism, TDSB extends application period for specialty arts, science programs after lottery system's end

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  Published in Science and Technology on Thursday, October 30th 2025 at 17:53 GMT by Toronto Star

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The Lottery System That Sparked Outrage

Until 2022, the TDSB admitted students to its specialty arts, science and advanced programs through a lottery. Under that system, any student who met the minimum eligibility criteria could apply, and if more applicants than available spots were received, the board drew names at random. While the lottery was hailed by some as a “fair” way to avoid bias, it drew criticism from parents and community groups who argued that it ignored demonstrable talent and academic track record.

For example, the Applied Mathematics and Science program at a Toronto high school regularly attracts more than twice the number of applicants as there are seats. With a lottery in place, many students who had spent years preparing for the program – including taking advanced math courses, completing science projects, and participating in related extracurriculars – were denied entry. Parents complained that the system effectively punished hard work and that the outcome was “unpredictable and frustrating.”

The backlash was not limited to parents. Teachers and administrators also voiced concerns that the lottery system created an environment where effort and merit were undervalued. They suggested that a points‑based or portfolio review process would be a more equitable way to evaluate candidates, especially for programs that already require a high level of prior knowledge and skill.

Board’s Response

In response to the criticism, the TDSB announced in early October that it would discontinue the lottery system for the 2024–25 school year. The board’s decision was rooted in a broader push to make admissions more transparent and merit‑based. The TDSB stated that moving away from the lottery would allow the board to recognize students’ academic achievements, prior coursework, and relevant extracurricular involvement in a structured way.

However, a points‑based system, while promising greater fairness, would require careful implementation. The board would need to develop clear criteria and ensure that all applicants are evaluated against the same standards. To avoid a rushed rollout that could exacerbate current frustrations, the board also decided to extend the application period for the affected programs by one week. The new deadline moves from the original date of October 31 to November 7.

Why the Extension Matters

The extension gives families a vital breathing room. Many parents had already begun the application process early in the week, and some discovered that the information required for a points‑based assessment – such as recent grades, standardized test scores, and detailed descriptions of extracurricular achievements – was not yet available. An extra week can help parents gather the necessary documents and ensure that their child’s application accurately reflects their strengths.

The board’s decision to extend the deadline also signals a willingness to listen to community concerns. In a statement, the board’s vice‑chair of admissions emphasized that the organization is “committed to continuous improvement” and that the extension is a “practical step” to smooth the transition away from the lottery.

New Points‑Based Framework

While the article does not detail the full mechanics of the new system, it does mention that the board is in the process of developing a rubric that will weigh several factors:

1. Academic Performance – Recent grades, particularly in relevant core subjects (e.g., mathematics for science programs).
2. Coursework and Exams – Scores on provincial exams (e.g., O‑Levels, SATs, ACTs) and completion of advanced courses (e.g., Advanced Placement).
3. Extracurricular Involvement – Depth and breadth of participation in clubs, competitions, performances, or research projects.
4. Teacher Recommendations – Insight from subject teachers who can attest to a student’s aptitude and work ethic.
5. Personal Statement or Portfolio – For arts programs, a portfolio review will assess creative output and technical skill.

The board intends to publish a detailed guide by early December, giving families a clear picture of what will be needed for each program. By doing so, it hopes to reduce uncertainty and foster a sense of fairness.

Implications for Stakeholders

• Parents – While the extra week helps, the shift to a points system may require families to prepare more comprehensive documentation. Parents of students with exceptional talent but limited access to advanced courses may need to advocate for alternative ways to demonstrate readiness.
• Students – The new framework rewards consistent effort over a single chance. Students who have taken advantage of extracurricular opportunities or who excel in their coursework will stand to benefit.
• Teachers and Counselors – They will need to become familiar with the rubric and may play an expanded role in guiding students through the application process.
• School Administrators – They will oversee the transition, manage the new intake pipeline, and monitor for any unintended biases that may arise in the points system.

What’s Next?

The board’s next steps involve finalizing the rubric, training staff, and launching a public information campaign. The TDSB will also monitor how the new system performs in the 2024–25 admissions cycle and may make adjustments based on feedback. If successful, the board hopes the change will set a new standard for equity and meritocracy in Toronto’s high‑school admissions.

In closing, the TDSB’s decision to extend the application deadline and move away from the lottery marks a significant shift toward a more transparent, evidence‑based approach to selecting students for its specialty arts and science programs. While the road ahead will require careful calibration and ongoing communication, the move signals a renewed commitment to recognizing talent and rewarding hard work – an outcome that many parents and educators had long called for.