Protest against VSB gifted learners program suspension [Video]

Dozens of people gathered outside of the Vancouver School Board’s office Wednesday to protest the suspension of admissions to a program for gifted and neurodiverse students.

The Transition Program for Gifted Students (TPGS) – funded by the Ministry of Education and Child Care, and hosted and staffed by VSB on the University of British Columbia campus – is a two-year academically accelerated program that helps students enter a post-secondary institution early.

Parents say it also helps with social skills and mental health issues, with which gifted students often struggle.

Earlier this year, a notice was sent out saying that an external review of the program would be conducted, and that intake for the 2024-25 school year would be stopped.

“I don’t think it’s fair, and I don’t think it’s transparent enough,” said Julia Du, who has a child in the program.

“It’s very important for my boy,” she added. “Many …