Recently, a new addition to the Teacher Advisor Program (TAP) was made, which requires teachers to set aside an hour each week to tutor students who are at risk of not acquiring a credit in the course.  This new remedial help program is most likely to have been implemented in response to the news that came from the Toronto District School Board earlier this month, which stated that more grade nine students were dropping out of school now than ever before.  This is likely happening as a result of the newly reformed education system.
 However, this program is available to students in all grades showing need, especially those who have had a notice from their teacher sent home.  It is not reserved for those students in grades nine to eleven who are affected by the new curriculum and graduating requirements, contrary to what many thought when the idea of the program was first discussed.  It has also been clarified that this remedial aid program will not occur during class time, but before and after school.
 Teachers will be required to post the times that they are available to administer extra help and students can be assisted on a first come, first served basis or by appointment.  This program is in addition to the time that teachers should usually set aside for extra help before and /or after school.
 Aspects of this program seem beneficial, such as notifying the parents or guardians that help is recommended and available to their student. Although, having teachers formally set-aside time for assistance implies that this was not the case before the program was implemented, and at ECI, teachers are readily available for extra help in courses; it is just the responsibility of the students’ to make an effort to get that help.