Putting Inner City Students First:
The Learner, the Teacher and the Space In-Between

(PICSF) is a research project connected to the Toronto District School Board’s “Model Schools for Inner Cities” initiative.

Overview


Putting Inner City Students First (PICSF) is a research project connected to the Toronto District School Board’s “Model Schools for Inner Cities” initiative.

Seven Model Schools in each of the most economically marginalized and under-serviced communities in Toronto were designated, to provide their students with the supports necessary for academic and social success. Each school received an additional $1 million to use for locally-determined school initiatives.

A key feature of these schools is that they serve as hubs of learning for students, parents, community members, student teachers, and university faculty and researchers.

Research Approach

Using multiple methods (e.g. interviews, digital photos and videos, observations, document analysis), the PICSF project produced a series of case studies that examined the following broad thematics:
  • Schooling, student engagement, and academic achievement;
  • Schooling and social equity; and
  • Schooling and community connections.

Project Outputs

Final Report

Read the final report summarizing the work of Dr. Gallagher and her team.

Educator's Handbook

Learn more about the results of the PICSF study by exploring the research sites, big questions asked and big ideas that emerged.