Editor:
Re: Sept. 15 WEEKENDER Second Opinion column (online)
I read with interest Jim Holtz’s column on Sept. 15. Mr. Holtz is probably right, however, let’s not place all the blame on lack of government funding.
Perhaps after looking at School District 51 and answering the following questions, we may better apportion responsibility for declining literacy:
1) A few years ago SD51 launched its four-day school week. One would think, over time, such a drastic change would be evaluated, as to its effect. Where is the evidence that there has been no negative impact by the change?
2) Last year Grand Forks Secondary School’s administration, in its wisdom, decided to convert the library into a weightlifting facility; great for the school’s P.E. program but disastrous for its liberal arts. Offering english, social studies, history, geography, and modern languages without a library is like offering P.E. without a gymnasium, industrial education without shops or science without labs. What were the district administrators who allowed this to happen thinking? Where was the board’s common sense? Where was the hoard of parents demanding that the library be kept open? Where was the concern over the decline of literacy?
3) In the past, the district has hired a number of administrators at all levels that have had very little classroom experience. Boards have valued other attributes over demonstrated teaching ability. Yet these individuals must implement programs, be aware of best practices and discern teacher competency. Will educational leadership truly be at the forefront in the search for a new superintendent?
4) Each year students are asked to write standardized tests (FSAs) and each year the Fraser Institute uses the results, in part, to rank schools. Standardized tests have shortcomings and ranking schools is distasteful. However, is it necessary each year to justify poor results by denigrating the tests and rankings? Can’t union and board admit improvement is needed?
I’m no fan of the government’s educational policies; however, if our district reflects the provincial situation, blame for declining literacy can be widely apportioned.
Frank Triveri, Concerned retired teacher, Grand Forks