Tag Archive

   This is a case of the Educational system, although technically right, is looking very stupid and out of touch with reality when it comes to giving zeros to students who have not done their work.  It is shameful though that a veteran teacher is going to lose his job over the issue.

“The Edmonton physics teacher who broke school policy by giving zeros to his students has decided not to appeal his suspension.

Lynden Dorval, a 35-year teaching veteran, had until Friday to file an appeal. He consulted with a lawyer who told him that based on past cases, his odds of winning are slim — a position also taken by the Alberta Teachers’ Association.”

Fighting the system is never cheap.  The economic requirements essentially make the appeal process a joke.

“There’s a rare chance, or small chance, that I may have to pay for the whole hearing if I lose,” Dorval said on Friday. “I can’t take that kind of hit.”

Dorval became a hero to many for refusing to comply with the so-called ‘no-zero’ policy for incomplete assignments and missed tests at Edmonton’s Ross Sheppard High School.

We should seize the spirit of the Montreal protests and hold a demonstration to show our support for Mr.Dorval.  It won’t happen because, unlike Quebec, the atomization and “me first” attitude quashes most impulses of solidarity before they begin.

“The thinking behind the policy, which was adopted by the school a year and a half ago, is that a failure to complete assignments is a behavourial issue, and marks should reflect ability, not behaviour.

But Dorval believes not giving zeros tells students that they don’t need to be accountable for their actions.”

The EPSB completely dropped that ball on this one.   The PR that is dominating the news is almost completely negative against them.  The issue of accountability is one that most people out of school can quickly and easily relate to.  It spurs the gut reaction and the quick media analysis, as people tune out the explanation of why the board has a no zero policy in this particular school.

It should be a lesson to the Administration of the school and the superintendent as how not deal with an issue.  This should have been resolved in house, because the nuance involved in putting forth their position is a no-win PR proposition.

“Dorval admits he first wondered if it was right to take a stand. But the response he’s received since then — calls, emails and letters from complete strangers, and talks with frustrated teachers — has validated his decision.

“It certainly has made my resolve even stronger than ever because the support I’m getting from people is just unbelievable,” he said.

Last week, Dorval said that he spoke out because as a 35-year veteran, he could retire and live on his pension if he lost his job, a price he expects to pay for speaking out.

He still hopes he can return to teaching, even on a part-time basis, once his suspension is complete.”

People of principle are hard to come by these days, I think Mr.Dorval would be an asset to any school that employs him.