If most students fail a particular class, shouldn't alarm bells ring?
Re: Parents say New West teacher giving too many failing grades (NewsLeader, Jan. 13)
At the Jan. 10 school board committee meeting, trustees walked out because they mistakenly thought the parents had showed up to discuss a personnel issue. We were there, in fact, to find a solution to help students from becoming victims from what is a breakdown in the system. There is no form, policy or procedure for families to follow in order to bring to light concerns regarding a student cohort, leaving no one accountable within the entire school system.
When the trustees left the meeting, the disappointment of the attendees was palpable. Senior administrators who stayed to listen to our concerns appeared unable to relate to what was being said. It was further demonstration that communication within the school system is broken and the focus is not on the welfare of students.
When 70-80 per cent of students are failing in a particular class should that not ring alarm bells? Where was the head of that particular department? Where was the principal? Where was the Director of Instruction? Where were the Assistant Superintendent and Superintendent? Where was the concern for not just students but also for a fellow teacher? How wrong is this? How broken is this? I haven't words to describe.
These students belong to us—the parents, guardians, grandparents, aunts and uncles. Without them you wouldn't have a job. I pray you'll start taking pride in your responsibilities toward these children, just as the parents did who showed up at the Jan. 10 meeting. And as for those educators aware of this horrifying situation and sitting on their duff, shame on you.
Berny Lucas
Burnaby
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