January 13, 2010

McFADYEN, PARENTS CALL ON NDP TO REVERSE ‘NO-FAIL’ POLICY

Progressive Conservative Leader Hugh McFadyen is calling on the NDP to reverse its ‘no-fail’ school policy that requires teachers to pass all students into the next grade, even if they are not academically prepared.

“Success in today’s world is based on how much our kids know,” McFadyen said. “Ironically, a ‘no-fail’ policy fails students because many graduate without having mastered basic academic skills and therefore aren’t set up for success later in life.”

The Manitoba Teachers’ Society conducted a poll in late 2009 to gauge how parents feel about passing their children to the next grade even when they don’t earn a pass. The results show that 76 per cent of parents are opposed to the policy, with 52 per cent strongly opposed.

“We stand with parents who want a quality education for our students,” said McFadyen. Promoting students from grade to grade without ensuring they are meeting clear standards will lead to an increasing number of functionally illiterate high school graduates, he added.

“We understand that there may be negative emotional effects when a student is held back, but research is showing that those effects are significantly less than expected,” said McFadyen. “Instead of issuing a blanket no-fail policy, more resources should be dedicated to students who are struggling.”

The MTS poll also revealed one in four teachers have been asked to give credit to a student against their professional judgment.

“We’ve heard from many teachers throughout the province who are unhappy with the NDP directive to set aside their professional judgment and abide by the no-fail policy,” said McFadyen. “Teachers should have the authority to ensure students who are struggling get the resources they need. If a teacher believes a student should be held back, that opinion needs to be respected.”