I'm glad you've shown that table, Kate. I did a PrtScreen of it, copied it into photoshop and used a 'red pen' to circle the 'under 50%' writing scores.

I then pasted it into my e-mail and sent it on to Principal Millet, Superintendent Watson, the MP and MLA for the region, plus everyone in my address book who might show an interest.

The scores indicate a dereliction of duty by Mr. Millet IMHO, and it suggests he needs to forget pandering to his political/social interests and get back to basics - which includes instilling a respect and appreciation for this great country.

Hopefully, leftists are beginning to understand that the rest of us are 'mad as hell and we're not going to take it anymore'.

Power to the people!

One thinks sane minded people, even seculars, would try to improve on what are obviously extremely dismal scores both locally and provincially.

And this guy is more worried about taking a friggin word out of a song?? Can this guy be fired?? Maybe they can get a real teacher to replace him.

His poor performance has upset some parents.
Mr Millet has announced the elimination of standardized testing.
In the interest of inclusion.

Someone out there deserves a hat tip for sending it on to me, but though I held on to the link, their email is long gone.

If conservatism is ever to make a come back it will have to start by bringing some balance back to schools. Conservatives have to get active in school boards and local PACs which are now dominated by unions and activists.

I just saw an article in my local paper where they were showing with pride the goodies a student collected for a food bank as part of his Social Justice 12 course work. The kids can't read or write, know squat about business or economics, think history is watching That 70's Show and yet they have a "Social Justice" course. Conservatives we are truly doomed.

At my kids school they sing the national anthem once a week, first thing Monday morning, in both english and french. I have been in the hallway many times for this, and it is very moving to stop and listen -- definitely makes one proud to be Canadian. As a kid I remember singing god save the Queen I think every day, and Oh Canada was sung only at assemblies and special occasions. So, once a week is probably enough.

OT -- I am just getting into the standardized testing controversy here in BC, since my older son is now in grade 4. The teachers hate it, and want us to keep our kids home for a day. The province insists on it in order for them to make sure our kids are being educated to a certain standard. My understanding listening to educators is that the test is designed to be written cold (ie no studying or preparation) by grades 4 and 7 students. The results end up, among other things, in a ranking of all primary schools in the province. The problem is that most of the private schools give their kids extra study time to make sure that they get good marks, and therefore get ranked high, and therefore attract more students. The private schools understandably have a better chance of having more over-achievers anyway. The public schools have more challenges to deal with, not just with learning difficulties, but with ESL (English as a second language) problems. My opinion is that if the test is designed to be written cold, then do it that way. Period. Rank the schools in two separate categories -- private and public. You are still going to get cheaters, but without someone monitering every class in every school, you cannot stop cheating.

I also live in B.C. and follow the school testing closey although my kids are grown.

The criticism by the teachers union is simply a smoke screen as they will do anything to avoid accountablity for teachers. That whats it about-PERIOD!!.

The kids don't have to study for it so its not any extra effort/anxiety for students. The teachers don't have to prepare for it. But,according to one PAC president it does point out problems within schools as well which they have been able to correct.

So it rates schools. Don't parents have a right to that information. Surely parents are smart enough to know that a private school in Kerrisdale will probably have higher scores than an inner city school in Vancouver. Adn if they can't figure that out they probably don't read the results anyway.

One of the criticisms is that it isn't FAIR to compare a school that has a higher percentage of indian kids to one that has kids with parents of above average income.THATS PURE RACISM.

Teachers should do as they are told by their boss (the Ministry of Education) and stop breaking the law.

Horny Toad

Instead of concentrating on subjects that children actually need to be successful in high school and college/university - this principal decided victimhood, entitlement and selfesteem were more important than the "three r's". I wonder if Millett even knows what constitutes the "three r's". A degree in Human Rights is certainly going to go far in the real world of working men and women. Hopefully those children will have time to catch up.

"The problem is that most of the private schools give their kids extra study time to make sure that they get good marks, and therefore get ranked high, and therefore attract more students."

I call B.S. You've apparently been listening to the '(BCTF)party line'. The Foundational Skills Assessment test is exactly what it means: a basic foundation, base line or minimum expectation for reading, writing and comprehension skills.

It should not require any 'extra study time' to meet the standard. If teachers feel their students cannot pass the test, then they are not adequately doing their jobs.

And believe me, I see the results of this incompetence/indifference when the kids are in grades 10 through 12. Most are what I can only describe as functionally illiterate as I'm sure many potential employers can attest to.

As for the public vs. private school debate, I'll grant you just one thing: parents enroll their students because they do not trust the public system to adequately educate their child(ren). It has nothing to do with socio-economics and everything to do with caring and engaged parents - which is no doubt, an advantage for any child.

My parents, who were the definition of 'dirt poor' put six of us through the 'private' Catholic school system (thus ensuring they remained dirt poor).

The meme put out by the teacher's unions is that the 'private schools' pick the cream of the crop, leaving the dregs of the student population to the public schools but nothing could be further from the truth. 'Private' - often Christian schools get just as many problematic kids enrolled, it's just that having higher standards for behavior and achievement, they won't let them get away with the foolishness seen in public schools.

For example, you won't see 'pajama Fridays' at private schools, with not only the kids, but the teachers, wandering around in their nightwear and slippers. Nor will you see kids wearing hoodies in class or students wearing those disgusting sweatshirts with the big FCUK logos across them.

There really is no problem with the abilities of kids to meet the FSA tests - but there are real problems with the lower expectations of teachers and administrators.

Trust me. If parents thought their kids were getting a decent education in public schools, they wouldn't be paying both full school taxes plus an extra 50% to enroll their kids in a local private school.

So the 'target' literacy rate for grade NINE(!) students in Bellisle elementary is 85%!?. Shouldn't there be some kind of Royal frickin' Commission as to why that isn't at least 99%??

Apparently (National Post story), the principal ignored a direct instruction from his superintendent to reinstate the national anthem, which the superintendent has now done over his head.

This is insubordination, pure and simple: teachers who behave in such a manner are disciplined. Mr. Millett should be too.

I'm glad that this left-wing whacko has been outed: hopefully, people will be more vigilant, have a closer look at the left-wing skulduggery going on in our schools, and start to hit back.

I hope Mr. Millett's beginning to reconsider his arrogant, entitled, ignorant ways. IMO, there is a critical mass of truly appalling administrators out there--how do you think one becomes such a person? In most cases, it's certainly, not by being an independent thinker, dedicated to high behavioural and academic standards. In my experience, the latter type of educator usually gets no end of grief from the powers that be: most leave the profession. But the Milletts hang on, like barnacles. Poor us.

Fritz: "If conservatism is ever to make a come back it will have to start by bringing some balance back to schools. Conservatives have to get active in school boards and local PACs which are now dominated by unions and activists."

I, as a conservative, did just that when my kids were in the public system. And, I agree, we absolutely have to get active or simply throw our children into the maw of the green lib-left-fembo-gay-lowest-common-denominator monster.

You have to have a strong stomach, a strong back, and broad shoulders -- and know what you're talking about -- because you'll be treated like dirt. Usually, it would be me and one other like-minded person to 10 or 15 rabid lefties with a few wimps thrown in, never pleasant. But I did manage to stop the "grab bags of contraceptives" given out to grade seven students (with, of course, no parental consent, even though to show a Disney film there had to be parental consent) being used in the sex-ed curriculum and helped to introduce a more balanced approach to the subject -- but it took endless meetings, a lot of slagging by "progressives," and the loss of a few "friendships."

What I do know, however, is that if c/Conservatives wimp out on their kids, we're going to see an accelerated slide into the lowest-common-denominator swamp ... which means our kids are sure to be bottom dwellers. Mr. Millett's school seems to be a model for such an inevitability.

Any parent who cares about the education of their children can avoid the problems caused by marshmellow heads like Millet. the problem is not enough parents care, or think that the school is to deliver a quality product and defer.

The school system, like Millets, ed up creating a bunch of student really unprepared for the world in terms of skills or outlook. The smart ones end up paying for it in the long run through higher taxation from the better jobs they get.

As a principal Millet isnt subject to union protection, and should he be fired for cause, given the results posted and his subordination to the superintendent, then he doesnt have much cause to get a superior settlement.

The guy is loking for a fight, let it settle down, document the crap out of him and fire him later for underperformance when the spotlight isnt on him. If your lucky the guy will quit anyway.

The fact that he is a principal at a small, rural school that nobody else likely wanted to run should tell you something. He was looking for a safe cushy job to feed his real passion, social activism.

I have taken a somewhat selfish approach to my kid(s) education. I personally make sure that both of my kids are up to speed on everything. Evening activities always include family reading or a science experiment, political discussions ect. We have been doing this for years now, between 1/2 to 1 hour. These activities are not homework, it's part of what we do for fun. This method has IMO allowed my kids extra free time because they do well in every class. Since they do not struggle we do not need to cram homework assignments.

The reason I say my approach is selfish is because I don't care what they are learning at school; or, how the other kids are doing. I choose not to listen to my 13yr olds lefttarded instructor who prefers to talk about how great his modern methods are instead of my daughter, who the interview was supposed to be about(don't argue with fools).

My advise is to read with your kids every night. My 9yr old will read a few chapters from her novel and then we switch and I read for an equal time from another novel that is more difficult. Now it is a two-way street and my daughters are introduced to more advance literature, and encourages them to pick up more challenging reading.

My philosophy in a nutshell is : Do It Yourself!

Well, that solves one problem. However, I see nothing to indicate that the "principal" is being reprimanded or, better still, fired.

This guy should NOT be let off the hook, as it were, and something should be done to remove him, not only from his position, but from the school.

I wonder how many other schools in Canada have "principals" like this loser.

There should be an investigation all across Canada....

*Excellent* post Kate!

Indiana Homez we do exactly the same and I agree 100% with you. It gives me hope for the future when I read a comment like yours. I have observed that more and more parents are taking their kids education into their own hands. School has become a place where kids learn a few small things, and socialize. Home has become where they really learn the important basic stuff, how to read, times tables, how to do an experiment, etc.

There are a lot of very sensible comments here. Wow. It is comforting to know that as a parent I'm not alone in my views on this subject.

Indiana and TJ. My Hats off to you. You really are caring and interested parents. I believe your comments and actions will be an inspiration to others.

Personally, I say scrap the standardized testing. More time is spent on 'test prep' for the kids to make sure the 'school doesn't look bad', rather than making sure that individuals are learning. As well, individual responsibility has flown out the window. It is time to let kids FAIL! (And no, I am NOT advocating for parents to abandon their responsibility).

(O/T personal anecdote) I home schooled my daughter until grade 7. We put her in school for grade 8 because she was going to go to high school, and we didn't want to 'throw her to the wolves' without at least a little bit of prep. In grade 8, she was above the class averages in every subject except French (only because I refused to teach it to her - I know, my bad - it's that ol' English separatist in me). Anyway, the girl gets into grade 9 and in her first semester proceeds to fail everything except French (go figure - what a way to rebel, eh?). The Geography teacher called around October to 'discuss' her progress. She almost dropped the phone when I told her "So, fail her". Obviously a foreign concept to teachers these days because 'it might hurt their self-esteem'. Comes a time for personal responsibility for our kids. Now said child is repeating all of her courses from last semester, this semester, and needing to take a summer school course just to graduate with her class. Like I told said child, "I have my education. You are only screwing up your future and you are not living here for the rest of your life..." (MEAN MOM!!!)

Apparently the two families that complained of the Anthem's playing are Jehovah's.

If so then they can just not sing, or think other thoughts. If they want others to show respect for their beliefs then they have to respect others customs. Isnt that the deal we struck in this country? So stand and think about how how lucky you are to be one of the 144,000 rather than sing.

I don't think it was JW's. Actually I don't think there was a complaint save for the complaint of the principle(JMO). My experience with JW's is that they are very respectful of other people. This disrespect of others is more typical of socialists.

Liberals ... what can one add?

Thanks for all the words of wisdom. Obviously I cannot believe anything the BCTF is spouting, even when I am being lied to face to face.

According to Atlantic ATV news tonight (Feb 2), the anthem has been restored to the school and Principal Millet was "unavailable for comment." It seems he has decided to "take a few days off", no doubt to spend more quality time with his Comrade Che and Malcolm X action figures.

So, did Mr. Millet start in 2006?

I like standardized tests but that National Post editorial a week or two back just shot us in the foot.

Most of the arguments against testing are easily refuted to a fair-minded observer. The one place I am on shaky ground is when the union activists claim that FSA results are a lousy basis on which to judge teacher or staff performance.

My response was always, "what a red herring! No intelligent observer would ever suggest such a thing. Of course, we understand that a school full of Indiana Hormuz's kids will do well no matter what...full of Christopher Pauchay's kids, not so much."

Well the National post editorial just blew my "intelligent people will act intelligently" argument away. Thank you NP.

IMO, the public school system is irretrievably doomed—at least as a place where high academic and behavioural standards are concerned. These two basics have been sidelined to make room for all kinds of touchy feely, left wing pet projects. The fact that the kids fritter away large parts of the day, while not learning basic academic shills and not being held accountable for their often substandard behaviour? Hey, no problem.

Most administrators choose to turn a blind eye to the more egregious problems in their schools. They live in magic thinking land, which is just what the highers-up want. “How’s your school doing?” The answer they want is, “Great, just great.” The younger teachers are the product of the very system I’m talking about and, by default, many of them have few standards for their students. Many older teachers have been so beaten down by our gulag like boards, they have little energy to go against the tide. (They'd likely be punished if they did. Believe me, the Milletts of the system go from strength to strength, while anyone who bucks the system—which is badly needed—is likely to get the short end of the stick.)

The National Post reports that the Toronto School board has plans to start more alternative schools: one, The Student School, will allow students to vote on curriculum and even who gets hired as teachers. What cr*p! How about an “Old Fashioned School: Academics and Manners are Tops”? Now, THAT would be an alternative school!

this principal should be charged with treason ....and fired ...i am tired of being tolerant of the intolerant..canada was founded by christians and the national anthem is OUR national anthem if people don't liek it ..there is 25,000 kms of boardes in canada and they can choose any one spot to leave through no one is forcing them to be here i say get out if you don't like peace ,freedom, and hockey ...lol .

this principal should be charged with treason ....and fired ...i am tired of being tolerant of the intolerant..canada was founded by christians and the national anthem is OUR national anthem if people don't liek it ..there is 25,000 kms of boardes in canada and they can choose any one spot to leave through no one is forcing them to be here i say get out if you don't like peace ,freedom, and hockey ...lol .