QUEBEC CITY, April 28, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - In response to the Minister of Education's recent comments concerning the practice of altering grades for failing students, QPAT has reiterated its position against results-based management.
"Ever since the Ministry implemented results-based management in an attempt to increase pass rates by attaining artificial targets, we've noticed that education managers have turned to practices that range from altering grades to pressuring teachers into passing students. These practices cast doubt over teachers' autonomy and professionalism in evaluating students, while also hindering student learning."
QPAT has brought these issues to the Ministry's attention on several occasions, particularly during the special consultations on Bill 105 and more recently during the major consultation on educational success led by the Minister last fall. Thus, these facts should not come as a surprise to the Minister. Linking goals to management agreements, combined with the fact that there is a lack of adequate resources to support students who are struggling, simply makes it harder for schools to meet these goals.
"This approach creates artificial success rates and negatively impacts actual student learning," said Sébastien Joly.
According to QPAT, if the Minister genuinely wants to improve student success, he should introduce a strategic change in the policy he is scheduled to table this spring, while ensuring that sufficient and adequate resources are available.
QPAT is the organization which represents approximately 7,500 teachers in the English school boards of Quebec as well as the teachers in the English schools of the Littoral School Board. Our mission is to promote and develop the professional, social and economic interests of teachers. Founded in 1864, QPAT is Canada's oldest teaching association. Over the years, teachers have gone from having poor working conditions to having negotiated the many benefits enjoyed by members of the teaching profession today.
SOURCE Quebec Provincial Association of Teachers
Julie Montpetit, QPAT Press Secretary, 514-249-9653, [email protected]
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