What kind of outrageous headline is that: school ‘gets grade of zero from Canadian think tank’ and ‘lowest ranking in B.C.’?
Even if it were true, it certainly doesn’t help to slam the school. One student’s reaction was, “Some kids will think it’s no use trying.”
The Fraser Institute evaluations are seen by most educators as inaccurate and biased. So-called “objective tests” are very limited in what they measure in terms of knowledge, thinking skills, creativity, etc. As well, all these government exams are taken online, which may show the level of computer skills and not much else.
After all the negative remarks, Cowley does admit the focus of the report is too narrow. In a rather condescending manner, he also suggests “Hazelton is a unique situation.”
Your reporter digs the knife even deeper by comparing Hazelton with Smithers schools.
Over many years Hazelton grads, both Indigenous and non-indigenous have excelled in academics, leadership, and athletics, locally and around the world.
Two examples (out of many):
As you may know, Carol Huynh won a gold and a bronze medal in wrestling at the Olympics and is now high in the Canadian Olympic organization.
At this time four Hazelton grads are in medical school or in residency across Canada.
What is the point of rankings? If they have any value at all, it would be to spur on the provincial government to consult with the local communities to find out what is lacking in the educational system. Then, they could put in financial resources, extra staffing, and curriculum improvement to raise the level of education in all lower ranked schools.
One more note:
When Alicia Bridges was the reporter for the Three Rivers, she found many newsworthy items to write about. Since then we have very little coverage at all and this negative article is worse than nothing.
Peggy Muir
Hazelton