To the Editor,
Re: Mixed reaction from parents on school rankings, Feb. 21.
It was unfortunate that the above article mentioned the FSA rankings of Hammond Bay Elementary and Bayview Elementary Schools.
While I believe the FSA exams provide valuable data to staff, parents and students over time, there are other ingredients that make for a good school.
Based on my 40 years in the public school system, the socio-economic level of parents is the most vital.
Parents of higher levels have completed more schooling, value education, and inculcate in their children the importance of a good education – the need to pay attention in class and the need to complete home assignments.
These parents are much more likely to play an active role in regular communication with their children’s teachers.
Funnily enough, some of the strongest teachers in the public school system work in schools like Bayview. They show up every day, they meet the social and emotional needs of students and families and they manage to provide great instruction to children.
Education is a shared responsibility between parents and students and teachers. Each must bring something to the party.
Well done Bayview teaching staff.
Douglas Wilson
Nanaimo