I am compelled to add my two cents to the 'no zeros' school policy debate. I thank Mr. Dorval for bringing this policy to public attention.

As a graduate student myself and the mother of two elementary students, I am frankly shocked by the policy. I don’t care what research is out there in support of this concept. It has not been practically implemented long enough for any long-term consequences to be properly evaluated. Critical thought and common sense lead me to question its legitimacy.

I am therefore not interested in the research. I am interested in life lessons. Lessons I know will impact my children’s growth and development. Is it wrong for me to expect the education system to help me teach my children that action, or inaction as the case may be, has consequence?

David Keohane states: “We expect nothing but success in our schools.” Does that mean that we are willing to allow students to skate through their education in order to ensure provincial and federal standards are met? Are we not willing to do some work ourselves?

Mr. Keohane asks: “If you have policies set in place that perpetuate failure, how can you ever expect them to be diligent in their studies?” Well, with all due respect sir, please tell me: If you have policies in effect that perpetuate laziness, how can you ever expect them to take their responsibilities seriously? No work = no mark. Pretty simple math.

Rebecca Colborne, St. Albert

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