French Immersion Column Comments
by admin on Dec.10, 2010, under EDUCATION
I knew when the rationale for why my wife and I decided not to send our kids into FI program here in Guelph was published, it would cause a stir. Some thoughts…
First off, the decision is one that was made based on how FI is run in Guelph. How FI programs are run vary from board to board and the arguments offered were from a Guelph perspective. Our decision might have been quite different if we lived in Ottawa for example.
In respect to the talent pool comment. I have heard no one dispute the column’s claim there are less applicants for FI postings than non. That being the case I don’t know of anyone who would not rather have a larger pool of qualified applicants to choose from when hiring for any position – let alone one as important as a classroom teacher. This argument does not mean that all FI teachers are bad, a fact clearly stated in my column
“This doesn’t mean there aren’t some talented French immersion teachers out there.”
I even happen to know a few.
For some – their anger stems from the fact that I won’t stay quiet about the big lie - that all teachers are of the same ability and skill. Teachers’ Unions like to preach this untruth - but no one truly believes it. Unfortunately, only a few teachers are willing to face the consequences and say anything publicly that directly or indirectly shatters this myth.
The other key lesson has been learned writing op-ed material is that people will sometimes agree or disagree with you – but they may not actually have read what you wrote. We see what we want to see I guess and a few “hot button” words will move people to take a side.
