Editor:
This is for parents of Grade 4 and Grade 7 students.
During the week of Monday (Jan. 11) you will receive an envelope from the Sea to Sky Teachers' Association. It will contain two pamphlets informing you of teachers' concerns with the provincially mandated Foundations Skill Assessment test, also known as the FSA. These pamphlets are being sent home with the agreement of the BCTF, the School District, and BCPSEA.
As stated in a past legal decision on the Freedom of Expression, teachers have both the right and responsibility to discuss any information regarding the state of public education in the province with parents.
Just as importantly, parents have a right to receive this information to help form their own perspective on public school issues which affect their children.
One of the pamphlets has a tear-off form, which you can fill in, should you choose to, and send back to your child's teacher requesting that your child not write the FSA. You may also decide to write your own letter in order to better explain your objections to the test. Once this request is sent to the school you may receive a phone call from your child's principal explaining why your child must write the test.
Several other school districts across the province are respecting parent requests to withdraw their children from FSA testing. You should be aware that, in past years, SD 48 has not honoured these requests. Upon being contacted by the school, you have the right to change your position and allow your child to write the test, or to simply restate that you do not want your child writing the FSA.
You also have the right to appeal any decision taken by the board. You may also wish to discuss this further with the trustees elected by your community.
If you have questions or concerns regarding the Foundation Skills Assessments test, please feel free to contact the Sea to Sky Teachers' Association at 604-892-3056.
Beth Miller, President
Sea to Sky Teachers' Association
