MLA blasts 'social passing' policy in N.W.T.

Education officials in the Northwest Territories came under fire this week for its inclusive schooling policy, which one MLA says allows students to progress through the system regardless of their academic performance.

Great Slave MLA Glen Abernethy and other members questioned the government about the policy, also known as "social passing," at a special meeting Wednesday at the legislative assembly.

Under the inclusive schooling policy, elementary and junior high students pass from grade to grade and are not held back. The policy applies to students until they reach Grade 10.

The meeting was called in response to complaints from parents about the policy. Several parents have raised concerns that, despite graduating from high school, their children do not have the knowledge and skills to move into post-secondary education.

'They can't fail me'

Recalling a conversation he had with a student who was about to start Grade 10, Abernethy said social passing seemed to rob the boy of motivation.

"He indicated that, 'Oh, you know, it's going to be a little stressful this year; I actually have to work.' And I'm like, 'What do you mean?' He goes, 'Well, up until now, they can't fail me. They can't do that,'" Abernethy said.

"He knows he doesn't have to try, therefore he's not going to try. Where's the incentive to succeed at a higher level?"

Education Department officials said research on inclusive education shows students do better at school when they stay with their peers. However, the officials did not describe that research.

Rita Mueller, the department's director of early childhood and school services, told MLAs that help for students does not stop at Grade 10 those who ask for help on their departmental exams can get it, she said.

"They may have a scribe reading the questions to them. They also may have a longer period of time to answer the questions," Mueller said.

"In some cases, they do not have to actually have to write out their answers. They can verbally record it, and then that's marked and sent to Alberta as well."

For now, department officials said,there areno plans to change the inclusive education policy.