By Dale Wallace

On March 7th, 2010, I read an interesting article by Alan Shanoff “Freedom to read needs freedom from censors” in the Toronto Sun. In the article he argues strongly for people to have free choice of what they read. As well, he made the following interesting statement: “Schools are at the mercy of parents who not only want to choose what their children read but also what other children may read.” Unfortunately, in some schools in Calgary Alan Shanoff’s statement rings alarmingly true. Continue Reading

By Dale Wallace

Last month, two high school teachers in Winnipeg were suspended with pay for humorously simulating a lap dance in front of students at the school spirit day. The entire dance was videoed and placed on YouTube. As of March 2nd the video had over 66,000 hits. Plus, news agencies from around the world had picked up on the story. Now it has been officially removed from YouTube. Continue Reading

By Dale Wallace

In stories about modern heroes there is a main character, usually male, and he overcomes his personal short-comings to solve a problem or perhaps rescue or save someone. He often works in isolation or a small group, has the adoration of many followers, and is usually strong physically and/or mentally. Continue Reading

By Dale Wallace

Recently, Barb Gustafson’s asked in her Saska-tuned Column whether First Nations peoples need a separate university. I responded to Ms. Gustafson’s column in the feedback section with a resounding “no,” and I received some excellent criticism. I think the issue needs even more fleshing out yet. Continue Reading

By Dale Wallace, Meet the Teacher

In my last column I reported on the stolen grade 12 provincial Social Studies, Math, and English examinations. Apparently the exams were posted on Facebook for any and all students in Alberta to study from before they actually wrote the exam. As of yet it seems the perpetrators have not been found nor have there been any reports on how many students actually viewed the exams. Continue Reading

By Dale Wallace, Meet the Teacher

I opened my email today to discover that there was a serious security breach regarding the provincial diploma examinations. Apparently, the 30-1 Social Studies, English, and Pure math exams all ended up on Facebook. Of course some students in Calgary and Edmonton saw the exams and are going into the test with an unfair advantage. Continue Reading

By Dale Wallace, Meet the Teacher

Most students carry a backpack to school in which they carry their belongings. When the students leave school the backpacks will be filled with much more than belongings.  Laurie’s backpack will be chucked full of pride. She has worked diligently and tried her best to do well in school. She had many successes and she and her parents are pleased with what she has accomplished. Continue Reading

Dale Wallace

I’ve been trying to write this column for about three weeks. I started it ten different times and each time I threw it away. What I’m basically upset about is the tone of the writing. Each effort sounded like of bunch of whining and complaining so out it went and I started over.  Sometimes I gave the column a couple days rest and went back to it with a fresh attitude. However, each time was unsatisfactory. I felt I had not gotten it right; I was angry and frustrated with myself. Continue Reading

Dale Wallace

Recently, I was asked an interesting question: the grade 12 provincial exam results for English have consistently been going down over the past five years and would I know the reason? Professionally, and in all honesty, I could only answer, no. Continue Reading

Dale Wallace

Calgary-Fish Creek MLA Heather Forsyth recently introduced Bill 206 into the Alberta Legislature. What part of the legislation proposes is that schools and school boards report bullying and weapons related issues that occur at school to Alberta Education. Because Alberta Education can then track the bullying incidents, it is much easier for police to deal with the bullying if the incident has to be investigated. Continue Reading