Lynden Dorval, a physics teacher at Ross Sheppard High School, was first suspended and then fired in 2012 in a dispute that began with him giving students a mark of zero for failing to hand in assignments.
Photo Credit: CBC

“Zero” teacher, vindicated

It’s been a long haul for Alberta physics teacher Lynden Dorval. The teacher had 30 years of teaching experience when the trouble began in 2012 in the city of Edmonton.

The teacher of teenage students at Ross Shepherd High School handed out zeros to students who did not hand in homework assignments on time, or who failed to take assigned tests.

This went against Edmonton Public School Board’s controversial “no-zero” policy.

Supporters of the no-zero policy say failing to complete assignments is a behavioural issue and marks should reflect ability, not behaviour.

But others believe the policy leaves students with the impression they don’t need to be accountable for their actions.

“Students should be accountable” 

Dorval was among the latter saying the “no zero” policy was a stupid idea he just couldn’t agree with.

“That’s against what I’ve been doing my whole career because I believe the student should be accountable for what they’re doing.” he said.

Dorval was initially suspended in May that year, and then fired four months later in a dispute with the school principle and a public school superintendent that included other allegations of misconduct and insubordination.  A letter from the superintendent to Dorval suggested he “reform” his behavior and also apologize to the school principle.

Dorval appealed the suspension and firing to a provincial tribunal which deals with teacher suspensions and firings called the Board of Reference.

It has just ruled in favour of the teacher, instructing the school board to pay his wages from May 2012 and to also top up his pension.

The tribunal said it found no evidence of deliberate misconduct by Dorval or evidence of insolence.

The Board of Reference went further saying the “no zero” policy was problematic.

It says with no penalties, the students had little incentive to complete the assignments. It noted that Dorval handing out zeros was successful in getting students to complete assignments.

The Edmonton Public School Board has since amended the “no zero” policy slightly.  It is supposed to come into effect this month as classes begin, although under these “new” regulations, teachers are required to undertake five steps to prove they spoke to parents and allowed students many chances to finish work before they can give a zero.

In spite of the win, Dorval will not return to the classroom as he has since retired. However he says he will continue to fight the  EPSB on the issue arguing that the new policy puts the burden on teachers to get students to complete their assignments.

There is still more to the saga as the EPSB said the tribunal ruling against their suspension and dismissal of Dorval was “disappointing” and that it will appeal the decision.

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