The Wrath of Kohn

["C. Robert Clements" <clementz@kos.net>]

Alfie Kohn preached a message of civil disobedience to a crowd of 1000 
teachers May 2nd in Belleville, Ontario.

Invited by the locals of two teachers' unions to speak on the evils of 
standardized testing, Kohn kept his audience on the edge of their seats. 
His message was clear and robust; his humor outstanding.

But in his wrap-up Alfie advised teachers to consider refusing to 
administer our provincially-mandated assessments and further, that they 
advise parents to withhold their children from being assessed.

Teachers following his first consideration would find themselves in 
contravention of the Education Act and their contractual obligations 
with their employer. They would risk being brought before the 
disciplinary committee of their College and penalized, possibly 
dismissed, by their employer.

Additionally, all students are required by law to subject themselves to 
the assessments. Though there is no specific penalty for refusing to 
participate, teachers so advising parents and students, might find 
themselves charged with criminal counseling.

At least one citizen was moved patriotically to write the following 
letter to the editor of the local newspaper (published here with 
permission):

The Wrath of Kohn
Schools no place for civil disobedience
Rob Pearsall
Posted Monday, May 6, 2002, at 8:51 AM ET

Not being an expert in pedagogy, I will leave it to others discuss the 
merits of standardized exams. However, the appropriateness of an 
American traveling within our borders, inciting acts of civil 
disobedience, is an entirely different matter.

In this post 9/11 world it is likely that a Canadian traveling through 
the U.S. espousing anti-government rhetoric would soon find himself 
being invited to leave. Similarly an American conservative in Canada 
would be roundly criticized should he dare speak on domestic affairs. A 
message as destructive as that of Alfie Kohn should receive the same 
treatment.

It is inappropriate to introduce to children as young as eight years old 
the concept of civil disobedience. The argument that teachers' unions 
make with a quote from Plato's Republic, "It is a just man that breaks 
an unjust law" is a concept far too complex for someone in grade 3.

By watching the conduct of their teachers children will learn that if 
you don't like a rule, break it. It's the last lesson one would want to 
impart on an impressionable young mind.

Teachers may rue day they bought into the wrath of Kohn when they find 
themselves dealing with students who see no justice in their authority 
in the classroom.
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