Image: article photo by Alyce Jones, via Los Angeles Times
This one’s a wowzer! From the Los Angeles Times (reported by Richard C. Paddock, 1/10/09):
“In what may be the first attempt in California to unseat an entire school board, high school students and supporters who want to oust all five members collected enough signatures to put the issue before voters, the Tuolumne County clerk said Friday.
The students organized the recall campaign as a civics project after the board of the Big Oak Flat-Groveland Unified School District voted to get rid of their popular math teacher (Ryan Dutton), a former professional football player”
Let me get this straight: The entire student body worked to legally force a recall election because they felt a bad staffing decision was made. I love it. Way to go kids– you can and should stand up for what you belive is right, using the most powerful tools you can get your hands on, solidarity and workin’ that due process. Talk about taking ownership of your education!
But what about the teacher in question? Sure, they like him, but why was he removed in the first place? Are we encouraging them to put popularity ahead of principle?
Supt. Mari Brabbin and the school board removed Ryan Dutton from his job teaching math at Tioga High over an allegation of plagiarism. He also lost his post coaching baseball.
Dutton, 31, who was studying for his teaching credential at Cal State Fresno, was accused of copying another student’s homework in March. He denied the charge.
It is unclear how the allegation reached the school district. The university said the allegation was unfounded, but the school board has refused to take Dutton back.
And Tim King, the Civics teacher who facilitated this, need a special reound of recognition. He managed to:
- Demonstrate students’ understanding of the legal process and how it can solve problems. No violence, intimidation, or standardized test needed.
- Provide a real-world learning experience none of these kids will ever forget.
- Get a large group of teenagers to actually do something. And do it cooperatively. And successfully.
Mr. King, I think you get extra credit.
I believe you need to “register” to get articles past the date of publication, but it’s worth the read
