Story Archive

Don’t Work Too Hard

Tristan Paquet, 15, was diagnosed with a learning disability and put into a special education program in Joliette, Que., Canada. But his mother, Karin Moreau, is not happy with what he does in school. “The school has let him down,” Moreau said. “His learning speed is slower than the other children but we can make it happen if we try.” Instead of attending classes, Paquet bakes cookies, mends clothes for the school play, and washes staff members’ cars. “We don’t learn anything interesting. No math, no French class, nothing,” the boy said. School spokesman Diane Fortin stood behind their methods. “We shouldn’t push children; we have to guide them considering their strength and weakness,” she said. Paquet says that now, his only goal is to turn 16 so he can quit school. (MS/QMI) ...A student who’s actually motivated to learn is a threat to their educational model.