‘Is the coronavirus a scam?’ School quiz question leads to pushback for Texas teacher
A Texas school district is under fire after an online quiz question posed to junior high students.
A science teacher at Pearland Junior High East asked her students, “Is the coronavirus a scam?” according to a post on the Parents in Pearland Independent School District Facebook page. The answer “True” was shown as the correct answer on the quiz.
The question was part of a quiz meant to familiarize students with their new online system, according to an email from the school principal posted on Facebook. The principal sent a similar statement to KPRC and added an explanation.
“The teacher’s intent was to spark conversation,” Principal Charles Allen told the TV station. “It was not to imply the virus is not serious or to make any political stance. The question has since been taken down.”
Most parents on the Facebook group for the Houston-area school district did not feel the question was an appropriate one to ask the students.
“This person is...clearly not fit or qualified to teach science to anybody,” one parent responded. “Not only does this teacher have zero judgment, they obviously don’t have much science knowledge either. Wow. Just unbelievable.”
“The fact that this quiz was created by a SCIENCE teacher is disturbing!” another commenter said. “I’d demand my child be moved to another science teacher’s class.”
Another user, who said she is a health care worker, said the question infuriated her.
The original poster, Elizabeth Madrigal, said it was not her intention “to ruffle any feathers” when she shared the image.
“I don’t think the teacher should be fired,” Madrigal said in an edit of her original post. “People are entitled to their opinions. I just don’t want your opinions interfering with teaching my kids fact-based sciences.”
She also posted a screenshot of an email conversation she had with the teacher, who apologized and said she “didn’t think it was offending.”
Madrigal told the Laredo Morning Times she felt the question could have been worded differently.
“Had it been worded in a way that they could give their opinions and not be marked incorrect, it could have started a conversation that was relevant to today’s news and been a great way to start the year in science class,” Madrigal said. “It could have gauged the kids’ understanding of the pandemic and really been a good opener to the science behind all of it.”
This story was originally published September 1, 2020 at 4:07 PM with the headline "‘Is the coronavirus a scam?’ School quiz question leads to pushback for Texas teacher."