Until now, any Google Maps user could rate a school just as they would a restaurant or hotel. This practice has given rise to sometimes virulent comments: "pathetic school," "horrible teachers," or even "rotten establishment." These reviews, often anonymous, were publicly displayed on the Google listings of elementary schools, middle schools, or high schools, just like those of businesses. Problem: These opinions were rarely constructive and were not subject to any right of reply.
Opinions or critical forums?
Google confirmed to AFP this week that it would end this possibility. "This decision is due to the recurring presence of off-topic, harmful, and policy-breaking contributions," a spokesperson said. The removal of ratings and comments will affect all general education institutions worldwide. The process will take several weeks and will also include the removal of already published notices.
For the Ministry of National Education, this decision is seen as a relief. The ministry welcomed the announcement, explaining that this request came from its services. "This is to protect the institution and the staff of the National Education. Many of these notices could serve as a platform for various claims of interest, without the possibility contradictory or response,” a spokesperson said.
Teachers’ unions share this opinion. For Sophie Vénétitay, general secretary of the SNES-FSU, the feedback system had turned into a “public outlet” for some students or parents. Jean-Rémi Girard, president of the Snalc, believes that “this is absolutely not a healthy way of operating.” The SE-UNSA is equally satisfied: its Secretary General, Elisabeth Allain-Moreno, insists that "the protection of staff also involves the protection of public schools."
This announcement comes at a time when school ratings and rankings are increasingly being consulted by parents. To offer a more regulated alternative, the Ministry of Education has implemented specific indicators – the IVAL for high schools and the IVAC for middle schools – intended to provide a more detailed view of the performance of establishments. Contrary to the opinions left on the internet, this data takes into account the progress of students and not just their exam success rate.
By putting an end to these wild ratings, Google is putting an end to a practice which, under the guise of information, risked above all harming the reputation of schools and the work of teachers.
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