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Give me a break!

The kids who want to learn DO receive a great education.

The kids who don't want to learn would do a lot better to get their degree by computer and get out of the classroom so the students who DO want to learn could learn even more.

Two/thirds of the teachers' time is spent disciplining trouble-makers and their hands are tied even trying to discipline because most of the time these kids do nothing anyway.  America's education is in a sorry state of affairs and it's NOT the teacher's fault the test scores are not higher.

Oh, and by the way, just in case nobody has noticed, NCLB has not worked and will not work even if it is called by another name.

posted 3 years ago
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I'm a veteran teacher of 36 years in Pennsylvania.  Oregon, California, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Georgia - hey folks, it doesn't really matter. 

Today's kids ARE different.

However, the REAL problem isn't the teachers, isn't the schools, but in my opinion, it's the PARENTS.  When parents take responsibility to see that their children DO their mundane homework, GO to school, and show some RESPECT for their teachers and administrators, then the scores will get better. European students are smarter because their European parents seem to know how to parent a bit better.

There is definitely something "broken" when a skilled teacher is taken to task because s/he placed a hand on a student's shoulder to gently turn him/her in the right direction.  Seen by the entire class, still the teacher was called into the principal's office and nearly fired because the child told a wild tale to his/her parents.

That's just plain WRONG, folks.

Observe classes in Japan, China, Austria, Germany.  Ohhhhh yes, they ARE different! 

So, I'm tired of excuses too, but not against the school system.  There's some private school in the inner city of Chicago that graduates winners.  Difference?  RESPECT and compliance for rules goes a long way toward success in learning.

posted 3 years ago
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