Today's Youth, what are they comming to?

[Wayne C.]

The "need to reform the educational system" responses above really tick me off!! The educational system's problems are a direct reflection of the country's societal problems in general. If the general public actually valued public education this wouldn't be an issue.

I am a HS teacher- and have been for 18 years. Teachers ARE underpaid. They deal with every family's nasty little problems and get nothing but abuse for it. No wonder the country is grossly deficient of experienced teachers.

Yes- there are some bad teachers. Get over it. There are also plenty of terrific ones who you owe a lot more to than you will ever appreciate. Try being a teacher in a lower level HS class, or how about a sub? See where your head is after a few years of that. I think all students can relate to the nonsense they have seen or done in a classroom. Picture dealing with that daily for the rest of your life for a wage that the general public spits at. Then talk about lack of teacher accomplishment.

Q: Who is responsible for a student's performance and success?
A: the student

Teachers should provide an OPPORTUNITY for success. Students need to take the initiative to capitalize on that opportunity and work to succeed. Teachers are not entertainers although many students seem to think that is their function. Learning involves work-something many students fail to appreciate.

The main reason my students fail my classes is for lack of doing homework and assignments. AKA- laziness. It is extremely frustrating for teachers. That is a habit they pick up outside the classroom. Try holding a job with the same level of performance.

I guarantee that the vast majority of teachers would welcome with open arms courteous students who are eager participants and who show even the slightest iota of interest in their subjects. And I can't think of any who wouldn't go the extra mile to help a civil, interested student succeed with a difficult concept.

So before you rag on teachers as being the cause of societies problems take a look at the homes and communities the students are coming from and what these kids are doing for entertainment.

Grrrrr!!!

WC