[JohnR]

Originally Posted by Nebe

In my eyes, the problem is that the teachers are forced to make sure the students can pass tests. So rather than spend the day educating the kids and give them a well balanced dose of knowlege, they are giving them the answers to the tests to memorize.

The problem is that most kids aren't reading because the parents didn't read to them. The problem is that many kids get caught behind in kindergarten or first grade and then have difficulty catching up - regardless of when the school department spends thousands of dollars per student in help and assistance and programs. The problem is parents don't get involved, or their are not enough parents, or you reach an area with a density of too many angry single parent kids, kids hit critical mass and explode out in tough ways. It is tough to be a kid these days.

And some teachers just suck and forgot why they got into teaching.

Oh, and teachers (and administration) should be required to work in the REAL WORLD every few years, ya know, with their butts on the line when regarding KEEPING your job.

Today's teacher just needs some seniority and not get caught surfing porn to keep their job.

Originally Posted by Nebe

Are you a teacher VB?

I am only speaking from what I have heard about in the RI school system. But because of the no child left behind rules, testing is such a concern that more emphasis is given in making sure the kids can pass the tests..

Im no expert though..

NCLB is working (somewhat) for the lower end kids, getting some caught up. It is putting the screws to school administration to stay more on the ball. But it is not enough. Probably making the top kids suffer as a result though.

Originally Posted by buckman

I feel alot has to do with these kids in the city, Alot of them, not all. showing up hungry, after being out late, caring nothing about homework or grades. Having their 2nd child beforethey are old enough to graduate. It's not the school system or the teachers, It's the parents or lack of. No welfare check if your kid can't stay in school and your dad doesn't pay child support.

Bingo - nail on the head. You teach in the city?

Originally Posted by Raider Ronnie

All good points !
Like I said, Cut and slash the budget , it's complete waste of tax payers money.!

It's not a waste of taxpayer money, it is a principle of our country to provide education to our youth. It is one of the most fundamental things we can do to ensure our countries prosperous future. Though I wish it would be a requirement to penalize parent's when their kids wasted this dime.

Oh yeh, and from very personal experience, some Superintendents just suck royally and either don't give a crap, suffer large amounts of hubris, or are just plain dumb.

There is all of your answers. In addition to staying at a Holiday Inn Express last night, I had the mispleasure to work in a RI school system for 3 years.