The Problems with Our Schools?

I just read a report that talked about the "problems with our schools" and the "problems with kids today." All the problems listed probably won't go away very fast, if at all, until we as a nation, quit making excuses. Diagnosing every kid who shows dislike for school as having some kind of genetic or medical problem, and immediately putting him on a "control" drug just isn't the answer. The answwers aren't going to be found by:
1. Trying to solve the problem with a pill. This response might make the kid more passive, but it does little to teach him to relate to others in a meaningful way. He no longer has any responsibility for his actions
2. Blaming the teacher. Almost everyone who works with children, wants to do it. It doesn't take them long to realize that for every failure, they will be blamed, regardless of the circumstances.
3. Reverting to law suits against teachers and school systems. For the most part, the legal system should stay out of the schools. I attended a beginning of the school year set of meetings in which the whole tone of the conference was talking about the many ways that a teacher can leave herself open for a law suit. Most teachers avoid even mild forms of discipline these days.
4. Making parents the scape goat. Parents shouldn't have to take all of the blame, either. Many are tired, and overworked in todays society, and really have very little idea of how they can help their children. When a lawyer tells them that they "have rights," they are likely to jump on the band wagon. The parents and the teachers end up on opposite sides of the fence, pointing fingers at one another. Parents need to remember that if they find it difficult to control one child, that it must be especially difficult to handle 20 or more kids effectively at one time, and then perhaps they will be more capable of relating to the teacher.
5. Talking about classes being too large. Fairly large classes can be delightful if you've got the kids with you. A sense of humor and the ability to laugh and joke with the kids will often diffuse other problems.
6. Eliminating music, art, home ec., shop, and gym. This will never solve the educational problem. It will only make future societies more limited. As Edwin Markham said, "Why build these cities glorious if man unbuilded goes."
One thing is certain. Discipline is not a dirty word. It's one of the human characteristics that make it possible for each of us to complete projects and effectively contribute to the future of our kind.

Fightin' Words!

It's impossible to go through a single news day without finding some new reason to be angry. I've emailed a litany of officials. I've tried to stir up all my friends to put pressure on the lawmakers and the law breakers. Sometimes it seems like I'm shouting against the wind, but I'm not about to give up! Today, I start blogging about all the dirty dealing, all the graft, and everyone who needs to be flushed down the toilet.