Several great points. Unfortunately, we ask ourselves over and over how to fix this, without any answers. Many of my students did well in middle school, both on report cards and standardized tests. When they get to high school, they drop hard. Some buy into the "thug" life so prevalant in urban schools. I have students that can tell you when the latest Jordans come out, but don't know what class they have 2nd period. Others begin having kids, some as early as 9th grade. Others are getting so high every day that they can't remember anything. Many are still outside on the streets at 3:00 a.m., doing things I don't want to think about.
All these issues need to be dealt with by the parents! When we try to address stuff like this, we are told not to, that it's interfering or we shouldn't be teaching our value system. WHAT?!?!? You won't do your job as a parent, but you have a problem when I do it. STFU!
Whew. Sorry, I'm OK now, I've just been holding back too long. I'm better now, until I get behind a slow person o hte way home tonight.
But to all those that have been affected by a good teacher, do them a favor. Go thank them, soon. Thanks for listening to the rant.
