It's the parents fault...God, am I so tired of hearing that phrase! The Education System is NEVER at fault...And lets NEVER blame Junior. Blaming Junior (Holding Junior responsible for his action or inaction) would never do... It could damage his Psyche and we wouldn't want to be responsible for that, now would we? Well that's just, in the immortal words of Vizzini the Sicilian, INCONCEIVABLE !!!
Well, let's just blame the economy....Mom and Dad have to work to support Jr, not to mention "The Joneses" (that's another post in the future). Is it a wonder parents are plagued with high-blood pressure, diabetes, indigestion, hair-loss? Should Junior be held accountable (at the age of 12 and 16) for maintaining his/her grade level? Yes!
I have 2 children. My children are near extremes on the educational scale of effort. Child A only does what's necessary to pass. Child B enjoys learning and manages a nearly straight A status. Both are bright and articulate. Regardless of attempts to help Child A see the necessity of education...the opportunities available if Child A would only grasp them... parental efforts have been fruitless, thus far.
Child A still has time to alter the future. Child B, so long as the current path is maintained, will have many opportunities that will remain out of reach for Child A. Can you feel my frustration? Consequences are set and enforced. Nothing seems to phase Child A.
I am realistic. I don't blame the education system for Child A's lack of effort. That responsibility sits squarely on Child A who knows what is expected but puts everything off to the last minute and then tries to find an excuse as to why said assignment wasn't finished. BTW...Child A says next year will be different. Child A says this every year.
My Children are individuals with unique abilities. Both are equally intelligent and have equal access to opportunities. Each has chosen different paths. I am responsible for guiding them toward their adult life. Ultimately it is a matter of what they choose to do.
BTW...I'm sure I'm not finished with this subject!
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I do agree with you that there is only so much a parent can do and then the rest is up to the "young adult"!!!! The education system we have is sorely lacking in many areas; however, parents have taken many tools away from teachers. Tying their hands in many ways. Corpral punishment is no longer capable of instilling fear in the hearts and bottoms of our students and from what I understand directly from a teacher/friend they, the teachers, can no longer even single a student out to send them to do board work as this puts pressure on the student. Possibly causing embarrassment. Things have changed so much since we were in school. And we wonder why Johnny can't read.
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