15 year Teacher shares research on the decay of the Educational System

Dear Educators:
I would like to make a few comments about 15 years of classroom observations of the psychosocial analysis of many kids today and the changing culture -related violent video games and student's who suffer from a lack of strong family structure.

I have had the pleasure to work with some fine students over the past 15 years - who made teaching a truly rewarding profession. Many teachers would agree these fine students truly provide a high level of intellectual satisfaction for a teacher's ultimate goal-- learning.

I have worked in the public school systems in various parts of the USA. I find students that seem to fit into two broad categories:
1.) students who have parents/guardians who actively monitor their children's academic progress on a daily basis.

Common Characteristics in Group #1
These exceptional/motivated students truly value their education and put forth real effort and naturally excel. These kids tend to be more respectful and respond to group activity, varied instructional techniques and become independent thinkers. Research clearly identify students who have a strong and supportive family structure will score 30-50% higher on standardized tests. Parents who demonstrate an active and sustained interest in their child's education will facilitate a supportive vibe whether it is elementary school to high school.

2.) the less fortunate students whose parents who do not play active role in their educational progress. My main concern is the group of kids whose parents do not play an active role
in their child's education. Studies have shown these children who act out in school, reject authority figures and generally display low self-esteem behavioral issues feel less motivated towards academics. A child who develops a mind set " no body cares" is a dangerous paradox in the natural cycle of human development. Many of these kids who lack structure in their lives- as they do not have set schedules for homework. These kids come home unsupervised and play video games that key on war and destruction (glorification violence).

My proposal is that we encourage these less fortunate kids to lead more active lives and take charge of their education by speaking up. As educators we should reach out to these children who are craving for attention that do not receive at home. We must encourage parents to attend Parent - Teacher Conferences, monitor e-assignments- via web links (parents grade access portals) and e-mails to keepthe entire educational circle aware of student development.

A parent need only log into the school website and review a child's grades and homework history to know the answer of the age old question "did you do your homework." The facts are online just look them up Mom or Dad- and spend 2 minutes in research so you can demonstrate you care and know the true answer to that question.

Finally, I can assure you this new means of communicating with the teacher is fool proof and limit's the creative answers from kids "oh yeah I did my work at school". This is what I call the "spin" factor and must be minimized if we are to stay competitive with our global competitors.

Please feel free to respond to my thoughts and provide experience or research that agrees or disagrees with my hands-on research.

My next blog will include research into family pathology and the direct correlation to self-esteem and performance in school. Additional analysis will study online colleges "selling out to the buck" and allowing kids to simply buy degrees online . A professor in Nevada has no way of knowing who is answering questions, taking tests and writing papers in an online forum such as Web CT.


The Professor