by Tim Driver

Created on: May 17, 2010   Last Updated: May 18, 2010

"No More Homework, No More books, No More Teachers' Dirty Looks". Few are the students who fail and don't believe in some part that the teacher or system might partially be responsible. Having been in education as a teacher, administrator, at-risk specialist, and many other kid-related callings, I will readily admit that there are flaws in the system and in people as a general observation. This does not excuse students from their inability to perform at an acceptable academic level however.

Preparation For Imperfection-

We are training our kids to exist and contribute in a world that is full of unfair bosses, out of date systems, ineffectual leadership, and personality problems. Despite these roadblocks, workers are asked to succeed in spite of these environmental hazards. Where do they get the training and experience for such a daunting task? By coming through an imperfect educational system. Does this excuse education from attempting to improve? Hardly. But many have come from an imperfect system only to improve the world as a whole. Systemic improvement starts with self-improvement- a key piece of which is self-accountability for success and failure.

Problems Forge Improvement-

There is a growing trend of parents and schools who never let their kids/students  experience a problem from start to finish. Whether it is the personality conflict in social studies class, the coach who doesn't recognize superior talent, or the unacceptable "C+" in language arts, parents look to solve way too many issues for their kids, depriving them of the skill development to assess problems, causes, potential solutions, and most importantly, future avoidance. As a result, kids looks to blame others or the system for their failures and instead of taking initiative, wait for others to offer an excuse or potential solution. Having kids assume the responsibility for getting themselves into a failing situation, as well as getting themselves out (with a little guidance), would take a huge step in improving academics overall.

Personalization Fuels Initiative-

Kids should take responsibility for GOOD grades too! It's amazing how when a student gets an "A", they say, "I GOT an 'A' ", but when they receive an "F", the lament, "the teacher GAVE me an 'F'. " If pupils would only learn to say "I EARNED an 'F' " the same way they earned the "A". In this way, it motivates them to seek solutions- whether that tutoring, better behavior, more communication with the teacher, study groups,

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