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America IS getting dumber. We are a nation known for going around preaching about "family values", but it is clear, that the main thing this establishment values is money. And we are teaching this to our high schoolers.

Enter, high school sports. We glorify our high school athletes to the point of over looking test scores and giving them preferential treatment. These students are treated like royalty. They bring all important dollars into the school. And what do we do for students who have high grade point averages and excel in outstanding ways? We give them donuts for breakfast once every six weeks and expect them to be happy with that. This shows them exactly how much they are valued by our society as a whole.

Our teachers are valued just as little. We are the nation from which the phrase 'those who can't, teach' came. Our teachers, in most of the country, are not supported financially in a way that shows we value them. Compare the salary of the best teachers in the U.S. to the salary of the worst NFL player in the U.S. Astounding.

Until we started REALLY valuing education in America and not just whining about it's problems, we will not see results. We, as adults, have to make sure that our children know that education is THE top priority for them...not clubs, sports, or jobs. Their job IS their education. Our job is supporting them.

Learn more about this author, Jennifer Brister.
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