What is the No. 1 challenge for schools?

Thursday, August 14, 2008

"Discipline is one of the major problems. Getting parents involved with homework and extra-curricular activities is another problem."

-- Charles Parker of Bloomfield


"Keeping kids in there is the biggest challenge. Too many kids are dropping out. Teachers also need higher pay."

-- Bill Hopkins of Bloomfield


"Teachers need to be more creative and spend more time explaining instead of putting material on the board and saying, 'Do it'."

-- Jamie Fulford & Colin


"A big challenge for schools is to keep up with technology. It constantly has to be upgraded."

-- Alyssa Westover of Linton


"Schools don't pay teachers enough, and teachers don't have enough control over kids. Parents should be able to control kids. It is not like when I raised my kids. They should go back to the old rules."

-- Mildred Howell of Linton

Comments
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  • Creativity is a given in today's "no child left behind" environ. How can a teacher teach all the state standards in each and every subject, prepare for ISTEP, deal with the multiple learning modalities and special needs of the students within the classroom, maintain discipline, instill values, weather school politics, grade piles of papers, and maintain a positive relationship with the parents/ guardians and students without being creative? The challenges in the real world of education are daunting.It's very easy to point fingers and complain about teachers and public education.More than anything teachers need your respect, support and prayers as they enter the classrooms this year.

    -- Posted by Mr. F on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, at 4:55 PM
  • The biggest problem facing teachers today is parents expecting the teachers to do the parents job. Many parents do not want to know that their child disrupts class, that the child isn't the best and brightest in the class, or that the child needs discipline. The big problem is that the parents were raised without discipline and do not know how to discipline the children. These would be the same parents that do not take responsibility for their actions or the children' actions. Early elementary grades are not usually the ones most affected...it's when the child gets to 5th or 6th grade or higher that the real problems set in. As for the schools being at fault for low graduation rates-my opinion is that the PARENTS are more at fault. It is their responsibility to see that the child gets to school every day and that the homework is done and if the child needs a tutor get one. The parents of a high school drop-out need to be held accountable. If they know there will be repercussions if the child does not complete his course work to graduate, maybe they will step up and actually be parents.

    -- Posted by virginiagrace on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, at 7:57 PM
  • what happend to the '' old paths''. when god and prayer were removed so were the ''good'' instructors.

    -- Posted by onebyone on Mon, Aug 18, 2008, at 4:10 PM
  • the schools are overcrowded, the grades need to be divided up like they used to be, to many kids of all ages crammed together, no wonder they are having problems, put to many kids together an they are to busy watching each other instead of paying attention to what teachers are teaching, you know, even animals have to have so much space between them or they fight to, its to crowded, give them some space, build more schools for differant grades, an let them lose some of the stress they have at being bunched up with a whole lot of other kids that are older than they are. may learn something if stress levels go down..please, drive safely this school year,

    -- Posted by susie on Wed, Aug 20, 2008, at 1:41 PM
  • since teachers there don't have enough time to do all they need to do, why don't some of the people in town volenteer to help in the classroom and after school? if you can't afford an after school program why don't families have their own after school programs, like county exstention classes but for kids?

    surely there are people there that would want to save tax money for the county and do this?

    sorry about any misspelled words!!

    mank305

    -- Posted by mank305 on Wed, Aug 20, 2008, at 3:03 PM
  • I agree that parents need to no depend on teachers to do everything. It is our job as a parent to make sure our kids are doing homework and studing for tests. A teacher can only control what our kids learn while at school but it doesn't stop in class. Kids are expected to know a lot more than when I was in grade school. Thats been only a little over 10 years. Parents need to make sure that their children listen and pay attention to teachers. This begins at home. I wish everyone would stop blaming teachers for everything and take some responsiblities at home.

    -- Posted by subgurl on Thu, Aug 21, 2008, at 9:03 AM
  • The number one challenge is inspiring students that the fruits of their labor are better paying jobs down the road. Unfortunately, the economy can't guarantee these jobs and a lot of kids aren't willing to work hard and compete for the ones that are available. I feel sorry for teachers these days. (summers off and all)

    -- Posted by inquisitive on Fri, Aug 29, 2008, at 12:43 AM
  • I believe the road to future success starts long before kindergarten.If children get to school age without social skills and/or unprepared to learn it's really hard fix it then. If parents really don't care about their child's education then it is nearly impossible to fix.

    It really is true that learning starts at home (and much earlier than even preschool).

    -- Posted by keninman on Fri, Aug 29, 2008, at 3:52 PM
  • i don't see how people can say teachers don't make enough money. for no more than they do they are over payed big time. they don't teach they send it home forthe parent to do home work with the kids they have prep time each day. most of them have aids also they go to work at 8am off at 3 for 180 days not taking out there sick an personal days an vac give us a brake plus we pay there retirement. bus drivers are under payed if any one is. buy a bus see what that cost

    -- Posted by oldman on Fri, Sep 5, 2008, at 9:20 AM
  • It is amazing to me that some of you complaining about the teachers. Take OLDMAN for one: He should have paid more attention to the teacher himself. In one small paragraph there was: There for their(twice), brake for break, and also an for and, which possibly was a typing error.

    By the way, I am an old man myself(71).

    -- Posted by lumberjack on Sat, Sep 6, 2008, at 8:42 AM
  • Also, I forgot one thing. OLMAN: Most teachers don't have AIDS, some do have AIDES though.

    -- Posted by lumberjack on Sat, Sep 6, 2008, at 8:46 AM
  • The schools are ridiculous out here. There is no longer any opportunity for FUN in school, leading the students to HATE going. The ISTEP Curicculum is ALL that is taught, and the balance is all wrong....the schools with the LOWER ISTEP scores are the ones that obviously need the resources. The result is a paper filled classroom with no more of the "hands on" experiences that really get students fired up.

    The schools continue to degrade students and the teachers have become extremely disrespectful. I wonder where their passion went...my experience has been one of utter disdain for anything other than a QUIET, INTROVERTED child who has no personality or self esteem.

    The punishments rarely fit the crime - I'm amazed at the amount of detentions, suspensions, expulsions these days. Children haven't changed that much since I was one....in my day if you flipped your eyelids inside out and grossed out a classmate or teacher you got sent to the hall, these days you get sent to detention.

    And the teachers wonder why the students hate them, the parents wonder why their children hate school and the public wonders where this generation of children are headed because they are "always in trouble"

    I'm here to tell you, the kids aren't "always in trouble" it's the school over reacting in most cases and UNDER REACTING in others. It's a mixed message that confuses the children.

    I wish I could homeschool, but alas, I have to work for the luxury of paying an ungodly amount of school fees and book fees for the opportunity to watch the public school system in Greene County kill my child's spirit and teach the children the ISTEP curriculum and nothing else.

    Think about it - read up on it - talk to other parents in the school system...watch children play, they aren't any different it's the school's opinion of them since "No Child Left Behind" and all the $money$ that comes with it.

    ..as far as paying teachers what they are worth? Personally I think they are WAY overpaid! Anyone see a teacher's paycheck lately? They certainly aren't earning it these days.

    You asked for my opinion. There you have it.

    -- Posted by legaleagle on Thu, Sep 11, 2008, at 9:03 AM
  • From some of the comments, many misspelled, it looks like several of them need to take spelling over; while others are just talking to hear themselves talk.

    -- Posted by bloomfieldfan on Thu, Sep 11, 2008, at 10:31 AM
  • Talk about misspellings - checkout the schools daily announcements and start counting.

    -- Posted by outofthisworld on Thu, Sep 11, 2008, at 11:38 AM
  • Can you spell SWIAC?

    -- Posted by outofthisworld on Fri, Sep 12, 2008, at 2:50 PM
  • -- Posted by keninman on Sun, Sep 14, 2008, at 9:57 AM
  • I agree with Bloomfieldfan. What about the child who does their best and still doesn't pass ISTEP. They don't receive a diploma. Aren't they being left behind?

    -- Posted by mom7 on Thu, Sep 18, 2008, at 4:51 PM
  • Mom7 you hit the nail on the head. I personally know one of those children. They attend class everyday, homework is always done on time and checked by parents and passes all classes with C's and B's. Basically an average student with perfect attendance. Thanks to ISTEP+ this child will not be getting a diploma. The parents have continually fought to change the graduation requirements to no avail. A waiver was asked but the HS principal said no waiver has ever been granted to a student at his school. If I were those parents I would hire the best darn lawyer this side of the Mississippi and sue the pants off every one of those so called "educators". Talk about crushing a child's self-esteem!!! It's sickening.

    -- Posted by pops2three on Fri, Sep 19, 2008, at 12:01 PM
  • I heard during the governor debate the other eveing that only % 61 of the money allocated for public education actually goes to the process of teaching children. Where does the rest go?I The all day kindergarten is a wonderful concept and that is educationng children early on - but in Linton the parents must pay $ 185 in adition to book fees for thier child to attend all day. The lists for supplies and book rentals gets longer each year. The arts and PE have all but been elemented. Where DOES that money go? I feel as thought the majority of children are "being left behind" in the school system today. More and more responsiblity for a child's education falls upon the parent - with first graders having 1-2 hours of homework a night -classes are far too large. It doesnt take a rocket scientist to realize that resourses are limited and the teachers who do teach are over whelmed with numbers. Many schools are forced to hire those less qualified to fill positions and that also is a factor.

    -- Posted by pooka1 on Sun, Sep 21, 2008, at 6:12 AM
  • It's easy to see where all the money that is supposed to be to teach kids is going. Just look at what the top dogs that runs the schools are being paid. About 50 times more now than when I went to school in the 60's

    -- Posted by dkbuskirk on Sun, Sep 21, 2008, at 11:25 PM
  • Where does the money go? A percentage of state education money goes to inmate education. From GED's, to life skills programs, CDL's and college classes.

    -- Posted by srsunshiner on Tue, Sep 23, 2008, at 3:41 PM
  • The comment exlintonresidents made really bothers me. I am a teacher and feel that I work very hard at my job. I am sure it is like all jobs there are lazy people and there are people who take their job serious.

    -- Posted by tsmith on Fri, Sep 26, 2008, at 12:43 PM
  • exlintonresidents if you don't have kids how can you make a comment about teachers like you do. Teachers work really hard. They spend countless hours in and out of the classrooms to ensure our kids are learning. Maybe you need to job shadow a teacher for a day!

    -- Posted by Lvesmlltwn on Sat, Sep 27, 2008, at 8:58 AM
  • I am a teacher and single mother who works very hard and I am by no means over paid, and if you think I am, strap on your boots and come on in! Let me just give you a little glimpse into what my day is like:

    I am at school by 8:00, it doesn't start until 9:00. I teach third graders, to be better readers, writers and mathematicians. All while complying to the state standards for third grade. For those of you who want to know what we "do" with our off time, take a trip to the department of education website and look at the state standards K-12. School is out at 3:20, and I RARELY leave before 5:00 pm. I take time at home about an hour each night and two to three hours on the weekend, to grade what some of you say I am not teaching, or that I "save" for you to teach your own children!

    I spend my entire summer working for EXTRA money to help pay my daycare expenses for when I am doing my REAL job! I also spend my summer looking for new and exciting ideas to implement into my classroom. I teach summer school for 2 weeks. I go into the classroom 2 weeks before school starts and stay 2 weeks after. I also, complete my professional development in that time, which is 6 credit hours every 5 years. I am currently trying to obtain my masters degree to be a better teacher, I spent the last three years in classes to get a special education license to be a better teacher to all students and the next two weeks I have to make sub plans so that I can attend professional development conferences on how to differentiate my instruction for all children.

    For all that ladies and gentlemen I say I and my fellow colleagues are grossly underpaid.

    PS if there are any spelling errors in this please forgive me, I am after all a human being and I do make mistakes.

    -- Posted by Bloomfield Mom on Sun, Sep 28, 2008, at 5:37 PM
  • Bloomfeild Mom sound's like your doing a lot of complaning. Mabey you need a different profession. Glad my kid's go to Linton.

    -- Posted by linton mom on Sun, Sep 28, 2008, at 10:28 PM
  • Linton Mom,

    Not doing a lot of complaining, I love my job, just want some of those out there who think teachers only work 10 months a year and 7 hours a day to understand that is not true for most of us. Like any profession there are teachers who don't do their job like they should. However, most of us do.

    FYI I teach in a large metropolitan school district, not Bloomfield. I don't live in Bloomfield anymore, but this is still my log on for comments.

    Exlintonresident, like I said, you think it is easy strap on your boots and come on in! I don't think I said "hard" hours, I believe what I said was that I work more than my contract states, which is 8:30-3:30. Also, I do keep God in school, I pray every day for my school, my students and for me to be the teacher they need me to be, we have a "moment" of silence every day and we still say the pledge.

    As for separation of church and state, we do that, but God is there in my every action and with me as I am being a role model to them.

    I am merely trying to give a little glimpse into what goes into teaching, and obviously that cannot be done in writing a short blurb. I encourage you to go into your school and see what your teachers do, spend the day. You are welcome to come and spend the day with me at my school.

    Rachel Crabb

    -- Posted by Bloomfield Mom on Mon, Sep 29, 2008, at 5:54 AM
  • I am amazed and appalled by the comments I have read regarding schools, teachers, and students. As a student in a military family let me say that we/you are lucky in many ways to have small town schools. As to student behavior....that is the parents responsibility to teach respect and manners. It starts at home! The teachers do not get paid enough to deal with some of the behavioral problems that they do. Many teachers go above and beyond. When elementary kids have been told by their parents they will sue the school and are allowed to speak/act badly without the child worrying about consequences....now thats sad. I wonder how much patience you would have.

    I also believe that goes for the learning. Don't expect your kids to wait until they go to school to learn. Each parent should be working with their own children before they go until they graduate. The teachers may get paid for their job, but the buck doesn't stop there, so to speak. They have your children very few hours compared to how much you have them. As for the school itself, I know it seems like it cost more each year..... unfortunately so does everything else. If more people worked with the schools instead of against them....umm, maybe things would get better, after all they are OUR future

    Let me leave you with these thoughts.....The ones who complain.....do you read to your children and work with them daily? Are you teaching your children manners and respect? What are your children seeing in you.(they are mirrors when it comes to our actions and words) Do you complain about other professionals and their salary or only teachers.(they do have the time/expense of collage to earn that pay) What do you do for free to help others/the community? How are you spending your family time?

    Next time you have some spare time read the poem....Children learn what they live or listen to the county song about children....Let them be little. All children need more love, courage, cuddling, self-esteem, and our TIME. (ALL ages)

    Are you in a hurry to raise your children or are you willing to make them your reason for living?

    -- Posted by deepthinker on Sun, Oct 5, 2008, at 10:29 PM
  • I am amazed and appalled by the comments I have read regarding schools, teachers, and students. As a student in a military family let me say that we/you are lucky in many ways to have small town schools. As to student behavior....that is the parents responsibility to teach respect and manners. It starts at home! The teachers do not get paid enough to deal with some of the behavioral problems that they do. Many teachers go above and beyond. When elementary kids have been told by their parents they will sue the school and are allowed to speak/act badly without the child worrying about consequences....now thats sad. I wonder how much patience you would have.

    I also believe that goes for the learning. Don't expect your kids to wait until they go to school to learn. Each parent should be working with their own children before they go until they graduate. The teachers may get paid for their job, but the buck doesn't stop there, so to speak. They have your children very few hours compared to how much you have them. As for the school itself, I know it seems like it cost more each year..... unfortunately so does everything else. If more people worked with the schools instead of against them....umm, maybe things would get better, after all they are OUR future

    Let me leave you with these thoughts.....The ones who complain.....do you read to your children and work with them daily? Are you teaching your children manners and respect? What are your children seeing in you.(they are mirrors when it comes to our actions and words) Do you complain about other professionals and their salary or only teachers.(they do have the time/expense of collage to earn that pay) What do you do for free to help others/the community? How are you spending your family time?

    Next time you have some spare time read the poem....Children learn what they live or listen to the county song about children....Let them be little. All children need more love, courage, cuddling, self-esteem, and our TIME. (ALL ages)

    Are you in a hurry to raise your children or are you willing to make them your reason for living?

    -- Posted by deepthinker on Sun, Oct 5, 2008, at 10:36 PM
  • i for one will be glad when they change this topic,, its getting old,,,

    -- Posted by susie on Tue, Oct 7, 2008, at 3:28 PM
  • My first son was diagnosed with ADHD in second grade. It was apparent that he was struggling academically and socially. As a result he would get in trouble at school and then again when he got home. It was downward sprial for him with hardly any positive support at any level. After medication was added to his daily life he became a different person as an adolescent and was making great gains.

    The problem then became a history that followed him from year to year and from teacher to teacher. Me and his Mother spent a great deal of money, time, and energy, working with our son and learning about ADHD and how to better manage it. Success was often met with a preconceived bias that often overshadowed any chance of him totally regaining his self-esteem or even being a little proud of his achievements.

    To that end, I can say without hesitation that I was totally dumbfounded as I learned more and more each day about how students were often isolated or earmarked, even when the parents were working with the teachers. What really troubled me was how far teachers would go to help the kids that were gifted and yet let the kids who were struggling continue to struggle, almost on thier own. Something I beleived, at least in my sons case, created unnecessary animosity that then lead to even more disciplinary problems, which in turn caused an even greater learning/teaching gap.

    I would never say that teachers are overpaid. I would also never say that the majority of teachers aren't trying to do a good job teaching kids. I do,however, believe that priorities seem to be somwhat confused, as related to where most of the teaching energy should be directed. I believe that gifted students and even good students should be rewarded (and they probably will be in life), but not at the expense of those who are struggling. It's almost as if we are advocating that only the successful and talented are worth our teachers time....and I don't like it NONE!

    So in closing, I would say that if teachers (schools) want to do better, have higher ISTEP scores (a system I strongly disagree with), keep kids interested, and create a more successful future generation; then they should start reaching out to those who want to learn, but need a little extra hands-on, a little more assistance, and a big dose postive reinforcement everyday. And for God's sake, stop with the passing on of your bad experiences with a student to the teachers who may see them the next year, let the student have a chance to prove he or she has developed and matured since last year....give them a fresh start each new school year and you'll find a student who will be more willing to work hard and fill better about themselves.

    -- Posted by utudlc on Tue, Oct 7, 2008, at 4:53 PM
  • I'm sorry....things don't change if they aren't discussed. I heard, rather read the same comment concerning the Bloomfield pool, which fortunatley was not dropped. People ended up having a pool this summer.

    It really bothers me to hear someone comment that they are tired of hearing about something and hope the subject will soon change. (I have the same feeling when I hear an adult use the word "so"....it sounds to me like, "who cares".

    I hope as important of a subject as this, that is not what we are saying.

    -- Posted by deepthinker on Tue, Oct 7, 2008, at 11:32 PM
  • I also have a son who is ADHD and he has been on medications for a few years now but unfortunatly he is not responding to it as well.... He is still having troubles in class on the bus he has been suspended off the bus 2 times already this year... which in turn causes problems at home trying to get him to school. I have talked to the principle about this wondering if i could put him in a different bus but I guess they dont consider ADHA to be a disability... they for some reason are punishing them as if they can control there actions and even though they are willing to give the child the medication for the ADHD ....I have to bring in proof of him being ADHD to even be considered to be on a diff bus but yet they are giving him the medications....hmmm and why is it they dont get the special attention they need in class....kids with disabilities do.... If anyone that has a child with ADHD i know understands where I'm comming from.... i am now to the point where I am gonna home school my child there for saving him the punishments that the schools are putting him through all for something he has NO CONTROL OVER!!! I think the schools need to realize not every child is the same and they need to offer more for those who are ADHD or anything else..... I also have a daughter who is in need with help on certain courses.... but do the teachers help?.... nope they just brush it off and figure they will have to learn on there own....what if the parent didnt have the skills to help there child.... then where does that leave the child?

    -- Posted by babygirl823 on Thu, Oct 16, 2008, at 9:50 PM
  • maybe giving all students old enough to understand computors should be given one an then they can do all of their work at home, teachers can teach from home an they can grade the work the students fax in, wow!! sounds like a plan to me. it will come to this in the future i bet'cha.. then, when the child mis-behaves, the parents can take care of the problem, wont be no cutting school, ummmmm, ya know, this may catch on... happy halloween to all,

    -- Posted by susie on Fri, Oct 17, 2008, at 3:30 PM
  • #1 Challenge? It is what has driven us into the global economic crisis faced today. Everyone believes we must have bigger and better over the next school. More technology, more sports, bigger buildings, larger salaries without the realization of one true goal: producing a graduate ready to assume life's challenges in an educated world.

    -- Posted by RayA on Tue, Oct 21, 2008, at 3:26 PM
  • Schools and classes are too large. How can one person be expected to teach around 30 kids, some who need one on one help often. Also veering away from prayer and God in our schools isn't exactly smart.

    -- Posted by donnarae on Tue, Oct 21, 2008, at 11:51 PM
  • Linton Mom and other teachers,

    I want to lend you my support. I think the job you do is difficult at best and you deserve kudos for taking on a daunting task. My mother raised my sister and I to have great respect teachers from the time we were little. One aspect I haven't seen here mentioned that deserves comment is that you have 30 or so children from 30 different backgrounds and environments with different rules of what is acceptable and tolerated, yet somehow you blend all of them into a cohesive group that works together toward a common goal. Only a few dissidents fail to comply. Now with regard to some of these, I recognize the disabilities of ADHD, etc and do not expect them to be able to control all of their behaviors. However, having worked with individuals with ADHD and other disabilities for years, I know that parents rarely demand the most these kids are capable of. Not that I am blaming them. I am not. Often parents do not realize that these kids are able to do more because they are not trained to know how to draw more from them. Back to subject, some homes allow their children to use bad language, others do not. Some homes allow kids to hit adults, some do not. Some homes do not help children with homework or even check that it is done, much less done correctly. Other homes stay on top of homework. Some homes hold authority figures in dirision, others highly esteem the authorities. Some homes allow their children to be bullies and intolerant of others. Other homes teach good behaviour, manners, patience and tolerance. Yet somehow, teachers manage to establish a set of rules and get the children to follow them, generally speaking. This is no easy feat and must tire even the most herculean of teachers. So, I applaude those of you who do this day after day, year after year. I like to think there are more supporters out there than complainers. Perhaps the complainers will reflect on how they can contribute toward improving the conditions they dislike instead of simply complaining about things they want others to change.

    Sincerly,

    Queenie

    -- Posted by Queenie on Fri, Oct 24, 2008, at 9:05 AM
  • I had two children who atteneded and graduated LS Schools, DESPITE the school system. They both are well-employed and wish never ever to set foot in Linton or Linton Stockton Schools again. The problems with the school go much deeper than respect and complaints. Most teachers are not really vested in the education of the children they are there to educate. They put in thier time and go home. Children are left to sink or swim. If they are not self starters or possess the motivation to succeed, they will not find it at school so parents must be repsonsible to assure that thier children do the homework, learn what they are supposed to be learning. I believe there should be random drug testing for students AND school personnel. People might be surprised...

    -- Posted by pooka1 on Sun, Oct 26, 2008, at 6:36 AM
  • Apathy. Teachers who care are few and far between, and this indifference trickles down to the students. The hours and relative ease of a teaching job attract indolent individuals who would rather not put the effort required into the job.

    -- Posted by Dustin Bluck on Mon, Oct 27, 2008, at 12:45 PM
  • well, i have to agree that teachers are paid to teach, parents or parent as the case might be, have to work now from sun to sun just to keep the bills pd an food on the table, so , i did it, by myself with no help from welfare , food stamps, ect, just alot of long hard hrs, i suggest let the parents do their work an if the kids arent homeschooled, then, let the teachers do their job an teach, if you have to do the teachers job, keep the kids at home an do it all yourself,, lord, an call deep thinker, she'll come by to whine about it all, do you carry your own shovel or did ya borrow one,, the horse is dead, stop beating it,,parents have all they can do to stay afloat without your whining,, you got to much time on your hands or you just like listening to yourself,, lets change this topic an get onto something else, i am sick of it,, unless you can spread your wings an change it right now,, stop preachin an go help out at the schools, someone will listen to you..

    -- Posted by susie on Tue, Oct 28, 2008, at 4:14 PM
  • i also feel that if the teachers want to give the students SO MUCH,, homework that they need backpacks an luggage on wheels to get it home, that the kids should stay after school till say, 6 with the teachers an the teachers can go around in the assembly hall to help the kids get all of the homework done BEFORE THEY LEAVE THE BUILDING,EARN THEIR MONEY, thereby negating the need FOR KIDS TO THROW backs out dragging it home an back, if the teachers want them to do so much, they should be made STAY AT SCHOOL WITH THE KIDS AN HELP THEM GET IT DONE,, makes it easier on the parents an the kids,, i think this is an excellant idea in relation to the excessive amount of homework the kids have to do each night,,HOMEWORK MAY GET ALOT LIGHTER,,KIDS MAY BE HAPPIER AS WELL, happy halloween,,

    -- Posted by susie on Thu, Oct 30, 2008, at 5:44 PM
  • I would like to begin by revealing how disheartening it is to read such poor writing skills. It appears as if the authors, of these well presented opinions, are ill-educated at best. Furthermore, those opposed to teachers and teachers' jobs are the opinions expressed the poorest. One would deduce, their disdain for teachers is mirrored in their education. It is not enough we disapprove of teachers, now we show the world how the education system is failing. Thank you very much for your example of this.

    It is once again disheartening to read the opinion of teachers not doing enough at school. It goes on to examine the role of the parent not being vital in the development of the child. It is up to teachers to teach a multifaceted curriculum as well as etiquette. Parents should be allowed to excuse accountability upon themselves and force that accountability upon the teachers. WOW!

    Although I do agree with a portion of Dustin Bluck's opinion, it is not a universal fact. There are an array of educators who are apathetic. This does in fact "trickle" down to the pupils within the classroom. As a future educator, I am confident in saying our education system is failing. We as a society are encouraging the blame of others. Many teachers do look at the "hours" and assume the role of an educator. Many teachers do put in their day and leave. Many teachers work two jobs themselves to support their family!

    I am also confident in saying many teachers wish their class could be held until six o'clock at night. They wish they did not have to work two hours every night and at least one day on the weekend to prepare for their classroom. They wish parents would play a more prominent role in their children's lives. It is not up to a teacher to teach the child everything he/she is to know. It is also not the parent's job to teach the child everything he/she needs to know. It is a collaboration of both parties. It is a collaboration with the community, peers, family, friends and administrators.

    With the current emphasis on full inclusion, classrooms are in a disarray. Differentiated instruction is the focus of these classrooms. There are nine specified intelligences within a given classroom that must be taught to. There are thousands of disabilities within our schools which need to be addressed. How is it possible to ensure all teachers teacher every student without the parents involvement? The teacher is with the child for a school day, the parent is with the child the rest of the time. This time can be defined as evenings, holidays, summer break, weekends etc.

    Teacher accountability is another issue to take into consideration. If our teachers cannot prove their students learn, they are no longer teachers. Now I know this is not always true. There are a large quantity of teachers who do not deserve their currently held positions. The "system" will balance itself out. The majority of the teachers that can be described in this manner are tenured. That presents a real issue within the schools. With the "Baby Boomers" on the verge of retiring, if they have not already, this allows a new generation of teachers in our education system. These teachers are better educated and well informed.

    We have also abused the privilege of rewards. We are no longer a society which acts in a manner parallel to Virtue Ethics. Our actions are dictated by our feelings, not because it is the right things to do. We want things as we want them rather than what we deserve

    -- Posted by Zack Waggoner on Fri, Oct 31, 2008, at 12:00 AM
  • Dear Zack,

    Thanks for expressing another thought I had. The poor spelling, punctuation, run-on sentences, fragmented ideas, etc. of some of the complainers lowers their credibility. It harkens back to the day when children were forced to miss school in order to assist their parents in sowing/harvesting the crops. The lack of education then leashed them forever to the same lives their parents had. A good education allows one to move beyond our parents. A good education allows us to think freeely, to express our thoughts succinctly and intelligently, and lends our thoughts credulity. Because of a good education we are able to communicate with anyone at their level so they don't have to break down their words to an elementary level.

    Perhaps if some of these people had come home from school and studied until 6 p.m. as others of us did they would be able to spell the word "and". They would not appear to be mentally lazy. It seems to me that it is mental laziness that they would stoop to such a low academic level that they would have the audacity to suggest teacher have 3 hours more time "raising" other peoples' children for them instead of shouldering their share of the responsibility and taking an active role in the education of the children they chose to bear. I can well imagine that these children are out running the neighborhood instead of studying hard at home under their parents' supervision.

    So thanks for adding your thoughts. You make good sense.

    Thank you Teachers for putting up with parents who choose not to be your partner in their children's education. I applaude you. You have my respect, if not theirs.

    Queenie

    -- Posted by Queenie on Fri, Oct 31, 2008, at 2:38 AM
  • It is obvious that there are some young people who feel very strongly about this issue. This gives me great hope that the next generation may do a better job in educating, teaching moral responsibility to their children, and holding themselves accountable for their own actions.

    The fact that they are posting with actual names rather than the username that most of us hide behind says a great deal about their character.

    -- Posted by whiteriverparent on Fri, Oct 31, 2008, at 8:00 AM
  • I just wanted to say Linton is very lucky to have such a supportive newspaper where our troops are concerned. Knox Co. unfortunately does not have that same support with our newspaper (Vincennes Sun-Commercial). I'm not trying to start any conflicts I'm just stating the facts. So the Vincennes area would like to say THANK YOU SO MUCH to the Greene Co. Daily World. Keep up the great work & we really do appreciate your dedication & support.

    Lori Street (Wife of a 151 soldier)

    -- Posted by Lori Street on Fri, Oct 31, 2008, at 9:25 PM
  • Zack and Queenie,

    Thank you for being so supportive of teachers. Zack I am glad there are young people like you to go into this mostly "thankless" profession.

    Those of you who complain about homework, think about it this way: if you wanted your child to gain skills in basketball, football or baseball what would you expect them to do? Practice, right?

    Homework is academic practice, except it is to practice spelling, reading or math.

    I try to keep the homework I give my students to a maximum of 1 to 1 1/2 hours. It is just as important to practice academics as it is to practice a sport! You wouldn't expect your child to go out on the court without practicing, don't expect them to go out into the world without practicing!

    -- Posted by Bloomfield Mom on Mon, Nov 3, 2008, at 7:18 PM
  • Teachers are important! Can we all quit our jobs and stay at home to teach our children? Do you tell your children to respect the authority of school employees or are you telling your children that the principal can't touch them if they misbehave or you will sue the school? Do you encourage your children to do their homework and take pride in their work? Do you set goals and rules for them or do they rule you? They say by the age of 5 kids for the most part one has already developed their personality.

    Society is setting a stage for our children to want to have more and do more at a younger age. CHILDREN are having sex at a younger age. Girls are thinking they need to be skinner and sexier at a very young age. Being POPULAR is causing stress and low self-esteem in children before they can even learn to read.

    I would like to comment on susie's comments. I know it is hard to make ends meet and BOTH parents need to work in a lot of families. In all fairness to your children, parents still need to raise THEIR children and take time for them.

    I am not a teacher, but have attended many schools growing up was always told I was responsible for my own behavior. Yes, the teachers have a job to do and while they are at school they should do it. After that it falls to the family. Now one else does their work at home after leaving their jobs. We all have the same amount of time in a day and choose how we spend our extra time. Sacrifices are made by all parents whether it be tv, sleep, or other things/ways.

    My earlier comments weren't made as "whinning" but was given "just my opinion" as others have done.

    In my opinion....don't have children if you can't raise them and give them the love and time every child deserves.

    Beyond what they learn at school, children are like mirrors....they reflect what they see and hear. What are we projecting?

    -- Posted by deepthinker on Wed, Nov 5, 2008, at 3:57 PM
  • I hate hearing Cougar fans talk like this....it is not how this football team represents itself. Look at the things our players are saying on the Grid Iron Digest--our seniors who have to be hurting the worst today! They are talking like mature young men who have learned what sportsmanship is all about.

    I know there are miner fans out there who understand that it only takes a few to spoil it for everyone.

    I have been attending games against Linton for many, many years and I take every game ND plays to heart. And this one completely broke mine. But, it was just the game of football. It is like life...sometimes you do everything you can and the outcome is just not worthy of the fight.

    Our boys represented us with courage, heart and class. They gave us all they could possibly give. I thank each of them for the exhilaration, it was a wonderful ride! You made your school and community proud.

    I must say that I was impressed with the Linton fans last night as well. There have been years over there where the action of a few crowd members was appalling, but last night I felt respect from your side and it was appreciated.

    Once again there are always those few....last night they were Linton fans standing behind the fence behind our side. Grown men harassing our students, holding their beer cans and at the end when only a few were left on the field they told us to "get our _______ off their field and go home." They should be ashamed. That is poor sportsmanship at it's finest. I hope the school administration would take note of this and do something about it for the sake of your school's reputation.

    But, to the Linton players I wish you well. That is hard to say to a rival but it is heartfelt.

    We'll be back.........................................

    -- Posted by cougarorange on Sat, Nov 8, 2008, at 10:33 AM
  • We are trying to get the child support laws changed in Indiana. If you are tired of dealing with a deadbeat dad or mom, if you know someone who is, or if you would just like to help, please send me an email at 79trm@comcast.net. We need a lot of letters to get our voices heard in congress.

    We are tired of sharing our rights and privileges with parents who don't want to share our responsibilities. We are tired of being told we have to follow the rules, but those rules don't seem to apply to the deadbeat parents we are dealing with. We are tired of seeing one court date after another, yet nothing changes. And we are tired of making excuses to our children about why daddy or mommy lied again. It is time these parents were held accountable for their actions. It is time to protect our children from these people who don't care. We can help a lot of families if we get these laws changed. If you don't have email, please find someone who does. We need everyone's support on this if we are going to get anything accomplished. Send me your emails today. Thank you.

    -- Posted by Tambi Manns on Tue, Nov 11, 2008, at 8:13 AM
  • in response to queenie's statement about teachers not needing 3 more hrs to raise others children, wow,, what a slam,, i never said 3 hrs to raise kids, i said, to teach and help lighten their workload they have to take home, but in one statement, you slammed not only the teachers but also the parents. uuum, shame on you, shame,, you so much said, teachers are raising the kids, an what are the parents doing?? well, glad mine are in their 40's , dont have to attend this school system an deal with this mess, the teachers , kids, an parents dont have a chance with the system the way it stands, but to all of you teachers, parents an kids, do the best you can with what you have, its all you can do with things the way they are today.. as for queenie, i had a hunting dog back when i was young, an she was smarter than you, least she could stay on a track,, happy holidays to all, merry xmas, be safe, an god bless,

    -- Posted by susie on Tue, Nov 11, 2008, at 11:36 AM
  • Susie,

    I weighed carefully my options in maintaining an online dialog with you. It seems pointless. I can only agree with on one statement you made. I,too, am glad your children are no longer in school.

    Have a nice day!

    Queenie

    -- Posted by Queenie_2008 on Wed, Nov 12, 2008, at 6:12 AM
  • Susie your comment didn't make a lick (pun) of sense, plus I know when you wish everyone a Merry Christmas (xmas) you left Christ out of it.

    -- Posted by exlintonresident2 on Sat, Nov 15, 2008, at 9:52 AM
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