Quote Originally Posted by brainman1000 View Post
When it comes to the academic success of the students, I feel that the blame chain goes parents, students, then teachers. If the student doesn't have proper motivation and support at home, they will not take education seriously. They will look at it as something they don't want to do and will not take it seriously. There is nothing the teacher can do about the students once they leave the classroom.
Couldn't agree more!! It was because of my parents that I made it through a couple of classes in high school where I had terrible and lousy teachers.

The education system has become a popularity contest when it comes to budget cuts. Math, science, english, and other core curriculum are viewed as necessary subjects and will never be eliminated. Sports are very popular, so they will be the last to be eliminated. The arts are considered electives, so they are 'logically' the primary choice for making cuts. My argument is that the arts inspire creativity, thought, innovation, and progress. Without those things our society will stagnate and fail to progress.
On the flip side, sports build teamwork, leadership, discipline, hard work, can give a school a sense of pride (don't underestimate that one), and other skills that are necessary for a functional society. But I still think that too much $$$ is thrown at sports and too little at the arts and other programs.