Originally Posted by Walter Sobchak

I don't think that the problem with the educational system is teachers, funding, standardized testing, etc. And to say that "Those can't, teach" is akin to saying that those serving as police and military are just a bunch of knuckle-dragging idiots who had no other options in life.

I believe that the problem is a general feeling of apathy and entitlement on the part of both students and parents. Too many parents think that their kids academic development is something that school is solely responsible for - they don't take an active part in overseeing their childs education until he/she's in danger of not graduating. The parents then blame the system rather than hold their kids responsible for their grades. If little Johnny is in danger of failing the 9th grade because he dicked around in class and didnt do his homework, it's the schools fault for not accommodating his "special needs".

On that same note, by not holding kids responsible for their failures, parents are setting their kids up for failure by instilling a sense of entitlement. Little Johnny sees that he can fuck around in class and Mommy and Daddy will come to his rescue because, Goddammit, he is a beautiful and unique snowflake!