Thanks Branch,
And, you're right things have gotten somewhat out of control. Much of what is wrong rests with the parents, and the way we finance our public school system. Neither of which is going to change anytime soon.
Parents are the greatest teachers to their children (good or bad), but there is no "test" in order to become one.
Second, schools should not be financed based on property values. This makes it next to impossible for poorer districts (inner city, rural areas) to afford the best teachers, who often choose to work in elite, suburban schools, where the pay is better.
Finally, I'd be a hypocrite not to acknowledge the rise in the number of poorly trained teachers coming into the profession over the past several years. And while unions have protected millions of Americans over the past century, they also shelter the incompetent. Our union is a strong one (for better and worse), and they represent everyone who pay their dues, equally.
Surprisingly, a lot of these "poor" teachers have come out of the private sector. For example, we have a medical doctor who now teaches science. Although he is certainly very knowledgeable man, he cannot control his classes, and he frequently stops by for advice.
I guess that its best to ask an electrician for electrical advice, a doctor for medical advice, and a trained teacher for advice on how to best educate young people.
And I know what you mean about your parents, my father was the same way with us. I learned a lot about respecting the authority of adults.
