I'm tired of people who have never taught a child or spent 5 minutes in a school(other than attending school) going on about the state of education. I'm tired of people quoting numbers and stating studies about education, in an attempt to bolster their argument.
Anyone can read a research paper and profess to know all there is to know about learning and education. If I can spend a few moments discussing nature vs. nurture, we can skip through all the BS and get down to the cold hard truths. While a student in high school and college, I was lead to believe that hard work heals all. Genetics only determine the color of your skin and size of your nose. If you want to be a doctor or lawyer, study hard. If you want to fly to the moon, study hard. Anything you want to do is possible, because everyone can achieve.
I'm here to tell you that there's nothing farther from the truth. I agree that the majority of students fall far below expectations. I agree that the majority of those who under achieve would have done much better under different circumstances. But to assume that all students are equally mentally equipped is simply untrue. This is the harsh, but true, reality.
Have you ever seen a kid make the same mistake constantly? They know what they are doing is wrong, but they lack the ability to say no prior to the action. Afterwards, they are truly remorseful and aware of the consequences of their actions. In effect, they are drunk. They go through life drunk, in a manner of speaking.
Have you ever seen a kid study and try their heart out, but come up short. When your limitations exceed your aspirations it leads to frustration. Many of those who drop-out are beyond their frustration level. And I repeat, with a strong foundation in early education, circumstances and outcomes may be different.
The olympics feature so many events, because all of us, even the elite athletes, have our own strengths and weaknesses.
Just had to get that off my chest. Well, that's not everything, but I'll save everyone the rambling.
