Many reasons for students' failure

Recently I have been hearing about the government officials closing schools due to student's low performance. As a teacher with more than 42 years experience, and an adjunct professor in the education department of a local university, I believe I have the credibility to offer some insights into the topic.

The issue of a student's success in schools is not a one-dimensional matter. Actually there are three aspects to the problem.

One of the first aspects of the conundrum is the home and the parenting that occurs within its confines. For many years I have watched the parents demand that educators water down the curriculum to ensure that their "Johnny" maintain a good "self image." There are parents that hover over their children so they are never really exposed to the consequences of their actions. Why should the teachers attempt to get the best out of the students if their efforts are continually circumnavigated? Perhaps some the blame should be laid closer to home.

Secondly is the issue of the students themselves. Students attend class with varying agendas and goals. Many come to school purely for the social interaction with their peers and learning is peripheral.

Lastly, the schools are caught in a vice. The public wants to hold them accountable, as they should. The problem is that they believe that testing is the most effective way. That is simply not true. Tests cannot measure the relational climate and the values acquired. These are some of the things that are most meaningful to children. Many schools are basing their curriculum on the tests. This greatly limits the creativity teachers should be able to exercise in their area of expertise.

Charles Peraino

Cary