Failing Public Education
by Philip G Buchholz

I agree in part with your article but firmly believe that 60% of the responsibility of attaining an education rests on the student. The favorite saying of one of my elementary teachers, more years ago than I like to admit was "you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink." The students who are excelling in each school have the same teachers as the students who are failing. My experience leads me to believe that we have lowered our level of curriculum to the level where the least motivated student can excel, so we require more years of "seat time" in Math, English and Science to make a student eligible for a High School Diploma.

No one is entitled to an education; they are in my opinion entitled to the opportunity to get an education. It is up to the individual student to take full advantage of the opportunity. It is up to the Public School System and the Parents to provide the opportunity. Our Public School System for the past 20 years has rewarded attendance and acceptable behavior with graduation and advancement, with no requirement of knowledge or exhibition of being able to meet any minimum performance standards.

Thank You

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