Reply #50: Schools are becoming dysfunctional

[OzarkDem]

Teachers are resentful because of strict guidelines on curriculum and "No Child Left Behind" as well as budget cuts. Their resentment is often taken out on the students, particularly those who don't "fit in". Kids don't get much encouragement. Its hard to find any teacher these days who likes their job (pardon me, but as a parent, I have no sympathy - go find a new career, don't take it out on my kid).

There's little physical education or breaks to allow kids to work off energy or socialize. My son's schedule is so tight he doesn't even have time to eat lunch this year. Same with extracurricular activities and elective classes - much of it is being cut. Schools have become very unpleasant and regimented and if a student doesn't fit the mold, they catch hell for it.

I've raised two children, the last one finishing high school now and I've never seen such bad attitudes, apathy, indifference and just plain resentment in faculty and administration as exists today in our school district. Its becoming a poisonous environment for education, not anything like public education when I grew up. I have great sympathy for any parents whose kids are now entering school.