I am a product of the public school system, but I argue the system was different, so we are comparing apples to pears.
Teachers cared, parents cared, grandparents were involved and the community made it possible for young people to thrive. As we have grown and travelled from our hometowns we have become somewhat disconnected from the pieces of the fabric that hold a community together.
What are the issues today? A different family structure, much younger grandmothers, absent fathers, violent communties and more.
There are great students, poor students, great parents and not so great parents but each could use just a small amount of what we received in days gone by (a sense that their community cares about their future).
Because the country's public school system has more minority students than it might have had at one time, many blame the problems on the color of the skin of the students, I disagree. There are numerous reasons for the decay, I will not discuss these reasons because addressing what can be done is more important.
For those that have the energy, give some of your time, your knowledge and your love (I know its hard to love a stranger but don't you think it is worth trying if it will help a family save a child?).
