Teachers not sole blame for decline in education

Suddenly there is a growing awareness of just how deeply troubled the American educational system really is. Ask any teacher and you are likely to hear about years of over crowded classrooms a lack of supplies and no support from administrators who seemingly have lost sight of the fact that the whole purpose of a national educational system is to ensure that the United States of America is not a country overrun by ignorance and illiteracy.

On the other hand, a vast majority of parents have simply given over the entire responsibility for teaching their children to a system that is overburdened with students who begin their formal education with no idea how to write their own names.

Thus, the recent complaints from the general public, the media and the many silver tongued politicians trying to get re-elected have finally struck a chord. Someone is finally paying attention.

However, the easy way out is to lay blame at the feet of those highly under appreciated and underpaid souls who work 80-plus hour weeks as educators.

There is indeed a decline in teacher quality, just as there is a decline in student quality, educational budgets and parental support. The cancer that has infected our system of education is complex and goes way beyond the front line of classroom warriors.

Teacher quality is dropping for several reasons. Primarily, teachers are expected to work outrageous hours for little money. They are expected to do without updated books and materials and still turn out students ready to face the real world and the rigors of college.

And let's not even discuss the lack of respect shown towards them by a majority of students who have not been taught how to behave in society or the fact that in some areas teachers take their lives in their hands upon entering the classroom. The result of all this is that the brightest leave the profession for greener fields. Those left to man the defenses are often inexperienced or lacking. Everybody suffers.

And, let's not forget that parents play a huge role in the success of their children's education. Reading to a child and exposing him or her to a variety of cultural experiences is part of parenting. Unfortunately, too many parents rely on TV and video games.

Any child who enters kindergarten and does not know how to read and write his or her name, cannot count to ten and the proper manner of interacting with elders and peers alike is way behind. And only the parents are to blame.

Add to all this the measly budget set aside for education and there is indeed a problem of Herculean proportions that is filtering down to every aspect of society.

Primarily, teaching should not pay below the poverty level. Supplies and materials should be abundant and up to date. A support system inside the classroom is essential starting with administration and parents. And parents must take up their share of the task of educating their own children and not brush aside this responsibility.

Finally, in this day and age of over immigration, no student should begin school who does not speak and understand English. A common language is vital to the success of students in this country both in and out of the classroom.

Yes, there is indeed a crisis within America's educational institutions and it has permeated all levels. But, it is not fair or even accurate to place the blame squarely upon the tired shoulders of our teachers.

It is a problem we have all contributed to and the only way to reverse this tragic trend is for every citizen to take responsibility. And why do I feel that I am qualified to speak out on this abysmal situation? I was a teacher.

Jana Pendragon is a special reporter to the Daily Forty-Niner.