A View on Why Education Reform Isn't Working

This is from a recent Pittsburgh Post-Gazette article. I would ask you what is your view on this matter? Do you agree with the author?

"I have been a teacher for more than 25 years and have seen the surge of moral decay manifested in my students over these years. I knew we were morally in trouble in the '80s when certain sitcoms and cartoon shows, which promoted disrespect, became the most popular television programs that our children watched weekly. Being insulting and disrespectful became the norm, and the media picked up on this.

Little by little, this gnawing away of respect has filtered down into our schools. Respect is a thing of the past. In days gone by, students used to listen to teachers, even boring teachers, when they were being taught. Now, as a teacher, you have to be an entertainer to keep students' attention. Classroom management is an art form, but if the students lack respect, all the skills as a classroom manager go out the window.

In this day and age, a true educator not only teaches the various required skills and concepts within the curriculum but will also incorporate a moral environment during his or her daily classroom routine.

As an educator, I am limited to how I can impart these important qualities. Shouldn't the teaching of values and morality first begin in the home? Truly, development of character should begin within the family."

Read more here. (Through Ohio Public Library Network)