Understanding the Decline of High School Engagement in America

Today I am diverting off of my normal blogging about spiritual matters, visions and dreams to discuss the current state of education in America. Specifically, High School education. As a career teacher of several subjects I have seen a notifiable decline in student achievement, participation and a lack of standards. As I sit here thinking about todays classes and reflecting on my practice as a teacher. I cannot get the thought out of my as to why “some students, more so now than previously”, just do not do anything in school. I have my theories as to why and I will break those points down as I wrote this post.

Example, today I assigned a project on Henry Ford as we are currently learning about Organizations, Production, Marketing, and Manufacturing. It was a simple assignment that required the student to read a two page summary about Ford and then answer 10 questions. Part two was a web quest to gather information on Ford himself and present a quick 5-6 slide presentation. One third of the 65 students today failed to even turn the assignment in. This assignment counted as a Major grade in the system and was a great way to boost their average heading into East Break. Lets be honest, once East break hits they participation goes down further and the weather change has the kids ready to get out of school already.

Here are my reasons for why kids do not engage, try to learn or care anymore about school.

1- One to One Computers- I sincerely think that every student having access to a computer is not the best thing for them. Districts all over the nation have seen dramatic drops in participation and grades. Also, we have seen a tendency for reading and writing levels decreasing over time.

2- Lack of Motivation- Many kids now, more so than the past 20ish years just do not care. They could care less if they are passing, turning in work or giving an effort.

3- Parental Expectations- I believe we have seen a significant decrease in parental participation and expectations. Half the time, parents do not show up for meetings, parent teacher conferences or return emails/calls. They are being their childs bestie and not a parent with expectations in school around grades, discipline and structure.

4- Lack of Discipline- Kids are growing up now in a generation that thinks time out or some alternative structure gives a kid discipline. When the child gets in trouble, they take the side of the kids. A definite lack of discipline at home is creating a spoiled brat generation.

5- Teacher Burnout- Honestly speaking, teaching has become more and more about teach, monitor, correct behavior than teach, reteach, teach, reteach. Kids get away with way too much and it is burning teachers out. Older ones like me are retiring early or getting out. New teachers are facing the challenges above and questioning why they went into the profession.

So in closing, please take a look at how you are managing your child at home. Talk to them about being successful in school, sports, art, band, etc. Put pressure on them to try and excel. Stop allowing them to fail. Remember this, Unteachable kids become unemployable adults. You are setting them up for failure folks. For those kids and parents that are about it, Thanks to you for making the job fun, still productive and amazing when we see the kids excel.