[expat]

Here's my take as an elementary teacher.

Get rid of bad teachers. How? I still don't know a way of doing this because you have to set a level of what/who is bad and it can't be based on the child's performance because teachers aren't the only ones having influence over a child's skills and abilities (let alone their attitude).

Train parents. How? Home visits by people trained to investigate how the family runs. You would need to decide on some basics - access to books and stationary, a quiet place to study, controls on TV/computer time, suitable diet, ensuring there are opportunities for two way dialogue between the child and the parent/s.......

Get rid of all the hours spent by teachers managing behavior. How? I honestly don't know. I think it stems from the home. Ultimately its about RESPECT and ACCEPTANCE being taught at home as a basic human trait. Many of you would not believe how much time I spend each day managing behavior. This includes simple disruptive behavior during classtime, to the yard bullies.

I taught in Asia for 8 years. I can assure you when the behavior of the students is in place a whole hell of a lot more learning is occurring. The attitude in much of Asia is a desire and love for learning, as well as a complete understanding of the need to learn; to be a success at whatever you choose in later life.

In Asia I taught students about Multiple Intelligence Theory so they could find the best way for them to learn. Then I created opportunities for them to learn in the many different ways. It was hands on, very busy, much of it independent, accountable, messy and very stimulating. I tried to run MI activities here in LA - what a waste of time! Attitude.....(Roll eyes here)

Just some ideas. No real answers.