Our appreciation for American education

In American society, we have some of the best resources, teacher training, availability of supplies, and researchers available in comparison to other parts of the world. However, in spite of all the advanced technology, amount of government money provided, number of grants for special programs, countless hours spent by teachers to become certified and highly qualified according to the president’s definition, students often leave free public education for college or the working world unprepared, unfit, and unqualified to contribute to society. Worse still, many students do not take advantage of the opportunities afforded them, wasting tax dollars and time in frivolous activity that they associate with being part of their educational (K-12) experience.

Do you agree with the preceding viewpoint?

• Are most American students ungrateful when it comes to their free education?
• Do Americans make the most out of the teachers, materials, technologies given to them while being educated?
• Who should be to blame for America’s nonchalance towards education?
• Should American students be required in some way to take responsibility in insuring they get the most out of their education? If so, what should the consequences be? If not, then whose responsibility is it?
• What would you tell a student in a poverty stricken country about school in America?