It seems that public schools may have evolved into an untenable position. Not so long ago, families held the responsibility to provide basic necessities for their children along with a knowledge of appropriate conduct. Their moral beliefs were also determined within the family structure.
Over time, public schools took on many of these responsibilities such as nutrition, mental and physical health issues, child care and enrichment experiences. All in addition to mastery of math, literacy, knowledge of science and history and experience in the arts. Any societal deficit was handed to the school to remedy.
That a public institution could achieve such goals within the few hours in a school day is not realistic, especially when so many folks take issue with any aspect of curriculum that does not specifically line up with their own personal preference.
To my mind, the tipping point has arrived. The same folks who advocate for proliferation of assault weapons and unlimited ammunition while speaking to the sanctity of life expect schools to morph into fortresses in order to keep children safe. A school that manifests as a prison has lost its way.
It is easy to blame schools for the failures of society, maybe even a comfort. But we have to do better.
