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 Having had elementary age children in both the East Coast (Virginia), and now here in Oregon, the main difference I have noticed (and there are many!), is that the academic expectations of both the schools and of the parents here are a LOT lower here. It is so much more of a "we want everyone to feel good" atmosphere here, even if the students haven't put forth the effort needed to excel.

My daughter was in a "TAG" program on the East Coast, I was informed there was an active "TAG" program here in our district, only to find there is no such program. I finally had her current teacher be honest, and say they don't have TAG, as they want to focus on everyone. They cancelled the spelling bee, as the kids that didn't do well in previous years "were upset". Where is the motivation/drive to excel/exceed?

TAG aside, one thing that amazes me is the lack of consequences here for not completing homework/assignments/projects on time. The children may have been "doing video games", "going to dance class", "too tired"; some of the many excuses I have heard. There are no consequences! What are you teaching these children..? It's okay to slack off, not do your job, we just want you to feel good about yourself.

We do have an active parent participation level at our school, but it still amazes me how a lot of parents seem to put academics second to other activities.

I think WAY too much emphasis/blame is placed on the teachers, they are stuck with some of the ridiculous guildelines by the districts, almost all of the ones I have run into here are exceptional.

I believe it starts and ends at home, if the parents value and help their kids value education, responsiblility, and the idea that actions (or lack of actions/effort) have consequences, it would have a giant impact on graduation rates/academic standings.

posted 3 years, 2 months ago
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