Serious Blog Entry

I find it necessary to alert you to my theme for today; that being a very serious topic.  I just don't understand why students don't do as well today as they used to.  Actually I do know, and it may not come as a surprise to any of you.  That's because all of you are smart, and if you're parents concerned about the education of your children, and helping them (emphasis on "helping", not "making") become independent thinkers and good people you do what it right to help your child navigate through their growing up years, which includes their education.  I have a few of those types of students with parents who get it, but I'm afraid for the next generation.  I've gotten a few emails from parents asking for help with their children because their child is either emotional, out of control, disconnected, or otherwise failing my class.  The parent usually wants to know if their child can make up all their past (past = months late) assignments, because their child cannot fail.  What do you do?  I know what I've done, but, believe me, I just want to take most of those parents and....
I seriously don't mind it if I have students who, after listening and trying their best, still need more of my help.  That's fine.  It's for those students who feel entitled, tuned out, and have not got parents who make them toe the line (kind of an old fashioned phrase).
One thing I'm sure of, I wasn't a perfect parent while raising my kids.  I made mistakes, but I don't think I allowed my kids to tune out and feel education wasn't important.
One other thing I'm sure of...next week is Spring Break!  I kind of feel like Mel Gibson in Braveheart, when he rode in front of his men, yelling, "Freedom."