[brytlea]

Excellent post, and I could not agree more. I laughed when I read this: Most of the students I encountered had career goals of either becoming music stars or pro-athletes.

I found exactly the same thing. I actually tried to walk some students thru the whole scenario. (Me: "How many pro athletes have ever come from our particular school?" Student: "One." Me: "So, what are the odds you will be a pro athlete?" Student: "I'm good enough.") I've got to throw in here that the culture/media is also partically at fault for that attitude. And I'm not very well versed on education in FL (the particulars of the FCAT for instance) as I have not taught since we moved here almost 2 years ago. I think I'll become a secretary or something.... susie

[DustyMoment]

"I'm good enough."

Try this stat for an eye opener (it's a valid stat, by the way): "Are you better than 1 in 20? Because only 1 in 20 make it from college into the NFL. The rest use up their college eligibility and wind up with nothing. They never went to class, never studied, never graduated - they only played football. So, if you're not better than 1 in 20, what's plan B?"