[CatoRenasci]

The approach you suggest, requiring that teacher use, teach in, and expect students to respond in, Standard English, is the only approach that gives poor ghetto children a reasonable chance to learn the habits of success that will enable them to escape.

Your point about the lack of competence of the teachers is well taken. Although most of us can recall teachers who stood out as excellent, inspiring, and even mentors, most teachers are not recruited from the most talented students in our most competitive colleges and universities. One is reminded of the old saying Those who can, do. Those who cannot do, teach. Although society pays lip service to education, and it is essential to success, it is as if many blacks have taken to heart the old Anglo-Saxon suspicion of those who smell too much of the lamp.

[Amelia]

Your point about the lack of competence of the teachers is well taken. Although most of us can recall teachers who stood out as excellent, inspiring, and even mentors, most teachers are not recruited from the most talented students in our most competitive colleges and universities.

I still think more of us should stop complaining about the schools and get into the schools. There's a teacher shortage right now, and it's becoming easier to get certified (at least in Georgia) if one already has a college degree.

The pay and working conditions don't equal those in many more "prestigious" careers, but if all the good students choose other jobs, only the second-rate students are left to teach.

Although society pays lip service to education, and it is essential to success...

Society says education is important, but at the same time denigrates teachers.....