Though I agree with you that our education has issues, I don't think we can place the "blame" squarely on the system. I live in France (though I'm American) and have been working towards a doctorate - thus, have been through quite a few years of the educational system. Being in another country with a child in that country's education system affords one the ability to copare. From what I can see, we Americans are spoiled. We have the resources and money to provide a top notch education to our kids. We even have the philosophy that if we help our kids have fun while learning , they will retain more. The system over here is strict and lacks creativity. The children are required to memorize EVERYTHING and subjects such as Science, the Arts, even History are viewed as minor subjects and get very little play time. The major topics of study are French and Math. The French believe very strongly in going back to the basics and they also have a centralized form of education. This means that all over France at any moment the same grades are doing the same thing. Initially this sounds great, until you see how it is applied. Children do not think outside of the box, they are constantly penalized, tend to think very negatively, and have to decide their futures at very young ages. This creates elitism in the system and a tremendous amount of pressure.

All of this to say, that we have all the ingredients to have a wonderful system but where I see major descrepancies in the US has to do with the family and how the education system partners with parents and the community to provide a more comprensive approach. We also need to provide Language learing opportunities that start at younger ages.
French families don't move every other year, childcare is often guaranteed in the family (grandparents, relatives, friends, or even in the school itself). Kids are not necessarily left alone or left to the teachers to parent. Acts of violence or agression are not tolerted and the children and parents have a respect for teachers that seems lacking in the States).
I think we have to look at how we as Americans value teachers and as parents, we need to step up to the plate and PARENT our children.

Myla,

I totally agree with you and the insight you have provided to us by using your own experience. Is deeply valued.

I think parents in America have failed to parent their children and this has allowed the children more control. Which in effect has allowed the Teachers less of an edge in teaching and keeping control of the class room environment.

Giving a child to much to soon handicapps them. Makes them lazy and unappreciative.

Thank you for your comment.

Myla and Shar, I think this is an important subject to explore. My parents live in France part time, and I was not suprised to hear about the school system there. Thanks for the insight. Shar, Is that why home schooling is on the rise you think?

Michelle,

Yes, I believe that parents who care about the quality education of their children have taken things into their own hands.

With the students so out of control. With little reguard for learning or for right and wrong.
With all the violance occuring inside school property. I think some parents have decided to keep their children safe and in a stable learning environment.

This is good if the parent actually is Home Schooling their child ...if they are lax and do not
keep with the educational plan. It only adds to the desasterous fall in our countries education.

I like the smaller school. Back to the basic approach that 20/20 did explore. Where the teachers make learning so interesting and fun that the kids want to be in school.