SCHOOLS HAVE NOT CHANGED...THE STUDENTS HAVE CHANGED.

 As of this date, I have subbed in 26 schools in the SE and SW of Mobile County, AL. While I have posted some negative comments about some of the students in some schools. I have a very good opinion of most of the students, the qualifications of the teachers and the administration, and the programs set forth by MCPSS. Most classrooms are filled with computers and programs to enrich a child's education. Every classroom has something called a "Smart Board" which is an amazing learning tool. It is approximately 4' x 4' and is installed against a wall. It is similar to a giant iPad and a movie screen. The teacher can project, through a computer, all sorts of teaching materials that capture the attention of the students. What amazes me most is that the screen of the Smart Board also functions like a "touch screen." The teacher can stand by the board and manipulate it with her finger or by tapping on the screen. A student can also be invited up to the screen to touch areas that will give the right answer to a question. THE BASIC RULES OF THE SCHOOLS HAVE NOT CHANGED:  arrive on time, sit down and behave, listen and learn, morning announcements are given, students stand for the pledge of allegiance, time allowed for silent reflection, disruptive students are punished, ect. HOWEVER, while this works well in most schools, some students enter the door of their school with such rebellious attitudes, it is difficult to make them follow the rules. THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY TO IMPROVE OUR EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM is to improve a student's motivation to learn, which must begin at home and in their community.  Our culture has deteriorated dramatically over the years.  Some students are being raised in very dysfunctional homes and in bad neighborhoods.  A dysfunctional home or a negative neighborhood can both influence and inhibit a student's motivation to learn, to behave in the classroom, and to set positive goals in life.