Probably no single answer, although I totally agree with other reviewers who feel that stricter discipline is necessary. I don't mean that kids should be beaten or yelled at, but standards should be enforced by teachers as well as by the school management (i.e., the principal). I had an experience once as a substitute where a student mouthed off and basically said he wasn't going to listen to what I told him to do; the principal wanted to avoid the issue, so I told him either the kid got suspended or I wouldn't substitute any more - the principal tried to negotiate that with me, but ultimately suspended the student. I had no problems with any kids in that school after that. There also has to be a return to basics - it is apalling how many middle schoolers and high schoolers just cannot spell, not to mention use proper grammar. These same kids are the ones who lack parental guidance and encouragement at home, who don't do homework, and who generally view school as drudgery or as a joke. Teachers and principals have to get support from parents and the community, and not have the threat of lawsuits guiding their every decision.
