This I Believe: Societal Changes and Our Students

Many students come to school with "baggage" that is often linked to societal issues. How do these issues affect our students, and how will they affect your life as a teacher? On a scale of 1-4, 1 strongly disagreeing and 4 strongly agreeing, rate the following:


1. Most of the mothers and fathers of the children I'll be teaching will both work outside the home.

• 3 - This can probably change depending on the type of district I work in. In suburban areas, there are probably more stay at home parents than rural or urban areas.

2. Parents of today's students don't want schools to teach sex education, preferring to provide it themselves.

• 2 - There's so much call for reform of sex education in schools lately, I'd have to disagree. But there are still those parents who don't want it taught to their children (not that I necessarily believe they want to do it themselves).

3. In recent years, student use of drugs and alcohol has declined.

• 1 - I would imagine it's probably on the rise.

4. If I see what I suspect is an instance of child abuse, I'm required by law to report it to the proper authorities.

• 4 - By law, yes, I'm required to report it. But I have my own opinions about CPS...

5. Parents' educational background strongly influences their children's success in school.

• 4 - Yes, yes, and yes.