Liberal Free Chat Zone

[PMS Witch]

I think we're all part of the problem.

When my school behaviour fell short of what was expected, the repercussions were certain, severe, and immediate. But this was only the beginning. The "real" terror was that news about this would find it's way to where I lived. There, I had two parents who wouldn't hesitate to deliver a supplemental lesson that wouldn't be forgotten -- at least not in my lifetime.

And don't think that the journey between school and home was a "safe time." Every neighbour had two eyes, a tongue, and a telephone. News of any misdeeds always made it to our house before I did.

Today, behaviour that would bring a painful censure now earns the kid a smile and an "Ain't she cute!"

Computer people have a saying to explain how perfectly good systems fail to live up to expectations: "Garbage in -- Garbage out." This applies to schools too.

Cheers, PW.