Indiana

Is Everyone Worth Saving?

By Abdul Hakim-Shabazz

I was looking over the data regarding Indianapolis Public Schools and suspensions and had a thought.  If 60-70% of IPS’ suspensions are repeat offenders, then maybe schools should adopt a “three strikes” and your out policy.

Why should students who came to school to learn have their education stifled because someone doesn’t know how act?   If that student doesn’t care about his education and his or her parents don’t care about their education, in an age of limited resources and limited time, then the school shouldn’t have to spend valuable time and resources on someone who doesn’t want to be there.

Of course you work with students to the best of your ability as an educator, but you can’t save everybody and to be honest not everybody is worth saving (you know I’m right about that one).

As someone who has taught for years I’ve had students who were willing to work, some who needed a little help, and some who were a waste of time.  I always give each student an opportunity to achieve and try to work with the ones who want to be successful.

But like I said, you can’t save everybody; just try not to live next door to them when they go off.

Full post as published by Indiana Barrister on March 18, 2010 (boomark / email).