I have worked at two middle schools in the past four years. My first year working at a middle school was quite a shock. I wondered the first two weeks, “What type of public school is this?” I had never seen such rebellious students, such rudeness, and such disregard for authority. Yes, there were some nice students at these schools. These students definitely had a good home structure.
The rebellious students demanded attention and were very disruptive in the classroom. Most of these students did not have a stable home structure. Many times their home situations were undesirable. Some students were homeless. Many had parents who did not complete high school and were living through a similar scenario, which their parents experienced growing up.
These children witnessed the various relationships that their parents had with other people. They moved from one place to another. Some parents were in denial about the misbehavior of their children. Many of these children stayed in trouble all their life. Many were chartered for a life of crime and jail or even an early death. The administrators, teachers, and social workers would meet with parents to discuss the child's well-being and what could be done to stabilize the child's behavior, and many times try to assist the family in resolving some family issues.
Some middle schools seem to do 75% discipline and 25% teaching. Society has a responsibility to make sure that all children have a good education and an amicable pursuit for happiness. It's tough because the social issues can cause barriers for these underprivileged children. They are in situations that they were born into, as were their parents. Many have found it hard to overcome the barriers. There is a need to reach the children to help them to become the leaders of the world.
