** “There is no question that American society is becoming increasingly callous and coarse, and part of the reason is that derelict moms and dad refuse to set boundaries for their children. Many parents are distracted and care more about themselves than their children, and the kids know it. Some liberals want the government to replace bad parents by pouring billions of dollars into social programs that often wind up being babysitting services. This is a fool’s errand. The government cannot overcome bad parenting. What our leaders can do publicly is condemn irresponsible parental behavior in vivid terms. …” ~ Bill O’Reilly, political commentator
** “The strategy of assigning responsibility for learning to specific agents or organizations has been a hallmark of our view of education. Johnny can’t read? Blame the schools. Blame the teachers. Blame the curriculum. Jane is a bully? Blame her parents. And how is that blame game going for us? ” ~ Alan J. Friedman, consultant
** “It takes gumption to follow one’s principles wherever they lead. One may hope, for example, that children will be lifelong learners. But what if evidence and experience tell us that interest in learning declines when students are graded and made to work on academic assignments at home? Are we willing to question any traditional practices–including grades and homework–that interfere with important goals?” ~ Alfie Kohn, author
** “The old saw is, teach to the test, and that’s the reality. If [students] can’t use a calculator on the [Common Core] test, it’s effectively banished from the classroom.” ~ W. Gary Martin, Auburn University