AHS makes big jump in EOCT math results

Still looks like way too many people are failing...

As a 05 graduate of Apalachee, I'm still trying to tell people that we need much more discipline in our schools. Right now, kids do no want to study, it is not cool to be one of the smart kids, too many distractions are getting in the way, and parents are not really encouraging their kids to really take the steps that are needed.

This discipline has to be enforced in our schools at an early age! Administrators and teachers must create a culture that gives an incentive to do well. Teachers have to make more students believe that the smart kids are really the ones who are popular and cool. Then other kids will follow, because kids follow the most popular culture in schools that is shared between all students.

You're right.. it is a very deep problem and what I'm trying to point out is not easy to convey. It certainly does require an effort by both teachers, administrators, and teachers.

What I am trying to say is that there is a culture among students in schools that influences a majority of students more than cell phones or even their family life at home. Students have a desire to be accepted among their peers. They want to be liked, accepted, and have friends. That is the biggest and most influential incentive in any school. So if you'll pay attention, kids will be drawn into certain social groups beginning at a young age. In each school, a dominate group will stand above the rest and attract the most students. This is why the worst schools are dominated by groups of kids joining gangs and selling drugs. However, in these worst schools, there are still small groups of students who make A's, study hard, and become successful. But the in-school culture makes it very hard for these small groups to feel good about themselves and attract others to follow. On the other hand, the best schools are dominated by groups of students who do have the motivation to study hard and succeed. Then these students are the ones who are popular and cool. These students then attract more students to follow their lead. This is true for the top public schools in Gwinnett and several private schools. While there are many things that play into the inner school culture such as family life and overall demographics of the community, I continue to believe that this destructive culture that I speak of can be broken and kids can be motivated to succeed, but it must be done at a young age and it must take a lot of discipline. Think of the inspirational movies.. "Lean On Me" and "Stand and Deliver."