American parents would do far more to ensure their children's academic success if they fostered in their own homes a respect and love of learning. Such activities include reading, family viewing of educational programs, and family trips to places of interest. Equally important are the high standards in the home itself, particularly with regard to ethics, responsibility, and the importance of education. Although I have now and have had many superior, motivated pupils, even they are often strangled by conflicts between school and work, social life, or athletics. One of my students stunned me this year by saying that her mother complained because she was doing homework and could not go to her part-time job, even though there was no financial duress.
Academic integrity is a question of high standards.
I hope that Mr. Brown continues to have the courage of his convictions. I hope his administrators reshuffle their deck of distorted values. Even more than that, I hope that the parents of his students begin to do their part in their homes and let him do his part in his own classroom.