Student achievement levels can only go up if students are subjected to a thorough instructional regimen while also students are sufficiently encouraged and challenged to fully apply and bring their best selves to the classroom learning theatre. Getting the basics right in the classroom is not an option and should not under any circumstances be compromised. Having a properly trained school principal in every school and a sufficiently motivated and pedagogically sound teacher in every classroom should be considered standard practice.
Any debate about the status of public schools, which does not give supremacy to, the interaction between teachers, students and content is tantamount to tinkering at the edges of the big issue and cannot therefore bring about any meaningful changes. At all the times there should be harmony and chemistry between the teacher and student and the content. Any sign of disharmony between the three vital factors could lead to catastrophic consequences. Another equally important channel that could raise student-learning outcomes is the courage to restore our national values, our self worth as a people.
