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Parents Also A Factor

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 10, 2008

Regarding "The Ugly Truth About Graduation Rates" (Our Opinion, June 7):

A recent analysis by researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that 51 percent of Florida high schools had graduation rates below 60 percent. That's a deplorable statistic. More progressive overall strategies in the classroom would be an asset. But it's not only the school environment per se, but the parental home which is crucial. Good homes with loving people who are dedicated to the development of their kids usually spawn students who are stunningly successful. They motivate their kids to apply themselves in the classrooms and discipline them to be obedient to authority.

Teachers simply don't have the time and resources to be counselors, psychiatrists and surrogate parents. Change, not continuity, is what's necessary for negative homes to move in a new, positive direction. Parental standards of higher concern could result in milestone moments for school children who want to learn and go on to college.

ROBERT B. FLEMING

St. Petersburg

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