On what I have observed in my own area, and from what I have read, it seems not to be a localized phenomenon. Kids are assigned papers on "What I like about ME" instead of "Someone I admire." Competitive contests are passe; group projects are en vogue. Read Best Practice: New Standards fro Teaching and Learning in America's Schools. For an idea of the tenets of "progressivism" that are embraced by the educational elite, and trickle down to Ms. Johnson in Hometown Elementary.jillian said:I'm just wondering, on what facts do you base that observation?
I have only to look around me to see the lack of respect, unawareness of authority that permeates our youth. Kids have always locked horns with authority figures, but in kids today, there seems to be an unhealthy ASSURANCE that whatever they choose to do in life deserves to be accepted. Even sexual assault should be accepted, because that's what they wanted to do. Cases in point: Lyle & Kevin Scherzer and Chris Archer, and the Spur Posse (after being prosecuted for sexual assault, one member of the Spur Posse was asked if he was comfortable with himself and his self-esteem. His reply? "Yeah, why wouldn't I? I mean, what's not to like about me?" The War Against Boys) Perhaps it's just the media attention, but it seems like more and more "normal" kids are commiting atrocious acts, with seemingly very little remorse.
Less extreme examples of the "entitlement attitude," actual people I know: A friend's sister who can't hold down a job because she doesn't like any of them. A neighbor who collects disability, but still manages to erect a barn nearly singlehandedly on his property. A woman who collects disability because she makes more money that way she did when she was working.
As for the declining state of education in America, there's plenty of info out there. You can google it.