Children's success or failure up to parents

Yes, great teachers can always make an impact, but they will rarely be able to counter poor parenting. The social ills our society has, with absent or disinterested parents, hampers the ability of students to learn. Without factoring in what goes on at home, the school grading system is a silly and useless expenditure of labor and resources. Without parental oversight of a child's school and home work, as well as showing the child that learning is all important to the parents, we are asking the near-impossible.

Let's recognize that nearly every teacher in our school systems is trying hard to overcome some difficult impediments to teaching the children under their tutelage. Barresi should lighten up and try giving frequent positive reinforcement to influence behavior.

Kenneth F. Wainner, Edmond