KnightOwL

As I sit in my summer school English class, a thought keeps ringing in my mind: Are we failing our students?

I’ve been working in public education for quite a few years now, and what I’m witnessing in the classroom today is honestly alarming. The digression of students’ ability to learn, to focus, to engage—it’s not just a blip. It feels like a crisis. And I can’t help but wonder… Is it us?

By “us,” I mean all of us—parents, teachers, school leaders, communities, policymakers. Everyone who plays a role in raising, supporting, and educating children.

The Disrespect for Education Is Real

More and more, I hear students say things like:

“This won’t help me in real life.”
“Why do we have to learn this?”
“None of this matters.”

They’re not just uninterested—they’re disengaged. Some are downright resentful. And while I understand teenage resistance (we’ve all been there), this feels deeper. There’s a disconnection between students and the value of education itself.

When I was in school, sure—I pushed back. But there was still a baseline of respect for teachers, for learning, for the system. That baseline seems to be eroding.

So, Who’s to Blame?

I’ve asked myself this question many times. And the truth is: it’s not one person or one group.

It’s all of us.

Parents & Families

Many are working multiple jobs, battling economic hardship, or weren’t given the educational tools themselves. The village is tired.

Communities

The sense of communal responsibility has weakened. Violence, poverty, and instability have made it hard to create safe, nurturing environments for our children outside of school.

Education Systems

We’re trying to teach 21st-century kids with 20th-century methods. Overcrowded classrooms, high-stakes testing, and outdated curriculum don’t serve today’s learners well.

Leadership & Policy

Too often, the decisions that impact students most are made furthest from the classroom. Many policies are disconnected from the lived realities of students and teachers.

Culture & Media

Social media and entertainment have changed the way students view success and self-worth. Intellectualism isn’t always “cool,” and the constant barrage of dopamine-driven content makes focus and delayed gratification harder than ever.

Are We Screwed?

No—but we are at a crossroads.

If we don’t course-correct soon, the gaps will grow wider. But if we face this moment with honesty and urgency, there’s still hope.

Final Thoughts

So… did we do this to our kids?
Maybe we didn’t mean to.
Maybe we were doing the best we could.
But intention doesn’t erase impact.

Now, it’s time to take responsibility—and rebuild with purpose, passion, and partnership.

Just me thinking out loud again.
But maybe it’s time more of us started thinking—and acting—together.