The Crossroads Journal

There is a national crisis in American education. Did you know that one in three students does not graduate from high school?  There are many reasons that students drop out of school and the causes are often rooted in social or family conditions. A recent article in the “Public Forum” of the Salt Lake Tribune called on students to sue the schools for not educating them. However, there have been many responses to that initial article. Most opinions are that education is what you make of it. If you work hard throughout your public schooling, you will be rewarded with knowledge.  Others feel parents need to do their part before suing the schools.

The Crossroads Journal asked residents:

What do you think you need to do as a parent to help your child succeed in school?

“I’m pretty against suing, but I think parents have a huge responsibility. I think what parents do at home is even more important than what school their kids go to.”

Lashel Thompson, Lehi

“I think it’s important that as a parent you make sure that you have an active role in their education. Get to know their teachers. Know what their assignments are. It’s important to instill in them while they’re young that you expect them to go to college.”

Karinne Talbot, Eagle Mountain

“I took my kids out of regular public school and put them in a charter school. I still have to be on top of my kids as far as homework is concerned. I don’t think that suing the schools is going to solve the problem.”

Stephanie Hughes, Lehi

“I sit down with my children every day after school, Monday through Friday. I think parents need to teach that education is important and help them understand that that’s how they’re going to succeed in school and have a good life.”

Carol Cahoon, Eagle Mountain

“I have a preschooler and I do agree that parents have an important role is their child’s education. They can’t just leave it up to the school. I have a very active role in my child’s education. I’m in a co-op program for our preschool, so we teach our kids ourselves. I’m seriously considering home school.

—————————————–

Although fairly young, this year has already been full of political positioning. Last month President Obama gave his yearly State of the Union address, which many saw as an opportunity for the president to make election year promises. The Republican Party has also had its share of face time, with the hopefuls debating all of the hot topics, in an effort to choose an electable nominee.

It is unavoidable that the big stories for the year will include every angle of the presidential election, so The Crossroads Journal decided to ask:

What do you think will be the biggest issue for voters during this election year?

“The economy. I think it will take a long time for people to feel comfortable, for citizens to feel better.”

Brooke Henderson,

Saratoga Springs

“The recession or the budget being passed will be the big issue this year.”

Natalie Johnson,

Saratoga Springs

“Probably the economic situation that we are in right now. Jobs, medical care, schools…”

Judie Dresden,

Saratoga Springs

“Unemployment. Creating jobs and tax breaks for employers to get more jobs.”

Alisha Dawdy,

Eagle Mountain

“The direction our country is going in general. Hopefully people will vote to make a change.”

Tomi Hill,

Saratoga Springs

quot;Times New Roman