The public school system is set up to intentionally fail kids in specific schools and area codes. It's as simple as that. The factory model of education, which was developed way back when this country was industrializing, is pretty obsolete. Employers preferred laborers who could work quietly and independently doing repetitive tasks. But when it comes to contemporary times, this model of standardized education gives the smarter kids a mediocre learning experience and gives the more challenged kids no chance at all.

When there is an endemic problem facing us as adults and workers it is helpful to take a step outside the box, think of questions, seek answers, and most importantly be patient.

Teaching is a distressing profession, such as being a doctor, nurse, union organizer, what have you. One is faced with paper work, endless cutbacks, few resources for some, long hours, little to no guidance, hierarchical pressure, deadlines and on and on.

I've never had a "stupid" teacher and I've never had a "stupid" student. And the more I talk with people and learn about their lives, the less use I have for the word "stupid."

Lets enhance our vocabulary and try to be a bit more civil.