Quote Originally Posted by Ganj
it's obvious that the main influence should be the school itself, [/FONT]
Wrong grashopper....the main inflluence is the parents and the example they set for their kids. the school is not nearly as important and is merely a means to an end...ie a HS diploma. In America especially, you are more than hosed without one. Although it (school/teachers) helps a lot, it's still the parents who set the tone for the kids level of achievement from day one. But parents who make a big deal about what kids wear or what music they listen to or games they play are fighting a losing battle and one of the most important things about being a parent is to choose your battles carefully. That being said, you can still make a good life without the diploma but it's an uphill battle to say the least. Getting even the most meager job is tough without that diploma, right or wrong, it's the way things work.